Collingwood are in “grave danger” of missing out on the AFL finals after the reigning premiers suffered another costly defeat at the MCG.
Locked in a tight but somewhat dour battle with Geelong on Friday night, the Magpies fell short when the Cats broke the game open with five out of six goals either side of three-quarter time.
The 13.13 (91) to 10.11 (71) win put Geelong back in the mix for a top-four spot after their mid-season stumble but Collingwood’s season is now on the brink.
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The Pies will face Hawthorn and Richmond in the next two weeks but must overcome at least two of Carlton, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in the last month to remain in contention.
Friday’s defeat capped off a costly fortnight for Collingwood coach Craig McRae having lost to his Lions premiership teammate Brad Scott’s Essendon last week before the defeat to Chris Scott’s Cats.
“McRae will be having nightmares about them,” Brian Taylor said on Channel 7.
“The Cats are going to go on and win game No.11 and set their season up magnificently.
“Collingwood, on the other hand, they’ve got Hawthorn and Richmond over the next two weeks but what about their last four games: Carlton, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne.
“They are now in grave danger, the Magpies, of missing any finals action. Remember you’re going to need at least 12 wins to get there as a minimum.”
James Brayshaw added: “That’s a brutal final run.”
Luke Hodge noted it would be a “tough run home for a list at full strength” — let alone a Collingwood side missing key players Brody Mihocek, Mason Cox and Beau McCreery among others.
Magpies star Nick Daicos collected 32 disposals and 11 clearances, while Jamie Elliott (two goals) made a fine return as he led an injury-hit and undersized attack.
Darcy Cameron dominated the ruck from a hitouts perspective (58), but Sam De Koning (22 touches) had plenty of the ball.
Geelong ran hot early as they kicked the first three goals of the game, including two inside the first 40 seconds.
But Collingwood settled and responded with four majors on the bounce.
Elliott kicked a marvellous goal from the pocket and blew a kiss to the crowd in celebration as he gave the Magpies a one-goal lead at quarter time.
Cats superstar Jeremy Cameron jagged two early goals to restore their lead early in the second term.
Nick Daicos grabbed at his left hamstring after an accidental knee from Tom Atkins, but played on.
Cameron snapped his third to give Geelong a 10-point lead before Elliott teed up Jordan De Goey for one goal, before taking a hanger and kicking truly himself to put the Magpies back in front.
Tyson Stengle and Ollie Dempsey struck to deliver Geelong an 11-point lead heading into the final change.
Tom Stewart and Lachie Schultz had a nasty head clash early in the fourth quarter, leaving the star Cat with a split eyebrow, while the Collingwood forward was substituted out of the game.
Former Magpie Oliver Henry kicked a terrific goal from the pocket late in the term to effectively seal victory.
Cats skipper Patrick Dangerfield (22 touches, 10 inside-50s) and Max Holmes (27 disposals) were explosive through the midfield.
Cameron kicked three goals and young defender Lawson Humphries impressed, while Shannon Neale booted two goals but was substituted out after a hit to the throat.
– with AAP