Collingwood suffered a tumultuous 2021 season to say the least.
The fallout from the disastrous 2020 trade period seeing a number of key players leave and be traded, to the distractions of the Do Better report and the resignation of head coach Nathan Buckley led to a season that Magpie fans would rather forget and move on from.
The Pies finished a disappointing 17th on the ladder last year with only six wins to show for it, but since the appointment of head coach Craig McRae, things are looking more positive for the Magpies community heading into the 2022 season.
A change of coaching with McRae, as well as Justin Leppitsch and Brendon Bolton joining the coaching staff, and a change in culture to go along with the arrival of young star Nick Daicos and talented midfielder Patrick Lipinski, has breathed much-needed life into the club following their disastrous 2021 campaign.
With a young list that is eager to impress the Magpies faithful, Collingwood will be an interesting side to observe in 2022 to see how they fare against the rest of the competition.
A big Melbourne club with a big Melbourne fan base comes with lots of pressure and expectation, so let's dive into Collingwood's 2022 season preview.
Off-Season Moves
Ins: Nick Daicos, Patrick Lipinski [Western Bulldogs], Nathan Kreuger [Geelong Cats], Charlie Dean, Arlo Draper, Harvey Harrison, Cooper Murley
Outs: Levi Greenwood [retired], Max Lynch [Hawthorn Hawks], Chris Mayne [retired], Jay Rantall [delisted], Brayden Sier [delisted], Josh Thomas [retired]
Strengthsย
Defence: Collingwood's strong points lie with their defence and their ability to hold teams to low scores.
The Pies' defence did take a dip last year, but that was due to their star defenders unable to all be on the park at the same time, highlighted by talented defenders Jeremy Howe and Darcy Moore struggling with injury in 2021.
A backline that consists ofย Moore,ย Howe, Brayden Maynard, Jack Crisp, Jordan Roughead and Isaac Quaynor is one that when all out on the park together, is one of the best backlines in the competition.
Youth: The Magpies also have a lot of young and upcoming players coming through that Craig McRae has at his disposal.
It looks to be a positive dilemma for McRae at selection to bleed youth into the side.
Young players including Jack Ginnivan, Finlay Macrae, Caleb Poulter, Oliver Henry, Trent Bianco and top draftee Nick Daicos, among many others, will gain quality experience this season as they fight for spots in McRae's best 22.
