COLLINGWOOD
CAN DE GOEY REPAY THE FAITH?
It is a big year for Jordan De Goey, who has to be on his last chance at Collingwood after his off-season New York misadventure. Has not put a foot wrong since returning to the Magpies’ program and has looked in superb nick. At his best, he is a damaging mid-forward and one of the most explosive players in the league, though we haven’t seen that best nearly often enough. This is also a contract year for De Goey.
COACHING ‘ON THE FLY’
There will be a grace period for Craig McRae, as there should be. This is unmistakably a development year for a Magpies side that finished bottom two last year. At “Fly’s” disposal is some good front-end talent but the list depth drops away. There is a bit of same-same on a list littered with too many small flanker types. McRae will need time to shape his new squad, but it’ll be a hard slog to begin with. Fans will just want to see signs of improvement and development in 2022.
BRODE TO SALVATION
Brodie Grundy at his best is a sight to behold. We didn’t see it too often last year in a down year for the star ruckman. But track watchers this summer say Grundy is back to his old self and primed for a big year. He looked fresh and fit in the practice games. It’ll be interesting to see which of Darcy Cameron or Mason Cox is selected to help Grundy in round 1 against St Kilda. Not sure the Magpies have room for both men.
RISE AND RISE OF NICK DAICOS
For Magpies fans, watching the development of Nick Daicos should be one of the highlights of the season. He is yet to play a senior game but looked one of the Magpies’ best in the intraclub hitout and trial loss to Greater Western Sydney. As ex-coach Nathan Buckley noted, he was probably “in our best 22” last year.
CHAMPION DATA SAYS
1. The Magpies averaged just 71 points a game last season, their fewest in a season – ranked 16th.
2. They averaged 32 points a game from defensive half chains from round 13 onwards – ranked third.
3. They ranked 14th for both clearance differential and points scored from stoppages.
4. Collingwood has ranked in the top three sides across the past four years for hitout-toadvantage differential.