Forward issues, Jaidyn Stephenson’s form and injury management among Collingwood’s biggest problems
Collingwood would give anything to have the 2018 version of Jaidyn Stephenson available right now. The 2020 version has been a big disappointment. Has it reached the stage where the Pies would consider a trade for the right price?
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Nathan Buckley and Collingwood have barely been able to draw a collective breath through three games in 11 days, but the coach needs to sort something out with his forward line fast during the bye break or run the risk of an early finals exit.
As brave as the injury-hit Magpies were off another short break against a well-rested Brisbane on Friday night, they just couldn’t get the job done when it counted.
Again, they led the inside 50 count – as they have in all of their six losses this season – this time holding a 41-to-33 ascendancy over the Lions.
But it counted for nothing as opportunities went begging (highlighted by the ball slipping through Brody Mihocek‘s hands in the goalsquare late in the game), the supply line into forward 50m was too haphazard, and none of the talls or smalls could sufficiently stand up and take those chances.
The effort was there; the reward for effort wasn’t.
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“We probably had a few gilt-edged opportunities that we didn’t take,” Buckley lamented. “The overwhelming feeling in the rooms … was frustration because we felt we brought the right energy.
“We felt like we were physically right to go, but we just weren’t clean enough.”
It has been a familiar tale for the competitive Magpies, who have – in fairness – been smashed by a relentless schedule and in terms of their injuries.
Here are a few of the issues Bucks and his lieutenants will be mulling over during a well-earned bye round as they look ahead to clashes with Gold Coast and Port Adelaide.
WHERE’S THE REINFORCEMENTS?
Jordan De Goey is edging closer to a return from his finger injury, with his five-goal performance against Geelong in Round 7 giving a lift-raft of hope for Magpie fans.
He has managed to keep himself fit during his time off, though touch could be an issue in the first few weeks.
He’s listed as a one-or-two week possibility.
Given the urgent need for scoring, expect him to play a lot closer to goal on his return, which shouldn’t be a problem as Adam Treloar is likely to slot back into the midfield at a similar time.
The pre-finals bye could be an absolute bonus for the Magpies, who are edging to get players back.
Steele Sidebottom’s path back to footy – and Queensland – is more problematic.
He remains in Melbourne awaiting the birth of his first child, but the Magpies are looking at different ways to get him back north again, if possible.
If he returns, as the Magpies believe he can, Sidebottom might have to split his time between midfield and attack.
WHAT’S GONE WRONG WITH STEVO?
Collingwood would give anything to have the 2018 version of Jaidyn Stephenson available right now.
The 2020 version has been a big disappointment.
The club clearly has shaky faith in what the 21-year-old can provide at the moment, as evidenced by his non-selection early in the season and the fact he has been in and out of the team.
Yes, Stevo has kicked 12 goals from his 10 games this season, but his impact has been minimal.
Mick McGuane quite rightly criticised him last month, saying he was playing “pretty timid footy” and wasn’t “physical at all.”
Wayne Carey followed suit after one less than desperate contest on Friday night, criticising Stephenson’s intensity in what was a frustrating display.
The talent is there. But he needs to impact games – and contests – more.
He is contracted until the end of 2021, and is more likely to stay than not, but would the Pies consider a left-field trade option if the offer was right?
MOORE OR LESS?
Buckley made the right call when he swung star defender Darcy Moore forward at three-quarter-time on Friday night.
He had to dare to win, and was keen to exploit the Lions’ defence without Harris Andrews.
But, with doubt on whether Jeremy Howe can return in time or not, the Moore-to-attack option should only be a ‘break glass in case of emergency’ option.
He’s too valuable down back and probably plays his best footy there too.
TOO MANY TALLS?
The Pies have gone tall in recent weeks, but it remains to be seen whether that’s working.
Mason Cox has kicked five goals in his three games back since being dropped – including being the Pies‘ only multiple goalkicker on Friday. He looks to have booked his spot through until the finals at least.
Darcy Cameron had played eight games for four goals before being replaced by debutant Max Lynch for the Lions’ game.
Mihocek leads the Magpies’ goal-kicking tally with 17 goals, but only three Magpies have managed 10 or more goals this season – which is a huge concern.
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One of them is Josh Daicos, who has found a rhythm on the wing/half forward, kicking 10 for the season.
Jamie Elliott‘s move into the midfield has been one of the positives of the season for Collingwood. He has added a different string to his bow, but it has come at the expense of his nous around goal.
Still, Collingwood’s midfield must kick more goals. It’s an area that needs to change if the Magpies are any hope of pushing deep into the finals
SCOREBOARD
BRISBANE 0.2 5.3 6.5 6.6 (42)
def
COLLINGWOOD 1.1 2.3 3.3 5.4 (34)
GOALS
Lions: Hipwood 2, Berry, Lyons, McCluggage, Rayner
Magpies: Cox 2, Brown, Elliott, Mihocek
LAINE CLARK’S BEST
Lions: Lyons, Berry, McCluggage, McInerney.
Magpies: Pendlebury, Noble, Crisp, Adams.
LAINE CLARK’S VOTES
3 — Jarryd Lyons (Brisbane)
2 — Jarrod Berry (Brisbane)
1 — Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
INJURIES
Lions: H Andrews (hamstring), T Fullarton (quad)
Magpies: T Phillips (hamstring).
REPORTS: Nil
Originally published as Forward issues, Jaidyn Stephenson’s form and injury management among Collingwood’s biggest problems