Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley wants his midfielders to get their hands dirty against Richmond

Collingwood has committed more defensive turnovers than any other team. But it is these exclusive midfield statistics which paint the real picture of its Round 1 failing against Geelong.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley instructs his team during last week’s game against Geelong. Picture: AAP

Collingwood’s reckless ball use in defence was seen as its Round 1 failing, but coach Nathan Buckley has instead challenged his midfield to get its “hands dirty” against Richmond on Thursday night.

The Pies committed 103 half-back turnovers across the JLT series and Round 1 — 14 more than any other side — and the Tigers were the best at creating those turnovers last season.

But Buckley attributed the messy start to his high risk-high reward brand and pointed out that Richmond was not this year’s king of creating turnovers.

‘THE KICK’: LEGAL FIGHT OVER TAYLA KICK MERCHANDISE

CONFUSION: BENCH SIGNS SAVAGED IN RUNAWAY MESS

“We were high (at committing half-back turnovers) last year as well. I think we were bottom four,” Buckley said.

“It’s not something that’s fatal. We have played some good football with it and because it’s a bit of risk-reward.

“We can play very safe, but we like to take the game on.

“We like to shift the ball and we like to take risks with our ball movements.

“They (the Tigers) were relatively low last week, so you can’t say they’re the best in the comp (at forcing turnovers).

“Our ball use is generally a strength and has been for the better part of 18 months.”

Collingwood’s Adam Treloar is under pressure from Joel Selwood. Picture: Michael Klein.

The Tigers averaged 31 forward-half turnovers last year, but generated only 22 against Carlton last week.

Tuesday’s midfield rocket from Buckley was backed up by an in-depth look at Geelong’s dominance last week.

Excluding the second term, Collingwood lost the contested ball by 16, ground balls by 17, clearances by eight and ­generated 21 fewer inside-50s.

The Pies committed 30 of their 32 back-half turnovers in that period as well.

“We were beaten in the midfield last week,” Buckley said.

“You can look at all the names and the ratings from years gone past as much as you like, but midfields that get the job done are the ones that are prepared to get their hands dirty and work the hardest both ways.

“We were shown up in that regard.”

Jack Crisp and Jeremy Howe both gave up four defensive turnovers.

Brody ­Mihocek, Jordan Roughead, Jaidyn Stephenson and Mason Cox were guilty of three each.

Levi Greenwood was held out last week and could come in to tag Dustin Martin, while Buckley said Flynn Appleby had impressed in the VFL and Rupert Wills was “starting to get back up to speed”.

Lynden Dunn, 31, will return from a knee reconstruction in the VFL this week, while Taylor Adams (finger) will miss another two matches.

Buckley said his team’s 39-point smashing of Richmond in last year’s preliminary final was “largely irrelevant” as the Pies fight to avoid its third straight 0-2 start to a season.