Collingwood want improved MCG returns

Finals are gone from Collingwood’s radar but the final fortnight of the AFL season gives the Magpies to improve their worst statistic of 2017: their record at the MCG.

Nathan Buckley’s side have won just three times at their home ground this season from 12 attempts.

Not since 1999 – when the Magpies finished on the bottom of the ladder for just the second time in their history – have they won fewer.

Collingwood face Geelong and then Melbourne at the MCG on consecutive Saturdays to complete their campaign.

Buckley said it was imperative his side – which includes debutant Josh Daicos – remembered the lore of the grand old ground as they looked to finish the season on a high.

“We don’t take any opportunity to pull the guernsey on for granted,” he said.

“We will play on the MCG against some finals-bound teams in front of our faithful doing something that we’ve dreamed of as kids through our whole childhood.

“We’re not going to take that for granted.

“We’ll have 22 fit players that will take the park and we want to play as good football as we possibly can.

“There’s plenty enough time to rest through the off-season. The pre-season will come around soon enough.”

Buckley suggested his side’s poor run at home didn’t bother him specifically, saying “if we can get a couple more wins there we’ll take that”.

Collingwood’s last month has included three and a half wins – a draw with league-leaders Adelaide at the MCG included.

It hasn’t been enough to save their finals chances, which were officially extinguished by Port Adelaide last week.

Buckley said he didn’t envisage a change in his players’ mindset

“We weren’t keeping an eye on the odds (of playing finals),” he said.

“I’ve been proud of the players ability to maintain their discipline and energy levels and the way we’ve handled the last four or five weeks.

“We didn’t quite get to the level last week but I’ve got to reason to suspect there will be a drop off just because the mathematical chance of finals is gone.”

COLLINGWOOD’S LAST DECADE AT THE MCG:

* 2017 – 3.5 wins / 12 games

* 2016 – 6 / 14

* 2015 – 8 / 14

* 2014 – 8 / 14

* 2013 – 9 / 15 (finals: 0/1)

* 2012 – 11 / 16 (finals: 1/2)

* 2011 – 14 / 17 (finals: 2/3)

* 2010 – 15 / 18 (finals: 3.5/4)

* 2009 – 10 / 17

* 2008 – 8 / 15

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