2017 Collingwood Season Review (AFL)

AFL

In a nutshell
A disappointing start meant the Magpies were out of finals contention by round 16. It was competitive but frustrating as it could not translate inside 50s into scores, with its skill execution appalling at times. Adding to the woes was the occasional exhilarating patches of play.

What we said in the pre-season 
Tipped the Magpies to miss the eight, less optimistic than they were of their chances of making finals but I was more optimistic in predicting Adam Treloar could win the Brownlow, something that looks less likely than it might have this time last season.

What worked
Jeremy Howe was outstanding across half-back earning an All Australian nomination while youngsters Brayden Maynard and Tom Phillips showed they could play. Brodie Grundy is now an elite ruckman while Matt Scharenberg and Jamie Elliott successfully returned from injury.

What failed
The decision to recruit Chris Mayne was questioned at the time and he played just three games for the season before being demoted to the VFL. It was not Mayne's fault that the Magpies did not see him in their best 22 so soon after bringing him to the club. In broader terms, they were middle ranking for defence and attack, wasting opportunities and rarely playing four-quarter football.

Overall rating: D
It was competitive and nearly defeated Greater Western Sydney and Adelaide but it was disappointing overall.

The coach
Nathan Buckley held himself together well in public forums and retained his job under enormous pressure. Needs to be prepared to make more moves and be decisive in his decision-making rather than stubborn.

The leaders 
Scott Pendlebury is a champion player but the team has not flourished under his leadership with vice-captain, Steele Sidebottom, an outstanding leader who looks the heir apparent. Taylor Adams gives his all but lacks polish while Jeremy Howe was a surprise mid-season elevation.

MVP
Steele Sidebottom
His class and leadership combined made him the Magpies' most consistent and best player this season, racking up 600 disposals (16th most in the AFL) and kicking 16 goals.

Surprise packet
Will Hoskin-Elliott
At one stage, he appeared the only Magpie who could kick set shot goals. He kicked match-winners against Sydney and Fremantle as he ran up and down the wing all season. A strong mark, he is a find.

Get excited
Callum Brown
Nothing spectacular from Brown in his five games but he appears a natural footballer who gets in the right spots and makes good decisions. He will get better with confidence.

Disappointment
Jordan De Goey
It might seem harsh given his outstanding form in the middle of the season but the fact is he got the Magpies off to a poor start with his undisciplined start to the season. He needs to put every foot right in the off-season.

Best win
Round 11: Collingwood 15.15 (105) defeated Fremantle 12.13 (85) at Domain Stadium
Reduced to one fit man on the bench the Magpies resisted several fightbacks from the Dockers to hang on for what appeared, at the time at least, meritorious as the Magpies tried to claw their way back into contention.

Low point
The loss to Carlton by 23 points in round seven was a harsh reality check for the Magpies, with their game breaking down against the Blues' stingy defence. They scored just 56 points and slumped to 15th on the ladder.

The big questions
Should the Magpies appoint a co-captain alongside Scott Pendlebury?The skipper is a great player but co-captaincy might improve the mix between old and new.
What do the Magpies do to fix its poor ball use?
It's not only the decision-making but the execution that failed in 2017. The Magpies had more kicks than every team bar Carlton but was too safe at times.
Can Collingwood find a tall forward to take the aerial pressure off Darcy Moore?
Moore did well when he had a run in the ruck and he should play up the ground more often to get into the game rather than remaining stationary as a deep forward.

Season in a song
Forgotten Years – Midnight Oil

Premiership window
Just ajar: One false move and the Pies will fall off the tightrope.

Who's done?
Retirements: Jesse White
Delistings: TBC
Unsigned free agents: Tyson Goldsack, Lachlan Keeffe, Ben Sinclair, Josh Thomas

How should they approach trade and draft period?
With a targeted approach that puts parameters on the type and age of player they draft. They need resilient individuals who have shown an ability to put together 20-game seasons.

Early call for 2018
Collingwood won't make finals unless it begins to put process ahead of prediction. Depending on the off-season it appears to be a seventh to 10th-placed team.