Brendan McCartney says Collingwood should re-sign coach Nathan Buckley to “shut everyone up”.
Buckley is into his 10th season as Magpies’ coach in what shapes a crucial year with his current deal set to expire at season's end.
It’s unsure whether Buckley will coach on in 2022, but McCartney believes Collingwood should end speculation surrounding his future by offering him a new deal.
“The one thing they should do is sign him up now and shut everyone up,” the ex-Western Bulldogs coach told SEN Mornings.
“Because he’s consistently shown that he’s a fantastic football person and he’s consistently had his club thereabouts for a significant period of time.
Stay up to date with all the latest news from SEN. Sign up HERE.
“Historically, they’ve managed a pretty solid injury list.
“That’s the one thing they should do as a club, is just settle everything down and let him get on with his job.
“They’ve got some ripping football people there and some tremendous senior players and they’ve been brave. They have gone to the draft in the last couple of years and put some kids on their list which will take some time.”
Collingwood slumped to 1-3 after losing to GWS by 30 points at the MCG, raising freash doubts over their finals credentials.
McCartney said a lack of consistency at the contest is a glaring issue for the Magpies
“Looking at them early in the year … it just didn’t look like they had the same amount of football nous and talent out there,” he said.
“They just didn’t quite look as clever as they were the year before.
“They’re a little bit inconsistent in the contest. When they play well you see them everywhere, getting over to the ball quickly … I haven’t seen that consistently this year.
“It is a long year, it’s four games in. If you’re off the pace at Round 8, the year’s going to be a challenge for you.”
Collingwood travel to Perth to play West Coast at Optus Stadium on Friday night.
More in AFL
“This time next year…”: Cornes’ bold pick for his next AFL head coach in waiting
“I think he is the most ready head coach in waiting.”
“Not ideal”: Hawthorn coach speaks on Allen meeting
“Putting that on Oscar’s plate was far from ideal and certainly not the intention.”
In the gun: Lobb on his third strike, Voss questioned over selection
Kane Cornes and David King have put Michael Voss and Rory Lobb in the Gather Round gun.