Triple premiership Lion Jonathan Brown says Collingwood won’t feature in this year’s AFL finals series if it can’t address an alarming trend promptly.
Brown’s comments came minutes after the Magpies’ 12-point loss to Essendon at the MCG on Friday night, in which Collingwood was accused of not “digging in” defensively by four-time premiership Hawk Jordan Lewis.
The Pies were held goalless in the third term as the Bombers set up a commanding 31-point lead at the start of the fourth quarter.
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It prompted another spirited fourth-quarter Collingwood surge – a trademark of the team during the Craig McRae era – as it slammed on four late goals.
But, ultimately, it was too little, too late for the Magpies, who could slide out of the top eight by round’s end depending on results.
Collingwood’s pressure rating of 165 was its second-worst under McRae. The team laid four tackles inside 50 for the game, compared to the Bombers’ 14.
“It seemed to me tonight that Collingwood didn’t want to dig in,” Lewis told Fox Footy post-game.
“Their first quarter was outstanding, everything was on their terms. But when the game had changed and Essendon started to dominate with a kick-mark game, you looked out there and there looked like some deflated players. They didn’t want to chase.
“This Essendon side made them defend – and they didn’t want to defend.”
Seven-time All-Australian Nathan Buckley pointed out it was the seventh consecutive match the Pies had recorded 50 or less inside 50s.
“They’ve dug in for a long time, but tonight they were found wanting by a side that was prepared to run harder for longer,” Buckley told Fox Footy.
“They’re playing so much of their game on the back foot at the moment. They haven’t got field position, they’re not able to turn the ball over in their front half quite as well.
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“That’s the first time in Fly’s era that I haven’t seen the players on top of the ground.”
Brown earlier this week questioned whether the Magpies had “lost their aura” late in matches, arguing rival teams no longer feared Collingwood’s ability to win from any situation.
“It’s a big concern … Their inconsistency of pressure throughout games is getting them into these situations,” Brown told Fox Footy on Friday night.
“They almost pulled a rabbit out of a hat again late, but it’s concerning. And I think that’s why Craig McRae is starting to show his frustration.
“Something needs to be done – and something needs to be done soon. If they continue on this track, they won’t make finals – let alone a Grand Final.
“No doubt they’ve had injuries, but I think they’re lacking that absolute hunger that is required to win a premiership like they did last year.”
Lewis added the Pies were “every chance to drop out” of the finals mix, with a tough run home looming across the next seven weeks.
Melbourne champion Garry Lyon said the Magpies “had their colours lowered in a big, big way”.
Lyon added he was flabbergasted by the lack of defensive pressure Collingwood applied to star Essendon skipper Zach Merrett, who had 30 disposals and 15 scoring shots on Friday night.
“Collingwood had no plan for Zach Merrett at all – and he ripped that game to shreds and they had no plan for him,” Lyon said.