The most immediate task for Collingwood is to handle the older players in a manner that maximises performance in 2024 and also begins the task of transitioning to 2025 and beyond.
Steele Sidebottom touched the ball seven times on Anzac Day. Tom Mitchell had the footy 19 times, but was subbed out, as the Collingwood midfielders had their clocks cleaned at the centre bounces., exceeded Sidebottom’s output in just one quarter, garnering seven disposals and booting a crucial goal. What Harrison also brought was a trait that Essendon had in greater abundance than the highly professional Pies: energy.
What was the difference between the team that performed like the 2023 premiers and the one that couldn’t get past the Bombers, a team that the Pies dismembered in the final home-and-away game of last year? “Managed” and given a week’s break after a poor game against St Kilda and then handed the sub’s vest against the Hawks, the Collingwood great is averaging fewer than 15 disposals and just 2.8 score involvements.
In selection, McRae has understandably stuck with the proven campaigners who brought home the bacon. On Anzac Day, the substitution of Mitchell for Harrison was a symbol of a tired team that sorely needed the invigoration of faster and fresher young legs. One would imagine a few good men will be shuffled off after 2024, with more encouraged to finish following 2025 and then 2026. Collingwood’s vaunted four-plus million dollars in future salary cap room is dependent on those exits.
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