The Ultimate Fan’s Guide to the Collingwood Magpies in 2024

Remember that heartbreaking preliminary final in 2022? Yeah, that’s ancient history now.

With McRae at the helm, the Magpies are riding high on talent and a culture that’s got the whole footy world talking. So, did Collingwood over/under achieve in 2023? Well, they’ve got that shiny 16th VFL/AFL premiership trophy on display, so we’re leaning towards “nailed it.” 

Collingwood Magpies 2023 season in review

The Magpies strutted their stuff from Round 7, claiming the top spot ahead of the finals with a whopping 17 wins. Then came September, where they played some typical nail-biting Collingwood footy, securing narrow victories over Melbourne, GWS, and Brisbane to snatch the flag. McRae and his crew are proving that the fairytale 2022 season was no fluke – they’re here to stay.

Let’s talk about what worked. Sure, Nick Daicos and Captain Darcy Moore were like footy wizards on the field, but it’s McRae’s team mentality that really sealed the deal. The Magpies went from being that team that other fans loved to hate to one of the most likable and exciting crews in the league. McRae’s philosophy of fun and positivity brought out the best in the players, and it was pure genius on Grand Final day.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Collingwood hit a little speed bump, losing three out of four games in the late rounds. Blame it on the absence of Daicos and Moore, and you’ll probably get some sympathetic nods from Magpies supporters. Without those two key players, the midfield and defence struggled a bit.

The 2023 Magpies MVPs

Jordan De Goey had a cracking finish to the season, but the real star of the show? Nick Daicos, hands down. The second-year sensation not only snagged third place in the Brownlow Medal but would’ve probably walked away with the whole thing if not for a pesky late-season knee injury. 

We also must give a shoutout to Josh Daicos, earning All-Australian honours for his consistent efforts as a genuine wingman. The Daicos brothers are like footy royalty right now.

Collingwood’s 2024 Season so far

The Collingwood Magpies’ 2024 season has been a bit of a rollercoaster, to say the least. They’ve managed to squeak out wins against Hawthorn and Brisbane, but it’s come with its fair share of nail-biting moments.

Against Hawthorn, they were like a car running on fumes, just managing to cross the finish line. Jonathan Brown summed it up perfectly, saying the Pies were “completely out of petrol tickets.” It’s a stark contrast to their explosive form last year, especially from the back half. Remember those glory days of launching off half-back with Nick Daicos and Jeremy Howe? Well, this year, it’s been more like a slow burn.

The team is not connecting like they used to, especially that crucial kick inside forward-50. It’s led to a higher transitional game, giving the opponents more chances to rebound. And when the game opens up, mistakes start piling up like nobody’s business.

Stats don’t lie, and the numbers are painting a grim picture. Exiting the back half 219 times for just nine goals? Last year, they could turn a game around with five goals in the last quarter alone. This year? Not so much.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Collingwood have got the talent to bounce back. They might’ve dodged a bullet against Hawthorn, but it’s a wake-up call they needed. With a bit of reflection during the bye, they might just find their groove again.

The Collingwood Magpies 2024 injury roll call

2023 Copeland Trophy Winner Josh Daicos hit a bit of a snag with some lower leg muscle/nerve pain during the three-week break. After some downtime, the lad’s on the mend, pounding the pavement in a running program. The plan? Skills training in the next three weeks while keeping a close eye on how he copes with the workload. 

Brayden Maynard’s been doing the rehab tango for ten weeks post-shoulder surgery. After a solid five-week running block, he’s back in the ring for contact training. Give it a couple more weeks, and he’ll be strutting his stuff in match simulations. 

Leading goalkicker Brody Mihocek had a bit of a hiccup with a calf complaint before the three-week break. No worries, though – he’s cranked up the training intensity and is looking set to be back on the field next week. 

Young gun Jakob Ryan hit a stumbling block with some discomfort during his return to training after the break. Scans showed a bit of minor bone bruising in his lower leg. The 19-year-old’s gearing up for a comeback, starting with some re-running this week. 

Then there’s Dan McStay, who’s been hitting the gym like a champ, working on that lower body. Seven weeks post-surgery on his knee, he’s cranking up the intensity with higher-intensity bike sessions. Running might be on the cards in the next four to six weeks.

Collingwood’s 2024 journey under Craig McRae

This season has been nothing short of tumultuous. Three games in, and they found themselves in unfamiliar territory – zip, zero, zilch, nada. Yep, the reigning premiers have hit a rocky road, becoming just the second team in AFL history to kick off a season with three straight losses. Now, if history is any indicator, it’s not exactly a promising start for the Pies’ back-to-back aspirations.

Let’s rewind a bit. The last time a reigning premiership team started off 0-3? Geelong, last year. The last to pull off the unthinkable by starting 0-3 and hoisting the cup? Well, that honour went to North Melbourne in 1975. And if we’re talking grand final appearances after such a rough start, it’s North Melbourne again in ’76. So, while the odds might seem stacked against them, stranger things have happened in footy.

But let’s dive deeper into the heart of the matter. Reality versus noise – where does Collingwood stand? Critics are coming out of the woodwork faster than you can say “AFL,” pointing fingers at everything from complacency to fundamental errors. Jason Dunstall didn’t mince words, noting the lack of commitment from the Pies against St Kilda. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for a team that was once the epitome of relentless drive and spirit.

Fundamentals, or the lack thereof, are at the core of Collingwood’s struggles. Craig McRae didn’t beat around the bush after the loss to St Kilda, pinpointing basic skill errors as a major culprit. When you’re not executing the basics, it’s like building a house on shaky ground—it’s bound to collapse sooner or later.

Then there’s the matter of the Pies’ system. Once feared and revered, it now seems like the opposition has cracked the code. Ross Lyon hit the nail on the head, suggesting that Collingwood’s game plan has become predictable. Teams are crowding the corridor, shutting down key players like Jordan De Goey and exposing vulnerabilities in their defence. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that prides itself on its strategic prowess.

And let’s not forget the veterans. Father Time catches up to us all, even footy legends. Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, and the gang aren’t quite firing on all cylinders like they used to. Leigh Montagna didn’t sugarcoat it, noting their lacklustre performance this season. It’s a harsh reality check for a group that once carried the team on their shoulders.

So, what’s next for the Pies? Some say it’s time to shake things up, and inject some youth into the lineup, while others argue it’s too early to hit the panic button. One thing’s for sure – Collingwood’s journey to redemption won’t be easy. But if there’s one thing footy has taught us, it’s to never count out the underdog.

Where to get your Collingwood Magpies 2024 Season tickets

If you’re on a mission to snag those golden tickets for the Collingwood footy extravaganza in the 2024 season, look no further than the ultimate throne of ticket greatness – Queen of Tickets. We are the number one spot to get your hands on those coveted Collingwood tickets.

Queen of Tickets is a place where footy dreams come true, and the road to the MCG is paved with seamless ticket transactions. Whether you’re after the best seats in the house or you’re rocking it with the Magpie Army in the nosebleeds, Queen of Tickets has you covered. Choose your spot, grab your tickets, and get ready for a season of spine-tingling Collingwood action right here.