Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes says he is still apprehensive when it comes to Collingwood‘s chances of doing damage in the finals, despite a nine-match winning streak.
The Magpies kept their run going with a pulsating after-the-siren win over Essendon, which was the latest in a number of heart-stoppers during the streak.
While Collingwood has gone from 17th last year to being entrenched inside the top four, Cornes said the streak had hidden some glaring issues during games.
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“I’m not a believer yet,” he told Nine’s Footy Classified.
“I’m so impressed by what they’ve done – 17th to the top four that they’re in now – but if you look closely at some of the issues they’ve got I don’t think you can paper over these cracks that are appearing.
“They have beaten the 15th-ranked team, 12th, 18th, 16th and 14th by 32 points collectively.
“I don’t think they’re going to do too much damage in the finals. I wouldn’t be surprised if they bowed out in straight sets.”
Cornes pointed out some stats where Collingwood ranks in the bottom half of the ladder during its streak, including a league-worst ranking in points from centre bounces.
Between rounds 10 and 19, the Magpies rank 16th in disposal efficiency percentage differential, 13th in contested possession differential, 14th in uncontested possession differential, 12th in points for and 17th in goals per inside 50.
Despite Cornes’ doubts on Collingwood’s finals credentials, Essendon great Matthew Lloyd said the Magpies “could beat anybody on their day”.
Cornes also pointed out a selection headache that awaits Magpies coach Craig McRae as star ruckman Brodie Grundy nears his return from a long-term knee injury.
Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox have done an admirable job in splitting the ruck duties in the two-time All-Australian’s absence, but Cornes suggested the trio could not all play in the same side.
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“I think this is an issue for them,” he said.
“I think Cox will be out of the side as soon as Brodie Grundy comes back in and Cameron will be the forward.
“Draper nearly ripped the game apart from them, so if you want to play Cox, Cameron and Grundy in the same side, you’re more than welcome to.”
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