Former Collingwood recruiter Matt Rendell says the Magpies can give the top four a shake in 2022

Collingwood fans should be quietly optimistic about 2022 and beyond with players and coaches on every line ready to make this a ‘very quick rebound’.

Nick Daicos is set to be a big part of the PIes’ resurgence. Picture: Getty Images

Former Collingwood recruiter Matt Rendell believes the Magpies are set for a “very, very quick rebound” and could even make the top four in 2022.

The Magpies finished in the bottom two this year after just six wins, although Rendell said their depth was strong and tipped Jordan De Goey to seriously challenge for the Brownlow if he stayed in the engine room.

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Can Jordan De Goey win the Brownlow? Picture: Michael Klein

De Goey remains stood down stood by the Magpies after he was charged with assaulting a man at a New York venue in October.

“This will be a very, very quick rebound,” said Rendell, who is also a former Fitzroy captain and St Kilda assistant coach

“I think they are a serious chance to make the eight, and it would not surprise me if they finished in the top four and caused some havoc come finals time.

“In their defence they’ll have (Brayden) Maynard, (Jeremy) Howe, (Darcy) Moore, (Isaac) Quaynor and Jack Crisp, although he may end up on ball.

“You’ll have (Jamie) Elliott, (Mason) Cox, (Darcy) Cameron, (Brody) Mihocek, the new (Nick) Daicos and the Browns, and all those kids that came in last year.

“They’ve got good ruck stocks, the defence is great and a lot of on-ballers.

“De Goey is a serious chance to win the Brownlow if he plays midfield all year.”

Rendell gave Collingwood’s star-studded new coaching department a huge tick and believed they would instigate the Magpies’ rebound in 2022.

Matt Rendell believes the Pies’ ruck stocks will go a long way in helping them bounce back quickly. Picture: Getty Images

“I know Craig McRae and he was there when I started and he’s a really good fella,” he said.

“I like what he’s done and he’s been to two great clubs and I really liked what he was doing in development when he was there.

“He’s been to Richmond and Hawthorn and seen two great systems.

“I like Brendon Bolton and I know he did a lot of great work at Hawthorn after it not quite working out for him at Carlton.

“I know Clarko (ex-Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson) used to let him do the whole pre-season, and Justin Leppitsch is a beauty as well who’s been at a great system in Richmond.

“I really like some of the kids they’ve picked and their senior players won’t know themselves with how much better they’ll be with a better game plan and people who know what they’re doing in the football department with (football boss Graham) Wright.”