Now sitting on the outside looking in at the Top Eight, it’s been a rollercoaster front half of the season for the Magpies who have also been the consensus premiership favourites at various stages. How has Bozza graded their start to the season
Can’t get enough footy? Check out more of our Pinch Hitters Mid Season Report Cards here.
What’s gone right
Despite the absence of Jeremy Howe, their defence has been beyond miserly in 2020. The stingiest defence in the competition for much of the year, the Pies have conceded five goals or less in five games this year.
Their first quarters have also been a thing of beauty this year. Yet to lose a first quarter in 2020, the Pies are unquestionably the fastest starting team in the competition. Stay tuned for commentary on the other three quarters.
While the team itself has possibly struggled for consistency in 2020, this can’t be said of a number of high performing stars. Darcy Moore is unquestionably on track for a maiden All-Australian Blazer and will likely be joined in the initial 40 man squad by Taylor Adams, Braydon Maynard and Adam Treloar.
What’s gone wrong
The quarter time break has wreaked havoc on Collingwood in 2020. After consistent fast starts, scoring 40% of their total points in the first term, they have lacked the same fire power in the following three quarters. Unfortunately its not just their scoring that is a concern, their ability to contain the opposition disappears too with 85% of their total points conceded coming after the first break.
Injuries are a problem for all clubs but they have been particularly costly for Collingwood. They are currently without stars Scott Pendlebury, Jeremy Howe and Jordan De Goey but have also missed Adam Treloar among others at critical stages.
COVID-19 has hit Collingwood particularly hard too. More accurately their players and coaches ability to abide by the AFL’s onerous regulations has hit the club hard. They were deprived of the services of their vice-captain due to his adventures with scotch and ‘opening the wrong doors’ and suffered intense scrutiny due to a tennis match involving Nathan Buckley and Alicia Molik.
Standout player
Adam Treloar
As remarkable as Darcy Moore has been in 2020 we’ve been particularly impressed by Adam Treloar’s triumphant return from injury. Despite only playing five games, the 27-year-old is one of two players to have four 30+ disposal games this year.
Run home
| Rd 10 | Sydney | The Gabba |
| Rd 11 | Adelaide | Adelaide Oval |
| Rd 12 | Melbourne | The Gabba |
| ? | Brisbane | ? |
| ? | Carlton | ? |
| ? | Gold Coast | ? |
| ? | North Melbourne | ? |
| ? | Port Adelaide | ? |
Despite currently sitting outside the eight, with due respect to their opposition, the next three games offer Collingwood the chance to reestablish their top four hopes. In fact, with just two games against top eight opposition to come, there is every reason to believe a top four berth is well within reach of a team as highly regarded as the Pies.
Final Grade
D
They have had a tough draw but, 10th place after nine rounds is unacceptable for a team with genuine premiership aspirations.
Can’t get enough footy? Check out more of our Pinch Hitters Mid Season Report Cards here.