Bucks backs Pie trio

THE intensity of suddendeath finals will be enough for returning Collingwood trio Adam Treloar, Tyson Goldsack and Jeremy Howe to avoid a second-match letdown, according to coach Nathan Buckley.

The players were part of Collingwood’s narrow qualifying final loss to West Coast last weekend and there were fears they could face secondgame blues when the Magpies meet GWS tomorrow night.

Star midfielder Treloar hadn’t played since Round 14 because of a double hamstring injury while the Eagles’ game was utility Goldsack’s first senior match of the season after he ruptured his ACL in March.

Key defender Howe returned following surgery on a troublesome corked thigh.

Buckley said their strong showings against the Eagles had proven they were ready for recall and he believed they would back up well, particularly in front of a mostly proMagpies crowd.

“It’s something we are aware of and something most AFL clubs would have plans around,” Buckley said.

“There is a little bit of a bounce back after coming back initially but it’s more emotional than physical. I’m not sure we’ll have too much trouble finding the right motivation or emotional intensity to get up for Saturday night — I don’t think that will be an issue.”

The Magpies were overrun by the fast-finishing Eagles, but Buckley said there was a lot to like.

“We look forward to handling it just as well but executing a little bit better to get the result,” he said. “We don’t feel that we could be any better prepared for this game.”

Collingwood spearhead Mason Cox came under fire post-match about a lack of impact after just five touches and Buckley expected the 211cm American forward to respond.

“He’s been pretty good for a lot of the year,” Buckley said. “He’ll play a role for us and be a real aerial threat in the front half.”