I can’t help but have a level of admiration for their resurgence under Craig McRae and for what they’ve already achieved.
It seems like there’s a contagious combination of trust and selflessness. For all the unnecessary focus on Jack Ginnivan, or the fascination with Jordan De Goey, this is not a team built on individuals.
Young Magpie Beau McCreery has made an impact this season.Credit:AFL Pictures
This Collingwood outfit is more blue collar.
It starts with the leaders, with Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom accepting what you would normally describe as “lesser” roles. They put the greater good before their reputations. No longer the main men of the midfield, they’ve set the example for all of their teammates that if you simply play your role good things can happen.
While Nick Daicos has had an incredible first year, also bringing the best out of his brother Josh, there are other more unheralded Magpies.
Beau McCreery just cracks in every week. He’s got genuine speed and toughness and sets the tone in terms of the forward pressure that’s become so crucial.
With his long hair, Nathan Murphy can sometimes be mistaken for Darcy Moore and has become a really solid understudy in defense. He’s shown a willingness to leave his opponent and support when needed.
Brayden Maynard is an absolute bull and someone who, I believe, could lead this club when Pendlebury eventually retires, such is his influence through his physical presence.
There are others like Darcy Cameron, who has had a standout year, and Ash Johnson, who’s been lively in his four AFL games.
Finally stringing matches together, I’ve always thought Jamie Elliott’s best would make him an All-Australian.
Young star Jack Ginnivan with coach Craig McRae.Credit:Getty Images
He offers a real point of difference to, say, a Charlie Cameron or Tyson Stengle. He has a certain power that allows him to be more of an aerial threat, and against Melbourne he again showed how dangerous he can be.
Before the Demons clash, I said if the Pies won, I would finally start to believe, yet somehow that result didn’t completely convince me.
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So, why, if there’s so much positivity, are some of us not completely sold? The Melbourne game summed up that doubt pretty well. The Demons beat them in all the key statistics, except for where it mattered – on the scoreboard.
Despite winning, the Pies can be dominated for long periods in a game. In many of the matches they’ve won they’ve had less control, but their opponents haven’t hurt them.
When it has been “their turn”, they’ve generally been really damaging. That points to great forward efficiency but is also incredibly hard to sustain and if you find yourself in trouble against the best teams in finals, there’s not always a way back.
That slight patchiness is why I’ve again tipped against Collingwood this weekend against Sydney in what will be a huge top-four battle. The Swans also give you a chance, so it looms as a really intriguing clash.
If the Pies can make it a dozen wins on the bounce, then maybe, just maybe I’ll jump on the bandwagon, albeit very late.
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