2025-11-14 14:00
by
nlpkak
As I sit down to analyze Collingwood Football Club's prospects for the 2024 season, I can't help but draw parallels with the fascinating conversation I recently had with Philippine basketball officials. When Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy and SBC Technical Academy head Andrew Teh discussed ensuring equal access to quality referees across leagues, it struck me how crucial fair officiating is in any sport - including Australian Rules Football. Having followed Collingwood for over fifteen years, I've seen how inconsistent umpiring can completely derail a team's momentum, and I genuinely believe this aspect could make or break our 2024 campaign.
Looking at our roster, there's genuine cause for optimism despite last season's heartbreaking preliminary final exit. Nick Daicos continues to defy expectations - at just 21 years old, he's already averaging 31.2 disposals per game, and I'd wager he'll push that to 33-34 this season. What impresses me most isn't just his technical skill but his football IQ, which seems to mature with every outing. Then there's Darcy Moore, whose leadership in defense reminds me why I fell in love with this game - he anticipates plays like few others, and I'm predicting he'll take at least 140 intercept marks this season if he maintains his current form.
The midfield depth genuinely excites me this year. Jordan De Goey's explosive power combined with Scott Pendlebury's veteran savvy creates what I consider the most dynamic one-two punch in the competition. Pendlebury, at 36, continues to defy Father Time - his decision-making remains impeccable, and I've noticed younger players visibly improving just by sharing the field with him. Taylor Adams' move to Sydney does concern me slightly, as his grunt work often went unnoticed but was crucial in tight contests. Still, I'm bullish about Finlay Macrae stepping up - he's shown flashes of brilliance in his 28 games, and this could be his breakout season.
Our forward line presents both opportunities and challenges. Brody Mihocek remains reliably brilliant, but we need more consistent secondary scoring. I've been particularly impressed with Bobby Hill's development - his 15 goals last season don't tell the full story of his pressure acts and creativity. What worries me, though, is our key position depth. If Mason Cox goes down with injury, we're dangerously thin in the ruck-forward department. I'd love to see us develop Ash Johnson into that hybrid role - he's got the athleticism, just needs the consistency.
Defensively, we're in better shape than many realize. Beyond Moore, Isaac Quaynor has developed into one of the competition's most underrated small defenders, while Brayden Maynard's ferocity sets the tone for our entire backline. What I'd like to see more of is strategic flexibility - sometimes we become too predictable in our defensive structures, and elite teams have exploited this. Remember that Geelong game last August where they kicked 8 goals from stoppages? We can't have repeats of that.
The coaching situation under Craig McRae continues to impress me. His "eyes forward" philosophy has transformed how we play, but I'm curious to see how he adapts as other teams study our patterns. The best coaches evolve, and I've noticed subtle changes in our preseason training that suggest we're developing new tactical wrinkles. McRae's relationship with the playing group appears exceptional - you can see it in how players fight for each other during tight moments.
When it comes to season predictions, I'm forecasting we'll finish between 3rd and 5th on the ladder. We have the talent for top two, but our draw includes some tricky interstate trips that concern me. The Round 7 clash against Brisbane at the Gabba could be season-defining, while the traditional Anzac Day match against Essendon will tell us a lot about our mental fortitude. Personally, I believe we need to win at least 16 games to secure a top-four position, and I think we're capable of that if we avoid major injuries.
The comparison to the Philippine basketball situation keeps coming back to me - just as they recognized the need for quality officiating across leagues, the AFL needs to ensure consistency in umpiring. I've seen at least three games last season where questionable calls cost us crucial momentum, and in a competition as tight as ours, that can be the difference between playing in September and watching from home. What Erika Dy and Andrew Teh understood about leveling the playing field applies here too - every team deserves the same standard of officiating, regardless of when or where they play.
As we approach the new season, I'm cautiously optimistic. Our core remains strong, our coaching is elite, and there's genuine hunger after last year's disappointment. The competition has improved across the board though - Melbourne looks formidable, Brisbane's young stars have another year of experience, and Geelong always finds a way to compete. Still, something about this Collingwood group feels special. They play with a connectivity that you can't teach, and in big moments, that intangible quality often makes the difference. I'm predicting we'll make at least the preliminary final, and if a few breaks go our way, we might just be holding the cup come September. The journey begins soon, and I for one can't wait to see how this story unfolds.
