Collingwood’s Forward Line Needs a Leader
Collingwood forward Dan McStay is being called upon to step up and take charge of the team’s forward line. The Magpies have struggled offensively over the past 12 months, managing to score over 100 points only once in their last 22 games—against Essendon, who are currently at the bottom of the table.
The situation has been made worse by key injuries. Jamie Elliott suffered a significant knee injury during Collingwood’s match against West Coast, which has cost the club 230 games and 364 goals from a lineup that was already under pressure. Will Hayes’ shoulder injury also adds to the challenges, as he had become a reliable contributor this season. Meanwhile, Bobby Hill has missed the last two VFL matches, delaying his return to AFL action.
The loss of four-time club leading goal kicker Brody Mihocek and Mason Cox, who was an important structural piece for the team, has further weakened the forward line. This puts the onus on McStay, who is now the central figure in the Magpies’ attack for the foreseeable future.
McStay, 30, has never kicked more than 28 goals in a season, but he is on track to break that record this year. Through 11 matches, he has scored 19.7 goals, going without a goal just once. Since joining Collingwood as a free agent in 2022, he has finally found a combination of form and fitness. His elite goal-kicking accuracy has helped, but he is also marking the ball well and competing strongly in the air. He is above average in contested marks and general marks.
McStay has also been seizing his opportunities effectively. In the recent match against West Coast, a crucial goal in the final quarter from a ruck contest inside 50 proved decisive in the game’s outcome.
Improving Midfield Performance
The midfield needs to be more targeted with their ball movement. Collingwood is currently in the bottom six of the competition for marks inside 50. Without better compliance with method, this issue won’t improve, especially with the current support for McStay.
The Magpies are also the worst in the competition at scoring from stoppages—a statistic where top teams punish opponents. When Collingwood locks the ball inside 50, they can rely on players like Lachie Schultz and others to outwork opponents with their hunger and intent. The third quarter against West Coast was a clear example of this, and it must be a focus for the 5-1-5 side.
Potential Returns and Squad Depth
Collingwood could welcome back Tim Membrey next week when they face the Western Bulldogs. Membrey played in the VFL on Saturday and finished with five disposals. Jack Buller has been in and out of the AFL team and kicked three goals.
Membrey is coming off a hamstring injury and hasn’t featured since Anzac Day, but he managed to kick nine goals in his first seven games of the season. Harvey Harrison is also likely to make an impact, having not played at AFL level since before an ACL rupture in 2024. He is a like-for-like replacement for small forwards like Elliott and Hayes, and he kicked two goals from 24 disposals in the VFL. He has also been given midfield time and has 14 goals in 16 AFL games.
Nick Daicos has spent more time in the forward line recently, but he is too valuable to the midfield to spend large chunks of the game in attack.
Upcoming Fixtures and Challenges
Collingwood has a decisive fortnight ahead, facing fellow top 10 aspirants Western Bulldogs and Melbourne. After the bye, they will face a string of winnable games. However, the going looks much tougher without the experience of Elliott.
