Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey have both drawn plenty of headlines this season in leading the Collingwood midfield.
But there is another flying Magpie who should not be overlooked.
Champion Data’s Daniel Hoyne has identified another Pies on-baller who is flying under the radar and could provide Brisbane with some headaches in Saturday’s Grand Final.
Over the past two finals, Jack Crisp has accumulated 42 disposals, two goals, nine clearances and nine inside 50s and played a particularly pivotal role in swinging the Preliminary Final Collingwood’s way.
But Hoyne believes Crisp’s form in September is no surprise, revealing he’s got prior form in that area.
“There is a lot of praise going to Jordan De Goey for what he did on Friday night and his performance was absolutely exceptional… but I think this guy, Jack Crisp, continues to go under the radar and does not get the recognition he deserves,” Hoyne told SEN’s Sportsday.
“Off the 100x player ratings system, which we introduced this year and takes into account performance above or below expectation based on position, Jack Crisp is the sixth best finals player we have seen for the last five years.
“There are some players that I think you need to watch the replay back to see how damaging and impactful they are, because the stats sheet doesn’t do them justice.
“So in this period, he’s played nine finals. He’s only averaging 21 disposals, so I can understand why he doesn’t get the praise… but it’s all impact towards goal, it’s 450 metres gained from those 21 disposals. That is a significant return.”
Crisp’s importance is so vital given Collingwood’s recent scoring woes, with the Magpies kicking eight and nine goals against GWS and Melbourne respectively.
Hoyne suggested that for Saturday’s season decider, Brisbane should put plenty of time into combatting the 29-year-old.
“What he’s done in his last five finals, he’s kicked six goals… the fact they’re only kicking eight, nine, 10 goals in the last few weeks, this guy is contributing one or two of those on the scoreboard,” Hoyne continued.
“He is such a significant player. His game against Melbourne, he was the third highest rated player on the ground and his game against GWS on the weekend he was fifth.
“He’s so important… every time you see this guy get the footy it’s corridor. There is absolutely no junk in this guy’s game.”
Crisp played 18 games for the Lions before being traded in 2014 and has gone on to become a dual best and fairest winner for the Pies.
.@Hoyney35 reveals Champion Data's top six best finals players of the last five years:
— Sportsday (@SENSportsday) September 26, 2023
1. Dustin Martin
2. Shane Edwards
3. Brad Close
4. Patrick Dangerfield
5. Darcy Moore
6. Jack Crisp