The agreement has been terminated as Head Coach Martin St. Louis revealed his decision to depart, opting out of his three-year contract with Montreal.
In their initial five matches of the season, Collingwood displayed a departure from their usual performance, notably different from what we typically expect from Craig McRae’s team. The reigning premiers entered their bye with a 2-3 record, recovering from a troublesome 0-3 start and gaining momentum with victories against the Lions and Hawks.
Their narrow victory over Hawthorn in particular showcased Collingwood’s season so far. They exhibited their best in the first half but faltered in the second, almost losing to a winless, lower-ranked opponent in what seemed like an unlosable match.
Following this, there likely was a mixture of relief and concern within the Magpies camp, signaling a realization of how far they’ve fallen behind. It’s not just a slow start or a “premiership hangover” anymore.
This Saturday, the unchanged Magpies have an opportunity to regain respect against an in-form Port Adelaide side at the MCG. Port Adelaide, with a 4-1 record, has been formidable and could pose a significant challenge.
The uncertainty surrounding Collingwood’s performance reflects the current state of the club. They can ill-afford to drop many more games if they aim to secure a top-four finish.
Cameron Mooney, a dual premiership player, previously optimistic about Collingwood’s chances of consecutive premierships, believes the bye came at an opportune moment for McRae’s team. It allowed them to reset and engage in candid discussions about their current position.
Mooney emphasized the importance of honest conversations within the team, where individuals take accountability collectively. He expressed curiosity about whether Collingwood merely expects to bounce back effortlessly or if they are genuinely committed to addressing their shortcomings.
Overall, Mooney anticipates a significant improvement from Collingwood moving forward, provided they earnestly confront their challenges.
