In a nutshell
An enviable recruiting campaign and an exciting NAB Challenge raised expectations sky-high, but a series of injuries and several unforeseen flops quickly forced us to reassess the Pies as a mediocre, developing team.
What we said in the pre-season
Overall, the AFL.com.au experts correctly predicted the Pies would miss the finals for the third year running, although some expected them to be the bolter and finish in the top six. A few of us tipped Adam Treloar to be the recruit of the year, and he would have been if not for an amazing season from Patrick Dangerfield. Pies skipper Scott Pendlebury received a couple of nominations for Brownlow medallist, but he might struggle to get 15 votes.
What worked
Unfortunately for the Pies, the positives were more individualised rather than from team-orientated. In addition to the consistent efforts of experienced duo Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom, ex-Giant Adam Treloar proved his worth with a sensational first-up season, Brodie Grundy assumed the No.1 ruck mantle and lifted his game to new levels, Darcy Moore took another step towards seemingly inevitable superstar status, Ben Reid arrested his soft-tissue ailments to be a fine contributor and Jeremy Howe was terrific in defence.
What failed
Injuries weren't the overarching reason for the Pies' below-par performance, but they were a contributing factor, particularly forward of centre given they didn't have their two best small forwards, Jamie Elliott and Dane Swan, Travis Varcoe missed five early games and Alex Fasolo barely played in the second half of the season. Form and injury issues led to lack of continuity at both ends of the ground, with premiership pair Travis Cloke and Nathan Brown both dropped at various stages. Team defence and skill execution were also recurring issues.
Overall rating
D. Injury is a mitigating factor but the Pies simply weren't good enough and hard enough for long enough.
The coach
In March, the Pies awarded Nathan Buckley a one-year contract extension that will expire at the end of next season, and it wasn't long before that decision was derided, as the Magpies weren't able to live up to the massive expectations. Buckley has now been at the helm for five seasons and is yet to receive a favourable run with personnel, but will enter the last year of his contract under enormous pressure to break the finals drought.
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| Nathan Buckley will be under huge pressure in 2017, the final year of his contract. Picture: AFL Photos |
A glaring weakness for the Pies for much of the season. Skipper Scott Pendlebury copped busted ribs in round one and battled on manfully but at times had to carry much of the responsibility himself without his fellow leaders Taylor Adams, Nathan Brown, Brent Macaffer and even Steele Sidebottom, who was suspended early. It also didn't help that unofficial leaders like Travis Cloke struggled.
MVP
Adam Treloar: The gut-running midfielder achieved the near-impossible by living up to the enormous hype that followed his move from the Giants. Will comfortably win the Pies' best and fairest after averaging 30.6 possessions (12 contested) and 5.4 clearances.
Surprise packet
Mason Cox: The 'American Pie' made his debut on Anzac Day and held his spot for 10 successive games, finishing with 17 goals, including seven multiple-goal efforts. Not even Pies list manager Derek Hine expected that.
Get excited
James Aish: Some were too hasty in writing off the former Lion after a sluggish start. The form he displayed in his impressive finish to the season, when he showcased his smarts and marking ability, should be his starting point next season.
Disappointment
Travis Cloke: For a big-name spearhead of his experience, being dropped three times and kicking just 17 goals in 13 games was some fall from grace. But really, Cloke hasn't played consistently for three years.
Best win
Round 16: Collingwood 19.11 (125) def Greater Western Sydney 14.9 (93) at Spotless Stadium
The Pies were still a mathematical chance to make the finals but appeared in danger of a hiding when they trailed the Giants by four goals at quarter-time. But with Cloke finding rare touch, the plucky visitors piled on 16 of the next 23 goals.
Low point
Collingwood isn't yet good enough to simply replace a soldier with a soldier as Hawthorn does, so when superstar veteran Dane Swan suffered a career-ending leg injury in his first contest of the season, it spelled dread for his young team. The Pies lost a leader and a goalkicking ball-winner.
The big questions
Where does Travis Cloke's future lie?
What will the Pies do to either improve their kicking efficiency or limit the damage such turnovers cause?
Will coach Nathan Buckley keep his job beyond 2017?
Season in a song
The Only Way Is Up – Yazz
What we say:
Young talent could click overnight.
Who's done?
Retirements:
Dane Swan, Alan Toovey, Brent Macaffer
Delistings:
TBC
Unsigned free agents:
Jarryd Blair (unrestricted), Nathan Brown (restricted)
How should they approach trade and draft period?
If Cloke is on the move, the Pies will likely collect a second or third-round pick or a player, and could target key-position players at either end in the draft.
Early call for 2017
The pass mark for the Pies is simply to make the finals, as it has been for the past three seasons. A manageable injury list would be a good start.
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