Buckley’s chance lies in a ‘new plan’
NATHAN Buckley must overhaul Collingwood’s wasteful game plan next year and needs “serious help” to do so, according to Matthew Lloyd.
But that mentor or replacement will not be Paul Roos, who said yesterday he had no plans to take up any role including the senior coach at Collingwood next year.
Buckley’s position will be discussed at Collingwood’s board meeting tomorrow, with Pies boss Eddie McGuire still undecided on the fortunes of his six-season coach.
Collingwood’s narrow loss to Geelong on Saturday continued the theme of lack of scoring and adventure, despite plenty of midfield possession.
The Pies charged out of the blocks to lead by 23 points at quarter time off the back of frantic tackling, then kicked just three goals in the final three quarters.
They scored a goal every 86 possessions in the final three quarters, lost the inside 50 count by 27 and spent just 37 per cent of time in their forward half.
Essendon legend Lloyd says the only way for Buckley to survive is to admit the ball movement is failing and secure a tactical innovator to help him.
“If they are to stick with Nathan Buckley, he needs serious help from somebody to help them with their new game style,” Lloyd told Channel 9.
“I am not sure they have a plan B to be honest, once the opposition puts a defensive structure in like this.
“They lacked direction. I’d hate to be a forward at Collingwood. I’m sick of the competitive losses that they get every week.
“I think he’s in charge of ball movement. I just don’t know what they are trying to achieve and the players don’t know what they are trying to achieve.”
Collingwood was able to transition the ball from defence in the first quarter but thereafter Geelong forced them into ponderous, risk-free possession.
Roos said yesterday he had not discussed coaching Collingwood with Eddie McGuire and would not coach them next year under any circumstances.
He will leave for Hawaii on the night of the grand final, saying he plans to stay overseas until January apart from a brief period back in Melbourne.