Collingwood coach Craig McRae has been left questioning what might need been, conceding his AFL ladder leaders lacked the braveness to assault within the final quarter of their four-point loss to Melbourne.
The Magpies trailed by 19 factors in the course of the last time period however bought again inside a kick by means of targets from Brody Mihocek and Nick Daicos deep into time-on.
At that stage, these within the 83,578-strong crowd who stayed to the top sensed one other exceptional comeback might need been on the playing cards.
But the Demons held on when robust midfielder Jack Viney gained the essential final clearance out of the centre sq. within the dying seconds.
McRae conceded the sport was misplaced about 20 minutes earlier.
“We weren’t brave enough early in the last quarter. I wanted it to be a bit more like what we saw in the last five minutes,” he mentioned.
“I’d rather lose by 10 goals, I really would, rather than die wondering. That’s always been our mantra – let’s not sit and wait and ask questions.
“I simply thought we have been a bit too secure at occasions, however credit score to the opposition. Their contest and their defensive system was actually sturdy.”
Collingwood managed just nine goals and 17 scoring shots from 49 forward entries in a loss that ended their winning streak at eight matches.
“There’s two elements to it; their strain and dealing with these moments once they’re coming at us fairly quick, and never connecting,” McRae mentioned.
“We’ve been the most effective group inside-50 within the final 4 weeks when it comes to connection. Today we have been a bit off.”
McRae refused to use illness as an excuse for his side after star midfielder Josh Daicos was among a group of players under a cloud during the build-up.
The coach clarified late withdrawal Jack Ginnivan was managed and said Dan McStay was not considered for a return from injury after copping a knock to the finger he had operated on at training.
Key forward McStay and Jamie Elliott (shoulder) are in the frame to play against Adelaide after next round’s bye.
McRae also eased injury fears over captain Darcy Moore, who required treatment on an ankle complaint during the final quarter against Melbourne.
“Early stories are it is just a bit sprain that is swollen up just a little bit,” McRae mentioned.
“We’ve bought 13 days earlier than our subsequent recreation, so I’m positive he’ll be proper.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
