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The Collingwood Magpies have stumbled at the start of the 2024 AFL season, facing an undesirable 0-3 win/loss record after defeats by GWS, Sydney, and most recently St Kilda. These consecutive losses have notably stirred the league.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae pinpointed the team’s poor start to the season to issues with basic ball execution, identifying it as the main reason for their sluggish beginning in their premiership defense. Reflecting on the recent loss where 12 of St Kilda’s 15 goals stemmed from turnovers by Collingwood, McRae acknowledged the need for the team to reassess and heal.

“Twelve goals, that’s a big number. You see the ones that we can control, there’s a lot of fundamental errors we’re making, from experienced players, that you wouldn’t expect,” McRae said. He further criticized the team’s basic skills as “sloppy, rusty, clunky,” attributing these flaws to the giveaway goals. McRae called for a focus on their strengths, emphasizing, “The little things that you just take great pride in. Let’s get busy on these things that we’re really good at, because for parts of tonight … whether you want to look through an optimistic lens, it was a lot more like us tonight than it has been for the last two weeks.”

Despite the setbacks, McRae highlighted the team’s commitment to fundamental training, expressing surprise if other teams engaged in as much foundational work as the Magpies. He delved into the team’s current psyche, pondering, “There’s a level of: ‘Who’s fumbling more and not handling the ball well?’ we’re questioning ourselves around. It’s hard, we’ve got some of the best and most decorated players in the game … we’re all in this.”

He further acknowledged the pressure to turn their fortunes around, stating, “Maybe there’s a level of: ‘We’ve got go get some runs on the board’ and added layers of that. I don’t know, that could be real. But we’ve got seven days, we’ve got to get ourselves right, pick ourselves up and it’s time to get busy. The reality of the competition is you’ve got to get moving. We can’t live in this space of, ‘we showed a bit more tonight, that’ll be enough’. We did more right but it’s just not enough.”

Criticism also came from AFL legends, with David King critiquing the Pies for their defensive strategy and level of commitment, stating, “I don’t know if they’re as invested in this method of defence, or this pattern of play anymore. They’re looking for easy kicks … they look jittery.” Kane Cornes also shared his views, labeling the team’s recent performances as “timid,” a significant criticism in AFL. He remarked, “The word ‘soft’ is synonymous with AFL football. I would never say that an AFL player is soft that crosses the white line – but they were timid.”

Cornes emphasized the team’s apparent reluctance to engage in physical contests, a stark contrast to their known strengths. He suggested that their inability to handle pressure might hinder their postseason aspirations, highlighting the critical role of physical sacrifice for team success.

The slow start of the Pies this season is reminiscent of the Geelong Cats’ performance last season, who also began with a 0-3 record despite being reigning premiers. The Magpies face a crucial match against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on March 28, a game that could significantly influence the trajectory of their 2024 season.

This upcoming match against the Brisbane Lions represents more than just another game in the season for the Collingwood Magpies. It’s a pivotal moment that could set the tone for the remainder of their 2024 campaign. After a disheartening start, the team’s ability to bounce back and secure a victory could reignite their confidence and salvage their aspirations for the season.

The challenges faced by Collingwood in the early rounds, particularly with ball handling and execution, highlight the need for a return to basics. The emphasis placed by Coach McRae on fundamental skills and the pride in executing the small aspects of the game flawlessly will be critical in the team’s efforts to overcome their sluggish start.

The criticisms from AFL legends like David King and Kane Cornes serve as a stern reminder of the expectations on the Magpies, especially following their championship win. The observations regarding the team’s defensive strategy, commitment, and physical engagement in contests reflect broader concerns that need to be addressed to avoid a repeat of history, as seen with the Geelong Cats’ initial stumble last season.

As the Magpies prepare for their clash with the Brisbane Lions, the focus will be on translating their training efforts into match performance, particularly in reducing turnovers that have proven costly in their opening games. The team’s decorated players, noted by McRae, will be looked upon to lead by example, demonstrating the resilience and skill that have made them champions.

This match at the Gabba is not just about securing a win but about making a statement. For Collingwood, it’s about showing the league and their supporters that they have the capacity to overcome adversity, to refine their play under pressure, and to live up to the legacy of their previous successes. It’s a moment for the Magpies to reassert themselves, not just as contenders, but as a team capable of defending their title with the same determination and excellence that has characterized their storied history in the AFL.