In the eyes of the football world, Collingwood entered the 2018 season with a coach under pressure and plenty of question marks over the list. While there may be a few questions unanswered the pressure surrounding Nathan Buckley at the dawn of the season is all but gone after his teams eight and four start. As the Magpies take their well-earned mid-season break what are to make of their season to date?
WHAT’S GONE RIGHT?
Is it too simple to say that they have found a way to win? Rounding out an eight win start to the season with a statement victory over the in-form Dees was probably as close to the perfect scenario for Nathan Buckley at the mid-season break. Along the way they have unearthed a few gems, including the fast developing. Mason Cox, and are proving themselves to be thereabouts and improving as the year goes on.
WHAT’S GONE WRONG?
It is hard to find much to fault in Collingwood’s impressive start to 2018, perhaps an injury list that has gotten a little out of hand. A couple of losses in games that didn’t need losing against Geelong and Hawthorn, when they strayed somewhat from the formula that has served them so well, might also prove costly in the jockeying for top four or top eight positions at seasons end.
STAND OUT PLAYER: Brodie Grundy
Has really made a difference where it matters in the opening rounds of the season. Has developed into an elite ruckman giving his midfielders first use of the ball, as one of the top 20 clearance winners in the competition, that is ofcourse when he is not following it up himself. No lumbering dinosaur of a ruckman he is also damaging around the ground too, he is in the competitions top 25 when it comes to contested marks too.
THE RUN HOME
There are 6 games that we SHOULD win with the rest all a possibility if we play Pies footy. With this in mind a final position anywhere from second to eighth remains a real possibility. My Guess? Collingwood will finish fourth.
MIDSEASON GRADE
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