Collingwood Football Club's 2024 Season Predictions and Player Analysis Guide

As I sit here looking at the fixture list for Collingwood's 2024 season, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. You see, I've been following this club since my grandfather first took me to Victoria Park back in the late 90s, and there's something about this particular squad that feels different - special even. While I was researching for this piece, I stumbled upon something fascinating from the world of basketball that got me thinking about our beloved Magpies. The Philippine Basketball Federation's executive director Erika Dy and technical academy head Andrew Teh recently made a compelling case about giving the NCAA access to the same quality referees that other top leagues enjoy. This got me reflecting on how crucial fair officiating and proper resources are across all sports - including our own AFL.

Now, I know what you're thinking - what does basketball in the Philippines have to do with Collingwood's 2024 prospects? Well, everything really. That story about ensuring equal access to competent officiating highlights how the little things outside a team's direct control can dramatically impact performance. Remember that controversial game against Carlton last season where three questionable decisions cost us 18 points? That's exactly the kind of situation proper resources and training for officials could prevent. The Magpies need consistency not just from our players but from everyone involved in the game.

Let's talk about our list for a moment. Darcy Moore returning from his hamstring issues gives me genuine hope - when he's fit, our defense transforms completely. Last season we conceded an average of 84 points per game with him versus 102 without. Those numbers might not be perfect, but they tell a story about his importance. Then there's Nick Daicos, who at just 21 is already playing like he's been in the system for a decade. I watched him dismantle Geelong single-handedly last April, and I haven't seen composure like that since Nathan Buckley's prime. Personally, I think we should be building our midfield around him more aggressively - he's that good.

The forward line worries me though, I won't lie. Brody Mihocek is reliable as ever, but we're still missing that explosive key forward who can kick 60+ goals a season. Remember when we had Travis Cloke in his prime? The man was a machine, averaging 2.8 goals per game between 2010-2013. We haven't properly replaced that consistent threat, and it shows in close games where we struggle to convert inside 50s into scores. Against top-four sides last year, our conversion rate was just 42% compared to Richmond's 58% - those numbers keep me up at night if I'm being honest.

What really excites me though is our young talent. I've been watching training sessions whenever I can get down to Olympic Park, and let me tell you - Harvey Harrison looks ready for a breakout season. The kid's got pace to burn and his decision-making has improved dramatically. Then there's Ed Allan, who reminds me so much of a young Scott Pendlebury with his time and space awareness. If these two develop as I expect, we could have the most dynamic young midfield in the competition by season's end.

Our draw looks relatively favorable too, with only 6 interstate trips compared to some teams facing 8 or more. Those long flights take more out of players than people realize - the recovery time increases by about 30% according to sports scientists I've spoken with. Having more games at the MCG, where we've won 68% of our matches over the past five seasons, could be the difference between finishing fourth and sneaking into the top two.

The competition isn't standing still though. Melbourne has strengthened significantly, Brisbane looks hungrier than ever after their grand final heartbreak, and Carlton seems to have our number recently. But here's what I believe sets Collingwood apart - our culture. That never-say-die attitude we saw throughout last season's finals series wasn't accidental. It's bred through the leadership of figures like Taylor Adams and the coaching staff who've created an environment where players genuinely fight for each other. I've spoken to several players off the record, and they all mention how the "side-by-side" mentality isn't just a slogan - it's how they actually approach every game.

Looking at our fixture, I've circled rounds 7-12 as potentially season-defining. We face Brisbane away, Melbourne at the MCG, then travel to Perth before hosting Geelong. That stretch could make or break our top-four aspirations. If we can emerge with 4 wins from those 6 games, I'm confident we'll be playing finals football come September. My prediction? We'll finish between 3rd and 5th, with our percentage sitting around 112-118%. Not quite premiership favorites in my book, but definitely in that second tier of genuine contenders.

At the end of the day, football's beauty lies in its unpredictability. Who could have predicted Mason Cox's fairytale rise or Jordan De Goey's transformation from troubled talent to midfield bull? That's why we love this game - for all the statistics and analysis, it's the human stories that truly capture our hearts. And something tells me Collingwood has a few more incredible stories waiting to be written in 2024.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-14 14:01