Pies 2018 Season Preview: Herald Sun

Herald Sun - David King

CAN Nathan Buckley coach? It is still the most debated question in footy.

The Collingwood board voted yes, the fans seem split, but ultimately it’s a win-loss industry.

It’s time to climb the ladder or this could be the longest of long goodbyes for Buckley.

The criticism launched at Buckley was borderline unfair at times, myself included, but in relation to the Magpies’ style of play, change was required. A pre-season that relaxed the rigidity around every play, allowing the players to more readily express their wares, was needed.

The Magpies can win the ball (No. 2 in the AFL at clearances), they can maintain possession, averaging more than 400 disposals and 24-plus disposals on their opponents (also No. 2), but they couldn’t convert this into scores, despite having the league’s third-highest number of inside-50s.

Do they move the ball quickly enough? They kicked the ball forward the second-least last season, but expect this to change in 2018.

Brayden Maynard’s move to the midfield will ensure long, quick and direct ball use inside the forward 50. Combine that with a healthier Daniel Wells and this midfield looks more threatening.

The glaring issue is winning ground balls inside their forward 50 and the lack of pressure on the opposition on exit. Steele Sidebottom is their best loose ball get contributor and must play where they need him most, close to goal.

Taylor Adams and Scott Pendlebury will spend time across the half-back line, and Darcy Moore, too. They are puzzling moves given what the Western Bulldogs and Richmond have done with their star players, who have been pushed forward with great success over the past 24 months – especially given that’s the area of the ground of most concern for the Magpies.

All teams need to have something unique to differentiate themselves, and Buckley must find this in 2018.

Presently, there is no Buckley stamp or distinguishable feature that screams point of difference.

The Magpies have an abundance of talent, with 10 players rated above average or better. It appears they will play with more freedom. It’s a trust this outfit appears to be enjoying, with a more relaxed feel around the Holden Centre.

All the components for success are there, it’s just a matter of marginal correction, not an overhaul.

The start is critical, with five of their first six games at the MCG.

Buckley’s boys must score a minimum of three wins from their first six games or the “white noise” will start all over again.

Four wins or more could just get the Magpie Army rolling and, as we know, momentum is everything.

ROBBO’S TAKE:

What I Like
Regardless of your thoughts on whether the coach should’ve gone or not, the club stuck fat, as did the coach and the list management with the players. From afar, that appears to be a massive confidence tick for the players.
Straightaway we can expect improvement in players such as Brodie Grundy (already a very good player), Jack Crisp, Brayden Maynard, Jordan De Goey, Darcy Moore, Tim Broomhead, Josh Smith, James Aish, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Mason Cox and Tom Phillips.
Nathan Buckley has backed them in and, on top of the review at the end of last season, which created great change in the football department, there should be a freshness and confidence at the club.

What I don’t like
Injuries have hurt them, and this pre-season was no different, with matchwinner Jamie Elliott already playing catch-up. Positional changes have been mooted — Ben Reid forward, Moore back, mids to half-back — but can only do so much.
Buckley says he won’t copy Richmond, but what’s in store? Ball movement, for starters, has to be quicker and longer to give Cox and Reid a chance.
Whatever has been lacking should have been identified in the review, be it mental connection, ball movement or game style — and hopefully fewer injuries.

Verdict
Vying for the eight