‘That’s gone, it’s done’: McRae ‘Burrs’ at Pies’ Personnel Query After Wayward Display
Collingwood coach Craig McRae has drawn a line under his side’s costly inefficiency in front of goal and batted away questions about team selection, following a frustrating six-point loss to the Gold Coast Suns on Thursday night.
The Pies trailed by 40 points in the third quarter but launched a trademark surge to momentarily hit the lead late in the final term, only to fall short 10.9 (69) to 8.15 (63) at Heritage Bank Stadium.
Despite the dramatic comeback and grit shown, Collingwood’s errant goalkicking proved fatal, with key forwards squandering multiple scoring opportunities under pressure. The Pies booted 2.7 in the opening half and never quite recovered on the scoreboard.
In the post-match press conference, McRae was visibly frustrated but firm, choosing not to dwell on selection calls or missed chances.
“That’s gone. It’s done. There’s no point digging into who wasn’t there,” McRae said bluntly when pressed on the absence of experienced campaigners like Brody Mihocek and Patrick Lipinski, who were both left out of the side as emergencies.
“We had a team on the park. That’s what we went in with. They had a crack. The rest is noise.”
McRae’s tone sharpened when questioned on whether players like Mihocek could have made a difference in such a low-scoring match, especially as the Pies struggled to convert under pressure in front of goal.
“I won’t speculate on hypotheticals. Our belief is in the 23 that take the field. We’re not here to make excuses.”
While McRae dismissed selection speculation, he did admit the side’s finishing in front of goal continues to be a concern, calling for sharper execution moving forward.
“We had enough looks. We did the hard work to get into scoring positions. But this level is ruthless — you’ve got to take your chances,” he said.
Despite the loss, Collingwood remains atop the AFL ladder, 10 points clear of second-placed Carlton, and looks well-positioned for a top-two finish heading into the final third of the season. However, the Suns’ performance — and their pressure game — exposed vulnerabilities in Collingwood’s setup that rival coaches will no doubt study.
The game also marked the return of forward Lachie Schultz and ruckman Mason Cox, both influential in patches but unable to swing the match decisively. Veteran Steele Sidebottom was also recalled for his 308th career appearance, providing vital leadership during the comeback push.
Notably, young defender Ed Allan impressed again, continuing his breakout season after his recent Rising Star nomination.
The loss stung for a club that prides itself on composure in tight contests, especially given the Pies have built a reputation as kings of the clutch. McRae, however, made it clear there’s no panic.
“We learn, we move. One result doesn’t derail what we’re building,” he said. “It’s about the journey, not one night.”
Collingwood now turns its attention to Round 19, where it will host the Western Bulldogs at the MCG. With finals approaching and other contenders finding form, the pressure is on to reset — and rediscover the ruthless accuracy that’s made them the competition benchmark.
KEY STATS – ROUND 18
- Gold Coast Suns: 10.9 (69)
- Collingwood Magpies: 8.15 (63)
- Disposals: Pendlebury 29, Daicos 28, Crisp 26
- Inside 50s: Collingwood 58 – Gold Coast 46
- Marks inside 50: Collingwood 11 – Gold Coast 13
Next Match:
Collingwood vs. Western Bulldogs
Saturday, July 19 – MCG, 7:30 PM AEST
Stay tuned to Phogammedia Sports for all your AFL coverage.
