Anything but humble Pies
fact that I have absolute belief in their ability to execute a game plan, to attack an opposition with absolute endeavour and (ferocity).
‘‘They can do it for four quarters – we can beat any opposition at any time and we’re pretty confident about our ability to do that on Friday night.’’
Buckley made a point of noting that not many people outside the club share his optimism.
‘‘We won’t turn up otherwise and I’m sure (Hawthorn coach) Alastair Clarkson will be telling you the game is still to be won,’’ he said.
‘‘Quite frankly, there’s a bit
of condescension going on around Collingwood, around our players, around our coaches, around our club in general.
‘‘We don’t mind being in that position. There are a lot of questions about our form and rightly, there should be.’’
Buckley shone in the finals during his playing career, winning the Norm Smith medal in the 2002 grand final despite the Magpies being defeated.
He said the playing field was the only place where his players could prove their doubters wrong.
‘‘What you say and what you think and what you feel are irrelevant,’’ he said. ‘‘We’ll be judged on what we do and we’ll either succeed or fail on what we do – that’s what September is all about.
‘‘We can’t answer those questions at a press conference . . . this studio is not where the football is played.’’
Buckley confirmed that ruckforward Chris Dawes was in contention to return to the side, despite being dropped for last weekend’s win over Essendon.
He said Tyson Goldsack was still to prove his fitness but Dale Thomas was not in doubt despite yesterday training away from the main group.