Collingwood will get the chance to put a turbulent off-season behind them when they open their 2021 campaign against the Western Bulldogs.
From the tumultuous trade period that saw Adam Treloar, Jaidyn Stephenson and Tom Phillips exit the club, to Eddie McGuire’s dramatic resignation and the damning findings from the ‘Do Better’ report – the first bounce can’t come quick enough for the Magpies.
Nathan Buckley’s future also looms as a major storyline with the long-serving Collingwood coach set to come out of contract at season’s end.
Kane Cornes wonders whether Collingwood’s “brutal” off-season will galvanise the playing group for another premiership tilt.
“It’s been a long five months for the club – and it could be a definitive five months in the club’s history coming up,” Cornes told SEN’s The Captain’s Run.
“In just seven days’ time they finally get the chance to focus on the footy.
“While they’ve lost key players, the early indications are that Jordan De Goey could step into Treloar’s role and make a huge impact in the midfield.
“There are certainly some small forwards who can replace Stephenson and their coach Nathan Buckley has proven himself to be one of the best.
“I’m asking this morning: How will 2021 play out for the Pies?
“Will they be mentally spent given the brutal off-season? Or will they be galvanised and ready for another red-hot crack at winning a premiership – Nathan Buckley’s first at the Collingwood Football Club.”
Collingwood face the Bulldogs in a Round 1 blockbuster at the MCG next Friday night.
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