The first thing that has to be said is that Collingwood could hardly ask for a tougher schedule to start 2024.
GWS in Sydney, followed by a confident Swans side made it clear that the Magpies would have to earn every goal.
But aside from the fact that they have been outplayed and out-pressured in the first two games of the season, the defensive woes stand out early doors.
Last year, Collingwood’s defence conceded an average of 73.3 points a game on the way to the minor premiership and then the flag.
After two games of 2024, however, the Pies are averaging 108 points a game in defence. And they are scoring an average of 75.5 points a game. Craig McRae will need to shift that fairly quickly.
But beyond the scoreline are the same issues identified before this game – the marks inside 50, 19 for Sydney against nine for the Pies; the turnovers (72-66), and although the home side won contested possessions, they could not turn that into shots on goal or goals themselves.
Eight less scoring shots, and those shots were under more pressure. There’s a fair bit of work to be done here for the Pies.
And next up? The Brisbane Lions at the Gabba in the grand final rematch.
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