Collingwood desperately needed a win in Round 22 and delivered on the big stage against a plucky Geelong outfit by eight points.
But David King warns that if the Magpies show up with that style of footy against a fellow contender like Melbourne, they’ll get beaten by a considerable margin.
Craig McRae’s side was clinical in the second and third terms against the Cats, putting a 40-point margin on the reigning premiers in that time.
But in an issue that has been constant in recent weeks, the Magpies lost the midfield battle and it is here where King is concerned for their flag hopes.
“They just had to win… but if you want to talk about the game specifically, I thought Collingwood won in spite of their midfield last night,” the dual-premiership Kangaroo began on SEN’s Crunch Time.
“They were humbled in the middle of the ground. They’ve got some problems in there that they need to open their eyes to and address.
“Some of their top liners are just going through the motions at clearance. Scott Pendlebury has lost a yard and you can fight as much as you like that it’s not a real issue… but it was evident last night.”
“It was evident for all to see. Their clearance game is a problem, if they play Melbourne and play that exact performance against Melbourne in a final, they get beat by eight goals because Melbourne are a different beast in the middle of the ground.”
No Pies had more than five clearances, while three Geelong midfielders did in Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Atkins and Tanner Bruhn.
Collingwood all but locked up the minor premiership with the win, despite two consecutive losses in the lead-up.
Despite injecting some momentum back into their season, King believes that little has changed for Collingwood on Friday night’s effort.
“That’s why I guess in the back of my mind I’ve got (that concern about Collingwood). Throw up any team you like, you’re in a bit more trouble for longer,” he continued.
“This clearance problem and the opportunities they’re going to get from that because of the way Collingwood want to play, you will get some stroll in goals.
“McRae will be thrilled to get the win, but I don’t think it changes a lot from where they’ve been the last few weeks.”
Captain Darcy Moore sustained a hamstring injury from the clash, but disaster is understood to have been averted. Early indications are Moore could play as early as next week.
The Magpies have games against Brisbane and Essendon to come in 2023 home and away season before heading into the finals.