Rarely has a grand final rematch had this much riding on it. The winner can resurrect their season, the loser’s premiership hopes will be hanging by a thread. These are the burning questions facing Collingwood and Brisbane.
They topped the ladder and played off in an epic season decider last year, but both Brisbane and Collingwood enter Thursday’s grand final rematch at the Gabba without a win in 2024. Here are five of the big questions that hang over that must-win match.For the Magpies, plenty. Coach Craig McRae has been happy with few, if any, phases of his team’s performances in losses to Greater Western Sydney, Sydney and St Kilda.
– and, having booted the opening four goals, conceded an eight-goal run against Fremantle, losing by 23 points at Optus Stadium. The message for the Magpies is clear – don’t be disheartened if the Lions start well.McRae wants more from skipper Darcy Moore, who has struggled through the season. As the coach said this week, the absence of Nathan Murphy has impacted Moore, who was dominant last season when allowed to often roam free and be the third-man up in the Magpies’ zone defence.
“What I will be looking for from Collingwood players is that they are pushing that limit to the nth degree, they are physical, they are tackling, they are bumping; doing everything without crossing that limit,” Hodge told SEN.“Sometimes players have to cross the limit to show their teammates the passion … if I was a Collingwood supporter, I want to see them on edge.
What they will also need is for their patchwork defence to gel quickly, for Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill will be keen to reprise his premiership heroics. The Lions have had another week to adjust to life without gun half-back Keidean Coleman, with Jaxon Prior and Dayne Zorko possible replacements in that role.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Magpies swept away by Orange Tsunami in Mason Cox’s petting zooAfter this game, the Magpies title defence has become just that bit harder, and we’re not even in round one yet.
Read more »
Magpies swept away by Orange Tsunami in Mason Cox’s petting zooAfter this game, the Magpies title defence has become just that bit harder, and we’re not even in round one yet.
Read more »
Magpies swept away by Orange Tsunami in Mason Cox’s petting zooAfter this game, the Magpies title defence has become just that bit harder, and we’re not even in round one yet.
Read more »
AFL to investigate Mason Cox's pre-match incident prior to Giants-Magpies matchCollingwood premiership player Mason Cox will have to explain himself to the AFL after shoving GWS ruck coach Shane Mumford before Saturday night's match in Sydney.
Read more »
Collingwood coach Craig McRae amazed by Magpies’ simple errors in loss to GWS Giants7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Magpies ordered ‘back to basics’ in firm response to poor opener as star’s return loomsAFL: The On the Couch team break down how a lack of effort from some of Collingwood's big names let them down in the loss to GWS.
Read more »