Clarkson owed for easy path

COLLINGWOOD might just want to send Alastair Clarkson a Christmas card this year.

Unlike last year, the Magpies have taken the easy path to a preliminary final with semi-final weekend off.

And they have mastermind coach Clarkson and the Hawks to thank for being in the box seat to make a second grand final appearance in as many years.

If not for Hawthorn upsetting West Coast in Perth in Round 23, the Magpies would have finished fifth — and would have had to play and win an extra game to go all the way this September.

The Magpies will now meet one of Richmond, Brisbane, Greater Western Sydney or the Western Bulldogs in an MCG preliminary final, depending on results the rest of the weekend.

So save up your pennies, Collingwood fans.

You may just have AFL grand final tickets to purchase in a couple of weeks’ time.

On the other side of the ledger, after last night’s disappointing and conclusive loss, the pressure on the Cats has now hit fever pitch.

The minor premiers are in serious danger of suffering an embarrassing straight-sets finals exit after a disastrous start last night led to a qualifying final loss at the MCG.

Since 2012, Chris Scott’s side has now gone 3-10 in finals matches and while personnel has changed over time, that record definitely seems to be haunting the Cats.

They will need to arrest the slide against the reigning premiers West Coast next Friday night — and that will be no easy task.

The Eagles were emphatic in a 55point win over Essendon on Thursday night and loom large this September — in particular next week which will be only their first final on the road.

The Cats thumped West Coast at Kardinia Park by 58 points in Round 6, but the Eagles are a lot better than they were during a sluggish start to the season, especially with Nic Natainui.

Record another slow start and you sense it will be bye-bye 2019, Cats.