Has Nathan Buckley Taught Collingwood To Accept Mediocrity?

ROAR - Patrick McGeoch

The Magpies have officially backed Nathan Buckley in for another two seasons, and it doesn’t seem like this will be too unpopular a decision when viewed by media and the Collingwood faithful alike, following only two losses in Collingwood’s last seven starts.
Talkback radio in recent weeks has been flooded with common themes: “the boys are playing for Buckley”, “the players are buying in”, or “the effort is there”.
There seemed a perception he had done enough to secure an extension weeks before the decision was officially made.
It would be interesting to see whether these same people would have defined a 9-1-12 scoreline for Collingwood as success at the beginning of the year.
Buckley may yet prove he can coach, but would anyone else have enjoyed so many chances? After four years of missing finals, have Pies supporters just learnt to be satisfied with mediocrity?
Extracting effort from a playing group is a minimum requirement for a coach. All year the Pies have fought through games, losing only one by over 30 points.
Eddie McGuire recently said, “The only time that you sack a coach is if you’ve lost the players completely or there is something untoward that needs to be addressed.”
After a rocky start, it’s clear that he has the buy in of this current list. Tick for Buckley.
But at what point does it become reasonable to expect effort to translate to wins? Many fallen coaches can boast an ability to extract effort from their group. That doesn’t mean you are getting the best out of them.
It’s also the job of a coach to nurture talent to enhance the natural growth of a group. Collingwood has been to five drafts since Buckley took over, including seven first round picks (four in the top 10). Yet from last year’s best and fairest top ten, only Brodie Grundy and Josh Smith were drafted by Buckley – and Smith was a mature-age rookie.
Of the rest, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Jarryd Blair were all established by the time Buckley arrived, while Adam Treloar, Levi Greenwood, Taylor Adams, Jeremy Howe and Jack Crisp were traded in.
The impact of trading to build a list is that you always pay a premium on the trade table and in the salary cap, a model best suited for teams that already have a core group of homegrown stars they can complement. Bringing in so many mature players suggests issues with recruitment, development and relationship building.
In attack this year, Collingwood found themselves in too many situations where they led contested possessions, clearances, and inside 50s, yet lost the game.
This was attributed to poor kicking for goal, poor kicking inside 50, slow ball movement by ‘crabbing sideways’, and a lack of cohesion within the team generally. It’s reasonable to expect that once these issues are identified, a coach must be able to address them. Yet there was no evidence of improvement until the burden of expectation was removed in the final rounds.
Implementing a defensive game style that suits the list at your disposal and is also competitive should be key to a coach’s survival. In Round 3, 2016, Pies fans watched in horror as St Kilda broke through a frail defensive press to walk in goal after goal. In Round 19 this year, Pies fans watched in horror as Adelaide broke through the same frail defensive press to reel in a 50-point deficit.
Collingwood cannot stop teams moving the ball, and they get beaten easily by sides that can play keepings off (they have lost ten of their past 11 against Hawthorn) or move the ball quickly (two of their poorer losses this year came to faced paced Bombers).
Buckley has failed to correct it, and opposition sides continue to exploit it.
The club will point to off-field instability and other mistakes within the football department that have so far cost Buckley a clean run at proving himself. Injuries to key and developing players must also be taken into consideration. And as an ambassador and media presenter, he is second to none.
But unfortunately for Buckley, the primary ambition of football clubs is chasing premierships. Collingwood has drifted further away from that ambition every year since he arrived.
Supporters of his reappointment would struggle to cite another example of so many people being so content with this level of long-term performance.

2017 Collingwood Season Review (Fox Sports)

Fox Sports

COLLINGWOOD (9-12-1)

Three-word analysis
Time for change.

What went right
The last two months were a step in the right direction for the Magpies. Despite winning just five of their first 15 matches, Collingwood lost just two of its last seven. In this run of games Nathan Buckley’s men generally moved the ball with greater precision, attacked more boldly and kept their defensive structures. Of course, it wasn’t perfect, but a relatively strong end to the season meant the club won half-a-game more than last year. Brodie Grundy had an impressive year in the ruck, while the emergence of Tom Phillips bodes well for the future. Scott Pendlebury found plenty of the ball, as did Adam Treloar but without the polish of his captain. Jeremy Howe was a highlights reel at halfback but also added substance to his game.

What went wrong
It became clear very early in the season that Collingwood would not play finals in 2017. It was not necessarily through lack of effort, but rather a combination of skill and by extension personnel. Whether it was tactics or the players that were trying to implement them is up for debate, but the Magpies often appeared slow and clumsy offensively. Ever increasing pressure on Buckley did not help things and nor did injuries to Jamie Elliott and a worrying over-reliance on Darcy Moore in the front half. Chris Mayne’s continued presence in the VFL heaped more pressure on the coach and recruiting staff, while Daniel Wells was always going to be fighting an uphill battle after arriving at the club from North Melbourne worryingly out of shape.

What they need
Some Collingwood fans would say a new coach. Others would say a new president and recruiting staff. But from an on-field perspective the Pies desperately need to find a halfback who can break the lines and a forward to ease the burden on Moore. What Collingwood truly lacks is some run and polish. A fit Wells somewhat addresses these needs, but another one or two additions would not hurt.

What time is it on the premiership clock
4pm — Nobody really knows where Collingwood is at. Perhaps they over-estimated their list? Or maybe things just didn’t go their way. Regardless, the Pies are still a fair distance from challenging for a flag despite a highly rated midfield.

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.

Collingwood Re-Sign Nathan Buckley As Coach

The Age - Jon Pierik

Nathan Buckley will stay on as Collingwood coach, having secured a two-year extension.
Buckley, president Eddie McGuire and football manager Geoff Walsh fronted a press conference on Monday morning.
Buckley said he had woken up to the news of his contract extension and was "humbled and a little bit nervous".
McGuire said the club acknowledged its shortcoming and knew what it had to do to return to the top. The Pies have missed the finals for four-straight seasons.

Reappointed: Nathan Buckley. Photo: Joe Armao

"We have seen the way this list plays for Nathan. He is a man of the highest integrity, he has compassion for his players on and off the field, he is uncompromising in his commitment to the role and we believe he is taking this group in the right direction," McGuire said.
"As a club we instigated a list rebuild following our 2013 campaign and Nathan has been exemplary in his commitment to developing the young talent brought on to our list and creating a team-first ethos that we believe will take us back to where we want to be as a club.
"The club has taken the One Collingwood blueprint process very seriously and the board took time to consider all the information presented at our meeting on Tuesday night. With the benefit of that in-depth report we, as a board, believe Nathan is the right person to lead this club forward."
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Speculation around Buckley's future has been rife this season but improved form in recent weeks has eased pressure on the coach.
It's understood Derek Hine will survive as part of a restructured list management and recruiting department.
The Pies held a board meeting last Tuesday where Walsh tabled his preliminary report after his far-reaching review of the football department. Buckley was told on Sunday night that he would be reappointed. The board had earlier ratified Walsh's recommendation.
"I'm rapt to be supported in the role. I woke up this morning to the news and I was suitably humbled and a little bit nervous, to be honest. I've always had a really strong understanding of what's going to happen and how it needs to be," Buckley said.
"The facts are we've got some work to do and I'm rapt at … the recommendations from the review that was run through the club by [head of football] Geoff Walsh and [interim chief executive] Peter Murphy."
McGuire and his board members needed time to digest the report's findings, which meant Buckley went into the final round of the season not knowing if he would keep his job.
A club great, Buckley has been at the helm since 2012 and has been under immense pressure this season. The Pies finished 13th on the ladder, beating the Demons in the final round to effectively end that club's finals hopes.
The report from Walsh is one of three internal reviews at the underperforming club. The remaining two reports, into the club's governance, and a wider look at where the club is heading in terms of its football, netball and community programs, will be tabled soon.
McGuire said he had "never felt more buoyant" about the Magpies than he does now.

2017 Finals Week 1

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 7:50pm EST First Qualifying Final Adelaide v GWS at Adelaide Oval	SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 4:20pm EST Second Elimination Final Sydney v Essendon at the SCG
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 7:50pm EST Second Qualifying Final Geelong v Richmond at the MCG	SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 7:50pm EST First Elimination Final Port Adelaide v West Coast at Adelaide Oval

2017: LADDER ROUND 23

Pos Position    C Change from last round    P Played    W Won     L Lost    D Drawn    F Points for A Points against    % Percentage    Form Past five results    Next  Next opponent    Pts Points

Round 23: Collingwood 99 Melbourne 83

THE FACTS

COLLINGWOOD   6.5.41   9.6.60   12.10.82   14.15.99
MELBOURNE          1.3.9   4.8.32     9.10.64   12.11.83

GOALS - Collingwood: Elliott 3, Phillips 2, Cox 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Daicos, Grundy, Sidebottom, Broomhead, Adams

BEST  - Collingwood: Elliott, Adams, Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom, Treloar, Dunn

INJURIES - Collingwood: Sidebottom (hamstring)

REPORTS - Collingwood: Nil

OFFICIAL CROWD - 51,223 at the MCG

TALKING POINTS

1. Demons look to the heavens in finals prayer Melbourne fans will be barracking hard for Adelaide on Sunday afternoon, after the Demons failed to shore up their spot in September. The equation was simple heading into the final round of the home and away season - a Dees win, and they would secure a place in the finals for the first time since 2006. The Magpies, of course, with their season already over, were out to spoil the party, and they did just that. The Demons were putrid in the opening term, laying a miserly eight tackles for the quarter and butchering the ball at every turn. The 16-point loss to Collingwood means Demons fans will need Adelaide to beat West Coast on Sunday afternoon, or at least only suffer a narrow loss. As of Saturday night, Melbourne was still in the top eight, but if the Eagles win by four goals or more and Essendon beats Fremantle, the Demons will once again find themselves out of action in September. 2. Hamstrung Hogan Melbourne's day went from bad to worse in the second term with star forward Jesse Hogan injuring his left hamstring at the 12-minute mark. In just his second game back following a broken collarbone, Hogan limped off the ground and went straight down into the Demons' rooms. After being assessed by medical staff, a shattered Hogan emerged several minutes later and took his place on the bench where he remained for the rest of the game. The unlucky Demon will require scans to determine the extent of the injury, but faces an uphill battle to be fit for finals, should Melbourne hold onto their place in the top eight. Has Nathan Buckley coached his last game for Collingwood? It's the question on everyone's lips, but not one that can be answered right now. According to the Magpies, a decision has not yet been made, but Buckley made it clear publicly last week that he wants nothing more than to coach the black and white in 2018.

3. Last hurrah for Bucks? Has Nathan Buckley coached his last game for Collingwood? It's the question on everyone's lips, but not one that can be answered right now. According to the Magpies, a decision has not yet been made, but Buckley made it clear publicly last week that he wants nothing more than to coach the black and white in 2018. The Pies finished the season with nine wins and a draw for the year, the same win-loss ratio as 2016, but certainly have shown some positive signs in the last two months. It was a jubilant Buckley that ran into the rooms after the victory and if his post-match reaction was anything to go by, the Collingwood coach looks like he will survive to face another year. 4. Jack gets back to business After two weeks working away in the VFL, Jack Watts found himself back in Melbourne's senior side on Saturday. In an opening term which provided few highlights for the Demons, Watts took the game on, crashed a pack, brought the ball to ground and kicked a centering ball in the middle of the MCG. His classy kick hit a teammate who hit drove the ball forward, with Christian Petracca finishing with the Demons' first goal of the game. Then in the final term, with the game on the line, Watts kicked a risky ball out of defence straight down the guts and it paid off, the Demons streaming through the centre of the ground with Cam Pedersen finishing off Watt's hard work at the end with a goal to put the Demons within eight points of the Pies with 10 minutes remaining. It wasn't an outstanding return by the much-maligned Demon but it was a solid showing with 18 touches, nine marks and a goal. 5. High-flying Howe strikes again Collingwood defender Jeremy Howe has finished the season on a high, after taking yet another contender for mark of the year. The former Demon leapt onto Melbourne star Christian Petracca's shoulders in front of the MCC members early in the first term, plucking another remarkable grab. It's the second time this year Howe has taken a screamer against the Demons. Back in round 12, the 26-year-old flew high above Tom McDonald, taking a grab for the ages.

THE MEDIA

SUPERFOOTY NATHAN Buckley remains fatalistic over his future, conceding change at Collingwood is inevitable. Asked if he might have coached the club for the 136th and last time, Buckley said: “Whether that’s the case or not, we’re only ever in the chair for a period of time. “In 20 years time it will be very unlikely that any of us will be sitting in the same chairs and the players will have been turned over and will go. “What the club stands for and what it is, is a representation of the people that are in it at the time. “You get what you deserve and we’ll get better when we deserve better and we put the work in.” Speaking after Collingwood’s gritty 16-point victory over finals aspirant Melbourne, Buckley said he had confidence in the club’s review — regardless of personal consequence. Asked if he had a feeling if the blueprint would contain a recommendation for him to continue, he said: “I have a hope. I have a hope. “But as I’ve said consistently the right decisions will be made because I think the right information has been gathered and I think it’s far more in depth than the outside commentary would suggest. “We’ll clearly all be more aware of what the key decisions are in the near future. “There’s gonna be change around the place. “Inevitably even good people will come and go but the challenge of an organisation is to continue to build and develop the individuals within it. “And that’s our challenge if we want to get to where we want to. “There will be change because it’s inevitable and the club has gone and done a review and put a blueprint together. “There’ll be decisions over the next four to six weeks that impact on that but the majority of the people in that room (changeroom) will still be there and have a role to play.” Buckley privately addressed the playing and administrative group before emerging to savour his 70th victory as coach since succeeding Mick Malthouse in 2012. He said the focus over the past week had not been on his future — nor that of any particular player — but on the need to finish the season appropriately. “We said at the end of last week after going down to the Geelong that we wanted to sing the song one more time,” he said. “To show in that seven-day period the growth and maturity to be able to handle a side coming back at us was really encouraging and you’ve got to enjoy that.” He said the effort to hold off Melbourne a week after blowing a five-goal lead to Geelong was a sign of maturity. “Probably just learning the lessons. We were out on our feet after halftime,” he said. “We had six or seven blokes who were on one leg but I just thought the ticker of the group was enormous. “The ground was looking really big there for a while when they had the ball and were looking to work through us. “I thought we controlled and showed greater composure with our ball use for longer. “That’s clearly an important part of the result.” Buckley praised the effort of Brayden Maynard in the midfield and is confident Tyson Goldsack and Mason Cox will remain at the club..                                  REAL FOOTY While Nathan Buckley hopes to be coach next year, the Demons were also left hoping on Saturday night – that they can yet break an 11-year finals drought. The seventh-placed Demons had the chance to do that against Collingwood on Saturday but a 16-point defeat means they must almost certainly rely on West Coast losing, or not winning by about four goals, to Adelaide at Domain Stadium on Sunday. The Eagles are four points behind the Demons on the ladder. Adding to a dirty afternoon for the Demons, key forward Jesse Hogan hurt his hamstring in the second term and will have scans on Monday. Coach Simon Goodwin was shattered with his team's opening term, when the Magpies booted six goals to one to take charge. The Pies would stretch their lead to 40 points in the third term and, while the Demons fought back, they are now in an "agonising" position. "That's the reality of the situation – you sit back and now have to wait. Unfortunately, we couldn't take our opportunity. We had our destiny in our own hands and with the result comes an agonising wait for our players, our supporters, everyone. We will wait and see," Goodwin said. "At the same time, we need to play better. We have some habits that we need to continue to improve. It just showed again today that we haven't quite got there yet in terms of consistency and the things that we really value. That's our challenge – and today just highlighted that we haven't quite got it right. We will keep working and striving hard. They are well on their way. They have been well on their way for a long time now but we still have some work to do." Goodwin lamented that his team was beaten around the ball and had been out-tackled 70-51, particularly in the first term, "and defensively we were pretty poor early on". Clayton Oliver (30 disposals), Nathan Jones (29), Bernie Vince (29) and Jordan Lewis (27) worked hard through the midfield but the terrible start would haunt the Demons. For the Magpies, Buckley was delighted with the "maturity" his team had developed in a week, having also enjoyed a strong start against Geelong a week earlier but lost. The players once again showed they were united behind Buckley, days after president Eddie McGuire said had that not been the case, then the coach would have to be sacked. Brayden Maynard, given a chance in the midfield, provided drive, Jamie Elliott was superb up forward, while Steele Sidebottom showed courage in returning to the field with a sore hamstring. The Pies have missed the finals for a fourth-straight season and had only nine wins, 12 losses and a draw this season. However, amid three internal reviews, Buckley spoke in a manner which suggested he will be given a contract extension within weeks. He had the players behind closed doors for an extended period, where departing assistant coach and Buckley's long-time friend and teammate Scott Burns was thanked for his efforts. Burns will join Hawthorn. "There is going to be change around the place. Burnsy is a great mate of mine, we have shared a lot of our footy journey together but, inevitably, even good people will come and go but the challenge of a good organisation is to continue to build and develop the individuals within it and that's our challenge if we want to get where we want to," Buckley said. "But there is going to be change and it's inevitable and the club have gone and done a review and are going to put a blueprint together and there will be decision over the next four to six weeks that will impact on that but the majority of the people in that [dressing] room will still be there and still have a role to play." On his own future, Buckley said: "I have a hope. I have a hope but as I have said consistently, I am really confident that the right decisions will be made because I think the right information has been gathered. It's far more in-depth than the external commentary would suggest and, clearly, we will be more aware of what the key decisions are in the near future." The Pies were hurt by injuries this year but their game plan was also criticised, with players regularly going wide or backwards with the ball. Buckley said the list overall was "more balanced" than last year with youth and experience. He said the development of Josh Daicos and Callum Brown, Brodie Grundy's elevation into being an elite ruckman, Jeremy Howe in defence and the growth of Taylor Adams and Sidebottom had been among the positives. Buckley said the Pies were confident of retaining American import Mason Cox, while veteran Tyson Goldsack was likely to be awarded a contract extension.

FOX FOOTY COLLINGWOOD star Jamie Elliott says the Magpies were playing for under-fire coach Nathan Buckley in their dramatic win over Melbourne on Saturday. The Magpies came out firing against the Demons and overcame a few nervous moments to enjoy a 16-point win. Elliott said while the players couldn’t help but notice the speculation around Buckley’s future, ultimately they played for their coach. “It’s there if you want to take notice of it,” Elliott told foxfooty.com.au. “Obviously it’s going to be in the back of people’s heads, you see it in newspapers, the talk around the club. “But at the end of the day, we play for him — like you’ve seen today with performances like that. “At the end it comes down to the playing group but we’ve shown when we play how he wants us to play, we’re a really good side and teams can’t beat us. “So it’s a lot of outside noise, we’re just not worrying about it.” The Demons were fancied to seal their place in their first finals series in 11 years ahead of the clash. Instead, the Pies came out firing, with a dominant first quarter paving the way for victory. “There was a little bit of conversation about whether they were going to come out first five minutes really hot and we just wanted to worry about ourselves, worry about the contest, Elliott said. “We knew that they get numbers to the contest so we had to look after that — and once we looked after that and got it out to the players on the outside, we’d break them open. “That showed in that first quarter when we were able to do that — they got a couple of numbers back and settled in that second quarter and came back and then it was a bit of an arm wrestle for the rest of the game but that first quarter really set it up for us.” Elliott was one of Collingwood’s best players — particularly in the first half, when he had 14 disposals, 10 score involvements and booted three goals. The star Magpie finished his day with 20 disposals, 10 marks and three goals, playing a crucial role in the win — and said it was important to finish the season on a high, even if it was a “hollow” victory. “It’s better than coming in here with a loss and then feeling miserable for ourselves,” Elliott said. “It’s a little bit of a hollow feeling but at the same time I’m proud of the boys for the efforts today. “I mean every game we can’t question the effort — it’s more the little things and the basics that we kind of stuff up and let teams in and then they run away with it. “So I’m super proud to get that win.” The Pies finish the home and away season with nine wins and one draw to their name and once again miss out on a finals campaign. That said, Buckley was able to test out several youngsters — including Kayle Kirby, Callum Brown and Josh Daicos — while the likes of Brodie Grundy and Jeremy Howe took their games to new levels. Elliott said while the year was ultimately disappointing, there were plenty of learnings to come from 2017. “It’s a tough one, there’s going to be a few changes but at the same time, there’s a lot to take out of this year,” Elliott said. “There’s those little things that we’ve got to fix up to be a really good team — we know we can be when we’ve pushed sides like Adelaide and GWS to the line. “So we’ll look at that next year, we’ll refresh, have a good break, come back and have a solid pre-season then get back into it.”                                  AFL WHILE Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley is unsure of his position in charge of the Magpies, he says he has hope after leading his side to a 16-point victory over Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday. "Do I have a feeling? I have a hope," Buckley said post-match. Buckley is one of the focal points of a review at the club, after a disappointing year yielded a fourth-straight season out of the finals. The under-pressure coach could not shed light on his future at Collingwood, but said he expected many changes to occur over the next four to six weeks. "Inevitably, even good people come and go, but the challenge of an organisation is to continue to build and develop the individuals within it," he said. "That's our challenge if we want to get where we want to get to, but there's going to be change, it's inevitable." Unsure whether or not he had coached the Magpies for the last time, Buckley highlighted that he would not be in charge forever. "Whether that's the case or not, we're only ever in the chair for a period of time," he said. "In 20 years' time it would be very unlikely that any of us will be sitting in the same chairs and the players will have been turned over and will go." Buckley said that while his side showed more consistency this year, it didn't deserve a finals berth. "You get what you deserve and we'll get better when we deserve better and put the work in," Buckley said. "It's bittersweet on a night like tonight where you've had a good result in the short term, but that's it, the music's stopped for this year." Despite the disappointing season, Buckley was pleased that the Magpies withstood a late charge from the Demons after falling short in similar circumstances to Geelong last week. "We said at the end of last week after going down to Geelong that we wanted to sing the song one more time," he said. "To be able to show in that seven-day period the growth and the maturity to be able to handle a side coming back at us was really encouraging and you've got to enjoy that." Buckley said his team was out on their feet after half-time, but showed good courage to fight out the narrow win. "We had six or seven blokes that were on one leg, but I just thought that the ticker of the group was enormous," Buckley said. Looking to the future, whether he is present or not, Buckley sang the praises of his younger players, particularly father-son selections Callum Brown and Josh Daicos. "The great thing about those two is they just love footy, and that might sound simplistic, but the more people you have that love footy, the better you're going to be." "There is going to be change around the place. Burnsy is a great mate of mine, we have shared a lot of our footy journey together but, inevitably, even good people will come and go but the challenge of a good organisation is to continue to build and develop the individuals within it and that's our challenge if we want to get where we want to. But there is going to be change and it's inevitable and the club have gone and done a review and are going to put a blueprint together and there will be decision over the next four to six weeks that will impact on that but the majority of the people in that [dressing] room will still be there and still have a role to play .... I am really confident that the right decisions will be made because I think the right information has been gathered. It's far more in-depth than the external commentary would suggest and, clearly, we will be more aware of what the key decisions are in the near future."                          Nathan Buckley

2017 Round 23: The Team

2017 AFL Round 23 COLLINGWOOD v MELBOURNE Time & Place: Saturday August 26, 1:45pm EST MCG TV: Fox Footy 1:30pm EST Weather: Min 8 Max 15 Chance of rain 60%: < 1mm Wind: W 10kph Betting: Collingwood $2.40 Melbourne $1.57

B: Brayden Maynard, Lynden Dunn, Tyson Goldsack

HB: Jeremy Howe, Tom Langdon, Jack Crisp

C: Steele Sidebottom, Taylor Adams, Tom Phillips

HF: Josh Daicos, Darcy Moore, Callum Brown

F: Jamie Elliott, Ben Reid, Will Hoskin-Elliott

Foll: Brodie Grundy, Josh Thomas, Adam Treloar

Int: Matthew Scharenberg, James Aish, Tim Broomhead, Mason Cox

Emg: Jarryd Blair, Kayle Kirby, Josh Smith

IN: Tyson Goldsack, Brodie Grundy
OUT: Jarryd Blair, Josh Smith (omitted)

Collingwood News Collingwood’s 22-man team for its final game of the 2017 season is locked in. Senior duo Tyson Goldsack and Brodie Grundy will return to round out the year with a clash against Melbourne on Saturday at the MCG. They replace omitted pair Jarryd Blair and Josh Smith, who each remain in contention for a last minute call up as emergencies. Uncapped youngster Kayle Kirby is the third emergency. Signing on for three Grundy’s return arrives as he confirms the signing of a new contract to remain a Magpie until the end of 2020. The ruckman, who sat out the past two matches due to suspension, told Collingwood Media he now calls Melbourne home after leaving South Australia five years ago. “I love the football club. I love playing here,” Grundy told Collingwood Media upon announcing his new deal. “I really enjoy playing on the MCG and running out with my teammates. I enjoy the camaraderie I have with them.” The 81-gamer will team with Mason Cox as they ruck against Melbourne star Max Gawn. Ending on the right note Collingwood will be out to end a four-game losing streak against Melbourne this Saturday. The Magpies last beat the Dees on the Queen’s Birthday in 2015, when Travis Cloke kicked seven goals in a 25-point victory. That match was Collingwood’s eleventh straight without loss against Melbourne, dating back to round 20, 2007.

Preview Round 23: Collingwood v Melbourne

AFL

SUMMARY

2017 AFL Round 23 COLLINGWOOD v MELBOURNE Time & Place: Saturday August 26, 1:45pm EST MCG TV: Fox Footy 1:30pm EST Weather: Min 9 Max 14 Chance of rain 40%: 1-5mm Wind: SW 9kph Betting: Collingwood $2.35 Melbourne $1.60

There will be no easing up for the seventh-placed Demons in this final-round clash given a loss could put paid to their hopes of ending their 11-year finals drought. This looms as a danger game against the nothing-to-lose Magpies. Last week, the Demons just managed to hold off the bottom side, the Brisbane Lions, and the pesky Pies at the MCG might well prove a tougher proposition, considering they pushed flag contender Geelong to the limit last week despite missing eight players from their preferred 22. The Pies will welcome back star ruckman Brodie Grundy from suspension and his duel with Max Gawn shapes as a beauty. The Demons should stretch the Pies' depleted midfield and expose their lack of height in defence, particularly following Jesse Hogan's six-goal haul in his first game back from injury.

LAST FIVE MEETINGS

1. R12, 2017, Melbourne 15.14 (104) d Collingwood 15.10 (100) at the MCG
2. R12, 2016, Melbourne 16.8 (104) d Collingwood 8.10 (58) at the MCG
3. R4, 2016, Melbourne 16.6 (102) d Collingwood 9.13 (67) at the MCG
4. R18, 2015, Melbourne 13.13 (91) d Collingwood 7.12 (54) at the MCG
5. R12, 2014, Collingwood 8.13 (61) d Melbourne 3.10 (28) at the MCG

THE SIX POINTS

1. In their Queen's Birthday clash in round 12, the Magpies led by 28 points in the second term before the Demons piled on nine of the next 12 goals to triumph by four points. Jack Watts and Christian Petracca kicked three goals each.
2. Melbourne has won the past four clashes between the sides. The Demons haven't won five in a row against the Pies since 1988.
3. It will be a contest between the two highest-disposal teams in the competition. Melbourne has been first almost all season in averaging 406 a game, while the Magpies aren't far behind with 403.8.
4. The Magpies will finish the season as the No.1 uncontested possession side with an average of 260.6, while Melbourne is ranked fifth on 251.4.
5. Melbourne is one of the best contested possession teams, ranked second with an average of 154.1, well ahead of Collingwood, which is seventh with 144.5.
6. Melbourne co-captain Nathan Jones has reasserted himself in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Since returning from injury in round 20, the midfielder has lifted his ranking from No.49 to a career-best No.31. He is second at Melbourne, behind Max Gawn (No.16).

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jesse Hogan and Lynden Dunn.
On his return from a broken collarbone, Demons spearhead Hogan slotted six goals and looked sharp against the Brisbane Lions. His hopes of following up that effort with another pre-finals bag will depend on how well he handles former teammate Dunn, who has been a solid contributor with Collingwood and last week blanketed Harry Taylor.

PREDICTION: Melbourne by 19 points

Injury List

Injury Update Monday, August 21, 2017			2017 AFL Round 23 COLLINGWOOD v MELBOURNE Time & Place: Saturday August 26, 1:45pm EST MCG TV: Fox Footy 1:30pm EST Weather: Min 7 Max 14 Chance of rain 30%: < 1mm Wind: WSW 6kph Betting: Collingwood $2.35 Melbourne $1.60
Player	Injury	Status
Scott Pendlebury	Broken Finger	Season
Tyson Goldsack	Soreness	TBC
Travis Varcoe	Elbow	Season
Taylor Adams	Concussion	Test
Mitch McCarthy	Foot	Season
Ben Sinclair	Hamstring	Season
Adam Oxley	Ankle	Season
Levi Greenwood	Knee	Season
Daniel Wells	Thigh	Test
Ben Crocker	Ankle	1 week
Jordan De Goey	Hip	Season
Alex Fasolo	Shoulder	TBC

Herald Sun ON THE BLOCK: Taylor Adams copped a couple of heavy knocks against the Cats and was momentarily struggling to see, but came back on. He had blurred vision post-game, however, and will need to be monitored. Josh Daicos deserves another game after a nine-tackle debut and some nice moments. ON THE CUSP: Brodie Grundy will return from suspension and Jackson Ramsay will come into consideration. But the injury-plagued season of Daniel Wells appears all but over, with Buckley saying he was unlikely to play the final game of the year. The coach did say plenty of nice things about VFL sharpshooter Kayle Kirby, but was a long way off declaring his AFL debut imminent. SAM EDMUND’S FORECAST: Blimey, how do you assess this season for Collingwood? Obviously on the whole it’s been another disappointing one given another September in the finals wilderness awaits and another slump down the ladder under Buckley. But there’s been signs of life in recent weeks and despite being outplayed by Geelong for large periods, they hung tough and maybe could have pinched it. Buckley has been coaching for his life. Whether that coaching career flatlines or lives, we’re about to find out.

2017: LADDER ROUND 22

Pos Position    C Change from last round    P Played    W Won     L Lost    D Drawn    F Points for A Points against    % Percentage    Form Past five results    Next  Next opponent    Pts Points