Collingwood have earned plenty of praise for their ability to win close games since Craig McRae took over as senior coach.
Just how they manage to keep doing it has been somewhat of a mystery – but an easy-to-miss gesture in the rooms after the Pies’ win over Melbourne on Thursday night offered a peak behind the curtain.
As the players emerged to joyous scenes and began to form a circle for the club song, Isaac Quaynor reached out to one man who never even took the field: John Noble.
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Noble had played 83 consecutive games for the Pies before he was dropped for the qualifying final against the Dees.
Yet there he was, singing the song arm in arm with Quaynor and veteran leader Taylor Adams.
Noble thanked Quaynor afterwards and earned handshake after handshake from teammates, his fellow defenders among those giving him the most love.
Nathan Murphy offered a long hug before making way for Jack Crisp while Oleg Markov, who won the battle for selection over Noble, also rallied around him.
“There was plenty of media about it. It was obviously one of those calls that is just so tough,” Quaynor told Channel 7.
“I was saying before, I think I’ve played 83 games and I think he’s played 84 or something like that. We played basically every game together.
“We’re good mates. It was tough to see him go out (of the team). His attitude and the way he’s come and supported the group, his attitude especially today was unbelievable.
“As you can see in the end everyone was getting around him. He got in the huddle. He’s a big reason we got to the final. Shout out, Johnny Noble.”
Quaynor also praised Noble’s replacement Markov for the impact he has had since signing with Collingwood in the summer as their last recruit.
Asked if he had any idea of Markov’s talent level, the 23-year-old conceded the answer was no – but he paid special attention to his impact off the field.
“Not as good at what he’s been. He’s been so huge for us,” Quaynor said.
“I think the thing he brings that’s unique he’s such an energy giver. He’s such a happy person. He’s so grateful for the opportunity.
“He’s just his own person and he’s just so happy in his own skin. I really respect people like that. He’s kind of brought that energy and I think this environment has really allowed him to thrive.
“His on-field stuff has been unbelievable for us and his off-field stuff has been probably more impressive.”
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