Similar to us in 2016, Collingwood’s 2021 was an outlier. Prior to that year they’d made a GF, Prelim and a Semi-final in the seasons prior. 2022 and beyond look like a return to normal programming for this Collingwood side.
Our issue is more that 2023 is the new norm and not an outlier. Remember our last three years we’ve finished 12th, 7th and 13th. The trend is in and it’s pointing down. We also don’t have the good fortune of being able to bring a Nick Daicos level talent into our side next year.
It’s going to get worse before it gets better.
The Daicos boys along with Pendles and Sidebottom's fountain of youth. A bit like Geelong the year before.
It looks as if we are still believing our oldies can go again. I'm not so sure, although I totally understand the sentimental wrench to keep the faith in our champs.
My issue is that 2023 was supposed to be our last-ditch effort to grab another flag, but judging by our approach to trade week, we don't seem to be letting go of that dream.
Objectively speaking, the coach bailed, we lost two superstars, and there is ample evidence that our older bit players and our new-gen players are not as good as we thought. It is very doubtful that Grimesy, Dion, Tommy, Dusty and Nank can carry the load. More testimonial years?
The club is in a real bind. We want to be loyal to our faithful servants, but meanwhile we watch other sides clearly going past our current list. Many teams are playing lightning-fast sides that can kick with precision. That is not us.
At least it's a great opportunity for the "play the kids" adherents to see what happens...
