Collingwood has slipped from the top of the AFL ladder, raising concerns about captain Darcy Moore’s performance. According to Tony Shaw, the club’s premiership captain, Moore’s struggles have been most notable as the Magpies face a worrying form slump, having lost three out of their last four matches, which jeopardises their position in the top two ahead of challenging fixtures against Hawthorn and Adelaide.
Moore, once regarded as an All-Australian defender earlier in the season, has been vulnerable in the absence of injured teammates Jeremy Howe and Billy Frampton. Shaw noted that Moore’s lack of confidence is evident in his gameplay, citing instances where the captain failed to mark the ball when he could have. Young forward Logan Morris from Brisbane capitalised on this weakness, scoring six goals against the Magpies.
Concerns about Collingwood’s defensive depth have also been raised by Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd, especially given the reliance on players like Charlie Dean stepping into key defensive roles. He expressed doubt about the team’s ability to compete effectively in the finals without a stable backline.
As the pressure mounts on Moore and the defence, Shaw pointed out that the team’s recent drop in form could be attributed to the absence of key players, including Bobby Hill and Jordan De Goey. He acknowledged that they had been leading the ladder just a month ago but have struggled since losing several crucial players to injury.
Shaw also highlighted the need for stabilisation within the squad, as they have additionally rested veteran players Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom. He believes recent performances have legitimate reasons behind them, advocating for the team to regroup in the coming weeks.
The return of Howe is anticipated for the upcoming match against Hawthorn, which will be critical for the Magpies to reclaim their footing. Given the significant percentages of competitors like Geelong and Adelaide, Collingwood faces the challenge of winning their final matches against the Hawks, Crows, and Demons to secure their place among the top two teams.