Collingwood have acquired a well timed reminder of the necessity to hold bettering because the AFL season progresses in the direction of the business finish.
Less than per week after surging two video games clear on high of the ladder with victory over second-placed Port Adelaide, the Magpies had been upset by previous rivals Carlton on Friday night time.
The 16.9 (93) to 10.16 (76) outcome was solely Collingwood’s third defeat of the 12 months and gave coach Craig McRae a lot to ponder as he seems forward to the ultimate month of the home-and-away marketing campaign.
“We’re in the business of getting better. This is a marathon and you have to just keep improving,” McRae stated.
“We’ve had a great season to date but it’s not finished. There’s still so much work to do.
“You cannot stand nonetheless on this recreation as a result of groups take issues away from you actually shortly, so we will have to enhance.”
Carlton smashed Collingwood in contested possession (138-108) and clearances (41-31) but the Magpies had more scoring shots.
McRae refused to blame his side’s six-day break and the travel home from Adelaide for the sub-par performance around the contest.
“They had been clearly the higher crew, however we had sufficient possibilities,” McRae stated.
“It’s laborious to know if (executing) is (associated to) vitality ranges.”
McRae took positives out of Jeremy Howe’s move forward, with the experienced defender kicking three final-quarter goals.
It came after ruck-forward Mason Cox was subbed out for Will Hoskin-Elliott during the third quarter with just three disposals to his name.
Cox looked furious on the bench after being tapped out.
“Mason’s final couple of weeks have not been his finest for the season – that’s what it’s – however we simply needed to vary it up a bit and attempt to play quicker,” McRae stated.
“It means there must be a price someplace and that is why Howey went ahead … we decided the place we thought we might get profit elsewhere.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
