Collingwood 2024 preview: Daniel McStay injury analysis, contract watch and how Pies can go back-to-back
List spots are at a premium at Collingwood as the club plots to turn its breakthrough premiership into an era of success. Which players need a big 2024 to earn another deal?
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Collingwood is out to continue the magic carpet ride under Craig McRae after taking out a 16th premiership last year.
For the bulk of the campaign, the Magpies looked like the best team in the competition, but the challenges have already sprung up for 2024.
Dan McStay will miss the season with a ruptured ACL, presenting an opportunity for Ash Johnson, Nathan Kreuger, Billy Frampton or Jeremy Howe to make their mark in attack in 2024.
Former Fremantle workhorse Lachie Schultz adds to the forward mix at ground level but the big story will be how Nick Daicos finds another level in the midfield after injury cost him the Brownlow Medal last year.
Good judges say he is on track to become one of the greatest players of the modern era, and good luck to the teams who try to put the clamps on him this season.
He will have many monster games.
COLLINGWOOD
Coach: Craig McRae
Captain: Darcy Moore
What happened in 2023?
It was a masterclass from the Magpies last season, who defied predictions they would slide down the ladder.
They lit up the competition with their aggressive run and carry through the middle of the ground and tenacity ahead of the ball from their hungry small forwards.
The backline was patchy over the last month of the regular season, but the Magpies tightened things up for finals following the return of superstar captain Darcy Moore.
Then the Daicos brothers, Jordan De Goey and veterans Steele Sidebottom and Scott Pendlebury took care of business in some clutch moments late in games at the pointy end of the season, proving the Magpies really are the scenario kings. Watch their rivals copy the club’s situation-based training.
They were an exciting team to watch and the big crowd numbers enjoyed a pulsating season up until its thrilling climax with the premiership win over Brisbane Lions.
Charlie Cameron put the Lions up with five minutes to go, then came the Nick Daicos handball and De Goey goal and the sealer from Sidebottom. Magic.
Where do they finish in 2024?
The back-to-back premiership campaign is on.
Dan McStay is a huge loss as the former Brisbane forward was the club’s most dangerous marking target last year.
Given that, the club will desperately need growth from Johnson, Kreuger and Frampton.
Star VFL ball-winner Finn Macrae and forward-midfielder Reef McInnes have also already been circled as ones who can step up. It is a make or break year for both.
The Magpies have the oldest list in the competition and will smartly manage the veterans — including Tom Mitchell — so Macrae will get opportunity. The question is whether he will take it.
Whether the Pies will remain as hungry as they were last season to climb the mountain all over again is another question.
Hawthorn (2013-15) and Richmond (2019-20) have both taken out back-to-back flags over the last decade, so the road map is there.
Craig McRae has the Magpies eating out of his hand with a fun yet focused environment so it’s almost certain he will have them motivated to deliver again, like his Brisbane Lions did in 2001-2003.
Biggest improver in 2024?
It’s all eyes on Nathan Kreuger.
The former Cat has been hit hard by injury, playing only seven games in his two seasons in black and white.
But if he can stay healthy he looms as a key addition to the forward half to help replace McStay and take the load off veteran forwards Brody Mihocek and Mason Cox.
Kreuger is an athletic forward-ruck who can take a mark, but continuity is key.
The Magpies know they will need about 32-34 players to cycle through the senior team to get the job done this season.
Johnson and Frampton are in a similar situation, with Frampton set to be trialled forward at times.
How the Magpies can cover McStay looms as the top priority for 2024.
X-factor
The Magpies were left with a couple of late picks in this year’s draft, but the club was chuffed with its haul.
Harry DeMattia is the new midfield bull who could start his career down back, while Tew Jiath has plenty of flair in his game running and intercepting across halfback.
Like his brother, Changkuoth (who has become a permanent fixture at the Hawks), Tew has exciting upside after a strong second half of the 2023 season.
Keep an eye on DeMattia this season as he has blown the club away with his football smarts, leadership and physical strength already.
A gun cricketer, recruiting boss Derek Hine believes he could make a quick transition to football in the same way Scott Pendlebury transferred from basketball to the AFL.
Coach status
Craig McRae can do no wrong.
The premiership coach has quickly become one of the most popular and respected figures in the game for his authentic approach, football intelligence and connections.
He even likes the journos and knows their names.
Clearly, he cares about people and connections help create success.
It has been a masterful appointment from veteran football boss Graham Wright, who knew McRae from Hawthorn.
McRae signed an early two-year contract extension this year to keep him at the club until the end of 2026.
Who is in last year of contract?
Aiden Begg, Josh Carmichael, Charlie Dean, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Jeremy Howe, Nathan Kreuger, Patrick Lipinski, Finlay Macrae, Oleg Markov, Reef McInnes, Nathan Murphy, Scott Pendlebury, Joe Richards, Steele Sidebottom, Oscar Steene
Outs for 2024
Jack Ginnivan (traded, Hawthorn), Taylor Adams (traded, Sydney), Trent Bianco (delisted), Arlo Draper (delisted), Will Kelly (delisted), Cooper Murley (delisted), Trey Ruscoe (delisted), Tom Wilson (delisted)
Ins for 2024
Lachie Schultz (trade, Fremantle), Harry Demattia (pick 25), Tew Jiath (37)
Originally published as Collingwood 2024 preview: Daniel McStay injury analysis, contract watch and how Pies can go back-to-back
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