David King’s blunt advice for Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley

North Melbourne great David King says Nathan Buckley must “swing the axe” ahead of Collingwood’s clash with GWS this weekend.

David King believes Nathan Buckley must revamp his side.

Kangaroos great and Fox Footy analyst David King says Nathan Buckley must “swing the axe” ahead of the Magpies’ clash with the Giants this Sunday.

King and former Port Adelaide star Kane Cornes led the chorus of disapproval against Collingwood earlier in the week after its disappointing round 3 performance.

Watch the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. Every match of every round Live on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

The Pies led the Lions nearly all game, only to concede a goal at the death and lose by a point.

Fans were left fuming by the last-minute capitulation, with several Magpies appearing sluggish right when the game was on the line.

Now, King has again taken aim at Buckley’s men.

King named Will Hoskin-Elliott as one of the players who let the Pies down last week.

“I would make change off the back of that final play, I really would,” he told Fox Footy.

“People say, ‘You’re too harsh, you’re too severe’ but when (Magpies Will) Hoskin-Elliott and (Josh) Thomas decide to stay forward of the ball when all you’re trying to do is save the game in that last 40 seconds, nope, not for me.

“Where’s your head? Where’s your head at? If you’re thinking about getting reward for yourself when the team just needs you to fight and fight, guard the corridor and allow Daniel Rich to stroll through the middle of Marvel (Stadium).

“I think Nathan will swing the axe. I think he’ll drop a couple of those guys.”

Earlier in the week, King pointed the finger at Hoskin-Elliott and Thomas as well as teammates Taylor Adams and Josh Daicos, who he claimed all failed to perform their defensive duties late in the piece.

Despite King’s spray, all four have been named in this week’s squad, though it remains to be seen whether or not they will run out against the Giants.

The Magpies charged into the semi-finals last year but have endured a disappointing start to 2021. A three-goal victory over arch rivals Carlton remains the only win to Collingwood’s name so far.

However, coach Nathan Buckley says he is “pretty confident with the team we went in with” against the Lions.

Clashes with the Giants, Eagles and Bombers in the coming weeks may prove decisive for the lukewarm Pies.