10 things that could propel the Magpies back up the ladder in 2025
The Pies finished 2024 on a high, but are the latest reigning premiers to miss the finals the year after winning it all. Glenn McFarlane details how they can contend again next year.
Collingwood
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The Pies finished their season in style with a win over the Demons, but will be the second-straight reigning premier to miss the finals.
There have been injuries mounting, yet it seems some of the mystique has come off Craig McRae’s side, even after their stunning come-from-behind win over the Lions in round 23.
So, how do they go again next season?
Glenn McFarlane gives 10 reasons how the Pies can make the climb back to the AFL summit.
1. FIX DE GOEY’S GROIN ISSUES
There were stages this season when Jordan De Goey could barely kick the footy and preferred to handball, such was the “debilitating” pain his groin was causing him. This bloke is a matchwinner and he had to play under duress – without his trademark power in most of his 13 games this season. The Pies believed they were just starting to get on top of his groin problems when the 28-year-old suffered a high hamstring tear in round 21. An early end to his season has provided him with a platform for rest as he looks to bank a solid pre-season. If you have any doubts about his importance, go back and look at his pressure goals in last year’s grand final. The Pies need his burst power back again!
2. GIVE THE PLAYERS A DECENT BREAK SO THEY CAN RETURN HUNGRY AGAIN
In hindsight, the three losses to start the 2024 season ended up being a bridge too far for the Magpies off the back of the shortest season turnaround in AFL history. As painful as it was for McRae not to play finals, this will at least provide his players with a decent period of rest before cranking into another pre-season. Think Geelong’s response this season after missing out last year following their 2022 flag. Was hunger an issue for the Pies? It’s hard to say, though the strong finish to the season suggests this was more a case of conditioning and some injury issues more than a lack of workrate.
3. FIND A FORWARD …
McRae made it very clear in his final press conference of the season what he wants for Christmas – a key position forward. But wanting something and being in a position to get it are different things. Having just fielded one of the smallest forward lines in modern memory on Friday night, the Pies will know all about the dwindling free agency market this season and the lack of draft currency for trade options. Could Collingwood trade next year’s first-rounder to buy back into the high end of this year’s national draft? McRae insisted the Magpies will be big players in the off-season, so this is a watch this space.
4. PRAY FOR FULL SEASONS FOR CHECKERS AND DMAC
Given how hard it will be to find the right forward – plucking one from elsewhere or through the draft – the importance of Brody Mihocek and Dan McStay will be crucial heading into 2025. Mihocek’s five-year streak as the club’s leading goalkicker has come to an end after he managed just 11 games in an injury-hit season. He will need the break as much as anyone after carrying a significant forward load in recent years. One of the heartwarming stories of 2024 for the Magpies was McStay’s late-season return from an off-season ACL. He got back for five AFL games and will be better for it. Can’t wait to see him in 2025.
5. PENCIL ED ALLAN INTO THE MIDFIELD FOR 2025
Yes, he has only played two matches, but Ed Allan’s impact from the outset in the middle on Friday night showed why he looks ready to play a key role next season. Having struggled to break into the side this season, a strong block of recent VFL appearances won him his chance against the Demons and he shouldn’t look back. The Magpies need the next generation midfielders to step up and help Nick Daicos and the more experienced mids. It’s time.
6. SETTLE ON THE NATHAN MURPHY REPLACEMENT
Structure is everything in AFL football. That’s why the Magpies have found it almost impossible to easily replace the retired Nathan Murphy, who played such a perfect foil for Darcy Moore in defence. His importance was glaringly obvious as the Pies struggled at stages in the backline, and as a result, Moore’s impact was diminished this season. The Pies have been linked to Crow Mark Keane. The former Magpie has returned home to Ireland for personal reasons but will have to decide on his future. The Pies will also look at the options internally, including Charlie Dean, who returned to the team on Friday, and some other defensive options.
7. EASE THE LOAD A LITTLE FOR NICK DAICOS
It is hard to believe this is only Nick Daicos’ third season at the top level, given his performances in 70 career games. He will be right in the Brownlow Medal mix again this season (he was third last year), but there were stages this year where he looked to carry the heavy responsibility into games, as well as some soreness at times. He is an absolute superstar, but even though he looks like he can at times, he can’t do it on his own. He could do with some more help.
8. ENSURE VETERANS MAINTAIN FORM WITHOUT PRESSURING THEM
Steele Sidebottom confirmed on Friday night he has won a new deal and will join teammates Scott Pendlebury and Jeremy Howe playing on into 2025. He has earned it off the back of another solid season, complete with a new shutdown role late in the season. This trio closed out the season well and will remain the pulse of this Collingwood side. Given their track records over many seasons, that’s likely to remain the same if they have some luck with their bodies. But it would be nice if others step up to take the load off them a little.
9. KEEP PUSHING GENERATION NEXT, LOCK IN A NEW DEAL FOR JOE RICHARDS
Collingwood fans had a glimpse into the future on Friday night, with the Magpies putting some of their young talent on show against the Demons. Allan, we’ve already referenced, looks as if he could be a serious player. Will Parker produced his best game in Collingwood colours, capping it off with the first goal of his career. Imagine what he can do with a full pre-season. Joe Richards is 24, but in AFL terms, he is still learning his craft. He has good footy nous, especially around goals. Richards has a contract offer on the table from Collingwood, but Port Adelaide is trying to prise him out of the Magpies with a tempting four-year offer. Charlie Dean got another chance in defence on Friday, while Fin Macrae – who was the sub again – faces an important season next year. What’s next for Reef McInnes? Rising star nominee Harvey Harrison will miss most of the season with an ACL, but could get back late in the season. Tew Jiath and Harry Demattia will get opportunities next year. Youth can be good for energy. It’s time to harness that.
10. SCHULTZ CAN TAKE THE LEARNINGS OF 2024 INTO A MUCH BIGGER 2025
Internally, the Collingwood players love what Lachie Schultz brings from a pressure perspective to the forward line. Externally, he has had some critics in his first season in black and white. But at least he has spent a year getting to know the Magpies’ structure in an attack that was decimated by injury. He looks more comfortable now in terms of the game plan and running patterns, and he clearly helped the Pies get over the line against the Lions last week. He kicked 24 goals this season from 19 games, just four fewer than leading goalkicker Bobby Hill. There has been a progression to his game. With some bigger key position players helping out next year, he can look to kick 30-plus goals next season. Schultz, Hill and Elliott can be important players in 2025.
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