New captain Darcy Moore is already daring to dream of steering Collingwood to their subsequent AFL premiership.
Buoyed by the Magpies’ gorgeous rise in Craig McRae’s first 12 months on the helm, Moore has excessive hopes for 2023 as he takes the reins from former skipper Scott Pendlebury.
But the 27-year-old is aware of success is not assured after Collingwood’s slim preliminary-final defeat to Sydney final September.
“This team is definitely capable of anything,” Moore mentioned.
“We showed that last year coming so close to a grand final and two weeks before that coming so close to the eventual premier (Geelong).
“That actually excites us.”
Collingwood lost ruckman Brodie Grundy and talented young forward Ollie Henry in the off-season but added Brownlow Medal winner Tom Mitchell to their on-ball division.
Key forward Dan McStay, Bobby Hill and Billy Frampton also arrived from rival clubs.
“We’ve had a busy interval within the low season with plenty of change, bringing in some guys with some nice expertise, who already over the summer season have added so much,” Moore mentioned.
“But chemistry takes time and that is not a given, so we’re beneath no illusions we’ll must work laborious at that, laborious over the early a part of the season to ensure we will transfer ahead and progress as a crew.”
Collingwood made a giant leap from 17th in 2021 to a preliminary final last year, unexpectedly surging into flag contention under first-year coach McRae.
It gave the Magpies belief a premiership is possible this season but also put their rivals on notice.
“We’re making an attempt to enhance however it’s a bloody laborious competitors and all groups work as laborious as one another,” Moore mentioned.
“We’re going to have to remain forward of the curve in lots of respects as a result of groups are going to expect our greatest this season and there might be nowhere to cover.”
Collingwood open their 2023 marketing campaign in opposition to reigning premiers Geelong on the MCG on March 17.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
