Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Find your frequency hereHodge's message to Magpies captain ahead of Crows clash
Jaiden Sciberras • August 13th, 2025 9:08 am
A top four spot could well and truly be on the line for Collingwood, after a late-season collapse sees them fighting for a coveted double chance.
But what needs to be done to flip their fortunes?
While it’s likely that the injured stars will transform their questionable form upon return, the Pies need to locate a quick fix if they want to lock up a favourable spot come September, and with the Crows and Demons to come, there’s hardly room for adjustments.
It goes without saying that reinforcement is required in the back half. Young Charlie Dean has struggled at the level, while the absence of Jeremy Howe has completely rid Darcy Moore’s freedom to intercept.
The back half has played with a clear void of confidence, and with difficulty in the midfield mix, the defensive unit has certainly been tested over their dire stretch of four losses in five games.
Ahead of the contest with Adelaide, the Pies need to find a way to sure up their back 50, and as expressed by Hawthorn legend Luke Hodge, it all starts with the club captain.
“I want to see a stable defence,” Hodge told SEN’s Whateley.
“I want to see Darcy Moore, when there’s a chance to tap or grab the ball in your defensive 50, as a leader in that first contest that you go to, you stand up.
“You don’t play this fancy, knock the ball on, lively football. You do that centre forward. As a defender, as a captain and as a stable defence, you need to be there to back up your midfielders if the ball comes through.
“Don’t play lairy football. Defenders aren’t supposed to play lairy football unless it’s on your terms, and you’re trying to start the game up. Early in the game, be stable, shut the game down, don’t get that crowd involved, and let your mids do what they can do.
“That’s what I want to see from Collingwood from this weekend. It doesn’t mean they have to win the game – you want to see a stable defence, get back a few guys over the next couple of weeks, and they can hit the finals running.”
A win over the Crows confirms a double chance for the Pies, while a loss will lead to a very nervy Round 24 contest against a Troy Chaplin-led Demons.
