A sense of urgency throughout the pre-season will help propel Collingwood into the home and away campaign, according to Jarryd Blair.

It’s a “crunch year” in the opinion of the small forward, and the Magpies’ are well aware of what’s on the line.

“The guys are pretty urgent and desperate to play finals again,” Blair told RSN Radio’s ‘The Breakfast Club’.

“You feel as though with three years without finals footy you’re wasting your career a little bit.

“There is a desperation to get back there for sure.”

Blair is one of five players who remain at Collingwood from the 2010 premiership team.

As he enters the eighth year of his AFL career, he sees comparisons between the current list and the one which went all the way to win the club’s 15th premiership.

“There’s a lot of talent, and it’s pretty young talent,” he said of the current squad.

“But you look at the side of 2010 and that was a pretty young side.

“We don’t think age is a barrier. We don’t want to wait for these guys to play 50 to 100 games and then we’ll put our hands up to play finals. We’re more than capable of performing in big games now.”
 
Blair confirmed his commitment to the club after the 2016 season when he signed a one-year contract extension.

After playing 21 games last year, he is determined to continue a streak of consistent games which has been evident throughout his career.

“Every season, whether I’m contracted or not, I’ve got to try and prove myself again. This year is no different,” he said.

“I’ve averaged slightly less than a goal a game the last few years so upping my scoring rate should be nice too. That should hold me in good stead to be playing week in, week out.”

WATCH the Magpies in Moe: The crucial info for our clash with the Tigers.

The 26-year-old expects the Magpies will take a strong side to the Gippsland region this weekend for a clash with Richmond at Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe.

With the home and away season looming, the forward anticipates a full dress rehearsal as the club returns to the area Blair knows all too well from his junior days.

“I’m really looking forward to getting down there. I’ve played a little bit of football at Moe,” the Wonthaggi product said.

“The people down there are doing it a little bit tough.

“There’s a bit going on with the power plant and there’s a few people out of work so the footy club is excited to get down and put on a good show for the people of Gippsland.”

Collingwood will name its squad to midday for the Saturday afternoon clash with the Tigers.