No cliff coming: Russell’s prediction for Pies in 2026

SEN’s Dwayne Russell isn’t expecting Collingwood to drop significantly in 2026 like many others.

After fielding the oldest team last season, the Magpies finished third in what many considered their last roll of the dice at another flag after winning it all in 2023.

Having missed out in 2025, most expect Collingwood to begin sliding down the ladder, and some even expect them to fall off the cliff completely.

While others expect the Pies to go through a huge reset, Russell still expects Craig McRae’s side to play finals.

Looking at the club’s best 23, Russell still expects Collingwood to compete with the best, with McRae’s challenge now bringing through the next generation of players to shore up the depth.

“Since the premiership in 2023, 2026 is Craig McRae's big test, and many do think Collingwood will fall off the cliff this year,” Russell said on SEN Afternoons.

“But after taking a look, their best 23 is still really good, and I know some are getting old, so this will be the challenge for McRae to bring the next generation through.

“I think it's at the bottom end that we're going to find out about Craig McRae, we're going to find out how good a coach he is by how good Ned Long ends up being, how good Beau McCreery will be, how good Ed Allan will be and so on… Will Charlie West be a gun? Can Reef McInnes play a big role?”

Even though Russell is expecting somewhat of a slide from the Magpies, he has them finishing eighth this year in his early ladder prediction.

“In terms of dropping off a cliff, there’s dropping to 10th, or there's dropping down to 15th or 16th,” Russell said.

“For me, I’ve got Collingwood 8th, because their line-up's still pretty good when you look at it.

“I don't think they're quite as cooked as some people think. 

“I don't think they're going to fall as far as some people say”

Collingwood opens its season with an Opening Round clash against St Kilda at the MCG on March 8.