Collingwood coach Craig McRae has admitted he’s worried his side has lost their “spark” in close games after suffering a second-straight defeat by a goal or less. And Sunday’s loss to Fremantle could be compounded by a possible sanction looking over captain Darcy Moore.
Moore slid into the back of Josh Treacy after the Dockers player secured the match-sealing mark. Lachie Schultz heaved the ball forward in the dying stages, but it landed in Treacy’s arms for a 12.7 (79) to 11.12 (78) victory.
Moore came in very late and slid into the back of Treacy on the ground, with his knees collecting the Fremantle player. Treacy cried out in pain as Dockers players remonstrated with Moore, with the umpire paying a 50m penalty to Freo.
Collingwood captain Darcy Moore could be looking at a fine from AFL headquarters. Image: Getty
Moore is likely to attract some attention from the match review officer – even if it’s just a fine. Social media was rife with angry reactions to the incident, with many demanding the AFL issues some sort of sanction to the Collingwood skipper.
One person wrote: “Darcy Moore should be cited for rough conduct for two knees in the back of Treacy there. Treacy had the mark on the ground and was in a vulnerable position.”
Craig McRae’s concerning admission after Collingwood loss
Meanwhile, McRae has expressed concerns over his side’s form in close games. Collingwood have been the masters of tight finishes since McRae took over in 2022, but their one-point loss to Freo came nine days after the ladder leaders fell six points short against Gold Coast.
The Magpies led by 22 points early in the final quarter on Sunday, but conceded the final four goals to go down by a point. “This is not something you’ve ever got handled because every game is opportunity,” McRae said in his post-game press conference.
“Managing those moments will forever be something we need to do. If the scoreboard is an indication, we haven’t managed it well enough (in the last two weeks). We’ve lost three close games this year. Have we lost our spark? You’d hope not. But reality is, we’ll keep getting better at it. I’d rather learn these lessons now.”
Josh Treacy cried out in pain after being collected by Darcy Moore. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
The Pies were dominant in inside-50s, winning the count 63-40. But McRae lamented his side’s lack of connection up forward. “I had this real inner trust and belief that we were doing enough right in the game … the pressure was there,” McRae said.
“It shows how we thought Fremantle were really, really good. When they needed to get the job done, they really came hard. They play a good brand of footy when they’re up and going fast. Maybe they should play a bit more of that at times. It’s a good version of them.”
Justin Longmuir celebrates with Fremantle players after their win over Collingwood. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
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The upset victory sends Fremantle into seventh spot – two games clear of the ninth-placed Western Bulldogs – as they aim to play finals footy for the first time since 2022. The Dockers have now beaten five of the other seven top-eight teams, and they are yet to face second-placed Brisbane.
“What we’ve been doing for 10 to 12 weeks now is just live in the moment,” coach Justin Longmuir said. “Understand we’ve got processes to be able to enjoy wins, move on from wins, and then prepare for the (next) opposition. Our fans can get excited. Absolutely. People within our footy club will get excited. But as far as the coaching group and players are concerned, we’ve just got to enjoy this and then move on.”
with AAP