Nick Daicos’s impressive performance in the wake of his surprise benching during the game against Hawthorn has sparked fierce debate ahead of his shock benching. Coach Craig McRae’s decision has drawn scrutiny from former players and media figures alike, particularly in light of the team’s ongoing struggles. Collingwood is facing enormous pressure after a disastrous run of results. Both of these are terribly demoralizing for the players and deadly for the club’s list management efficacy.
The decision to start Daicos on the bench came only days after Scott Pendlebury began as a substitute in Collingwood’s loss to Gold Coast. Observers have pointed out that this change is indicative of deeper issues related to the team’s culture and performance. Kane Cornes is a smart former player turned commentator. He explicitly crossed up McRae for the plan, saying it might send a bad signal to Daicos.
“I just wonder whether it’s a message to Nick, that’s the only thing I can think of,” – Kane Cornes
Cornes further expressed his doubts about the decision’s effectiveness, stating, “Clearly, physically, starting on the bench isn’t going to be an advantage. He either plays or he doesn’t.” This feeling is very much in line with a larger concern about the team’s physicality and press levels, which has dropped off in the last few games.
Critics have noted that Collingwood’s recent spiraling loss streak is a cause for alarm. The team has failed to ever truly find its rhythm since those heartbreaking losses to Gold Coast and Hawthorn. Craig McRae’s leadership in the Eagles hot seat. Critics are wondering if he lost the locker room as he’s made controversial and confusing decisions during key matches. In particular, he aimed criticism at Fremantle’s negative tactics after a one-point loss to the Dockers and drew attention for going public with his criticism.
Given the challenges, media mogul Craig Hutchison alluded to deeper systemic issues affecting player environment and culture. He pointed to the unknown of player contracts and what a more veteran roster would mean.
“I would think the volume of contracts and the uncertainty of the level of who is going on and who isn’t — I think that’s part of it,” – Craig Hutchison
Hutchison pointed to just how big an impact these factors have. Instead, he proposed that they foster an environment of general chaos throughout the organization. He remarked, “You can’t leave 17 or 18 decisions to the end of the year…but the volume of them…there is an element of that.”
Nick Riewoldt, another former player, shed more light on the team’s spirit on those Finals runs. For example, he brought attention to how an aging roster may be holding back performance and decision making.
“Is that not a natural byproduct of having an older list? The commitment you make to these players is not going to be what they are accustomed to throughout their careers,” – Nick Riewoldt
Riewoldt further criticized Collingwood’s recent performance, stating, “You get what you deserve if you’re Collingwood, lack of physicality and pressure — and defensively, what was a strength is now a weakness.” His comments showcase an emerging consensus that the team needs to rethink its approach as it looks ahead.
So, as it pertains to keeping individual players … Yes, all eyes are on Nick Daicos’s performance but other players have made big money-long commitments to the club. Both Scott Pendlebury and Darcy Cameron recently re-signed with Collingwood, signaling their intent to remain with the club amid uncertainty. Jamie Elliott weighs his options with the Gold Coast Suns courting the Collingwood player. In other ILWU news, Brody Mihocek is still searching for a good contract 妻oku.
…replace planks like McRae has raised the stakes. He is publicly trying to use nepotism to lure Carlton father-son prospect Jack Silvagni to Collingwood. If it’s the former, this move would be a hopeful sign of a long-term vision emerging from the team to guide it through today’s challenges.
