Former St Kilda and North Melbourne midfielder Nick Dal Santo believes consistency is now the key for the Pies after two straight impressive performances.
The Pies have now won two straight games, including a very impressive 48-point win against 2017 grand finalists Adelaide.
“The whole challenge is consistency and whether they can do it again,” Dal Santo told SEN Breakfast.
“What I do now know about this team is if they give that effort, they can compete.
“If effort is a tick, Nathan Buckley’s game plan holds up.
“We’ll wait and see, but what that does show is that they can do it.”
Steele Sidebottom is averaging 33 disposals and a goal a game this season and after a 43-disposal game on the weekend, Dal Santo believes he's no longer an underrated player.
“Isn’t Steele Sidebottom playing some good footy,” Dal Santo said.
“People have been saying he’s underrated, he’s not internally.
“Not at other football clubs. He’s one of the highlighted men at an opposition report.”
One win doesn't necessarily make a season, but Collingwood's effort and the manner in which they picked apart Adelaide on Friday night sent a significant statement to the rest of the competition.
Brodie Grundy is in career best form, while young guns Sam Murray and Jaidyn Stephenson have added a much needed X-factor into the Collingwood side.
The Pies now have a 12-day break before taking on Essendon in the traditional ANZAC Day match at the MCG.