Collingwood’s Worst Nightmare Has Happened: A Season in Crisis
For the Collingwood Football Club, the 2025 AFL season began with high expectations. After an impressive 2024 campaign that saw them rise to the top of the competition, the Pies were poised to build on that momentum and claim their first premiership since 2010. The team, led by the charismatic coach Craig McRae, had all the ingredients to challenge for the ultimate prize. However, the unthinkable has occurred—Collingwood’s worst nightmare has come true, and their once-promising season is hanging by a thread.
Injuries to Key Players Shake the Foundation
It began with injuries—a series of blows that no team could have foreseen. Collingwood, already battling the pressures of a physically demanding season, has found itself decimated by injuries to some of their most influential players. The loss of their star midfielder, Jordan De Goey, to a long-term injury has left a gaping hole in the middle of the ground. De Goey, known for his explosive ball movement and game-changing ability, was the engine of Collingwood’s midfield and a key to their premiership hopes. Without him, the team has struggled to match up against their rivals in crucial contests.
But it wasn’t just De Goey’s absence that sent shockwaves through the club. Key defenders, such as Brayden Maynard, have also been sidelined for extended periods, forcing Collingwood to rejig its backline. While the Pies have depth in many areas, losing several key players at once has thrown off their balance, and their defense has looked vulnerable in recent weeks. The team’s forward line, once their greatest strength, has also been impacted by injuries to key forwards like Jamie Elliott and Dan McStay, further straining their ability to convert on the scoreboard.
Form Slump and Loss of Identity
Injuries are one thing, but the Pies’ form slump has been a nightmare in itself. After starting the season with high hopes, Collingwood has failed to find consistency. The attacking flair they were known for last year has been replaced by a lack of cohesion, with players failing to link up in the forward half. As a result, the usually high-scoring Pies have struggled to put together the devastating offensive performances they were once known for.
Furthermore, their trademark defensive pressure and intensity have noticeably waned. Under McRae, Collingwood was famed for their relentless pursuit of the ball and suffocating opposition attacks. However, in recent weeks, that same ferocity has been absent, allowing opponents to capitalize on turnovers and set up easy scores. The Pies, who were once the hardest team to break down, now look more vulnerable than ever.
Coaching and Tactics Under Scrutiny
As the losses mount, questions about Craig McRae’s tactics have started to surface. The coach, who was hailed for his innovative approach and ability to get the best out of his players, now finds himself facing mounting pressure. Despite his success in 2024, McRae’s decisions have come under scrutiny in recent weeks. Fans and pundits alike are questioning whether he’s been able to adjust his game plan to the reality of the current season.
The introduction of young players has been a positive, but it hasn’t been enough to plug the gaps in the side. While Collingwood boasts a talented list, the collective structure and game plan have been disjointed at times, leaving the team exposed to stronger, more organized opponents. The combination of injuries and questionable tactics has made it increasingly difficult for Collingwood to string together a winning streak.
The Finals Picture Fading Fast
With each passing round, Collingwood’s grip on a top-eight finish loosens. The ladder is tight, and the competition has only grown more intense. What was once seen as a guaranteed finals appearance now looks like a precarious proposition. Their recent slip-ups against rivals, combined with a mounting injury list, have left them on the back foot, with every game becoming a must-win affair.
The team’s mental resilience, which was once their hallmark, is being tested like never before. A loss to a top-eight team in the final rounds could be the end of their finals campaign, while a series of poor results could send them tumbling down the ladder into the middle pack. Given the team’s injury crisis and form slump, Collingwood now faces the very real possibility of missing out on the finals entirely—a nightmare scenario for a club with premiership aspirations.
What’s Next for Collingwood?
Collingwood’s worst nightmare is unfolding, and their season now hangs in the balance. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether they can salvage what’s left of their campaign. There’s still enough talent in the team to mount a recovery, but they will need to find the right balance between their youth and experienced players. More importantly, they must rediscover the tactics and intensity that made them one of the league’s best teams.
Injuries can’t be ignored, but they also can’t be used as an excuse for poor performances. The Pies must adapt to their current reality and dig deep if they are to keep their finals hopes alive. The coming rounds will be a true test of Collingwood’s resilience and their ability to bounce back from adversity.
As it stands, Collingwood’s worst nightmare has come true—but whether this nightmare turns into a full-blown crisis or a temporary setback depends on how they respond in the weeks ahead. Only time will tell if they can recover from this perfect storm of misfortune or if 2025 will be remembered as a season of unfulfilled potential.
