READ > No secret to Lockyer's durability

COLLINGWOOD midfielder Tarkyn Lockyer believes the sole explanation behind the Magpies' erratic form this year is lapses in concentration.

The Magpies have been hard to pick this season, having beaten Geelong, St Kilda and the Sydney Swans and handing West Coast a 100-point thumping.

However, they've lost to bottom-eight teams, including twice to Carlton, while being highly competitive against North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs without nabbing the win.

After 16 rounds, the Pies are fifth on the ladder with nine wins and seven losses, with recent inconsistency the reason a top four spot has gone begging.

"If I could answer that, I would probably be the senior coach," Lockyer said, when asked why the Magpies have been unpredictable lately.

"I think everyone is scratching their head as to why we can get up for some weeks and then others we don't play to our best.

"That's the challenge not only for us, but for every side in the comp – to get that consistent, good quality performance.

"I've got no doubt that this week we'll come out and we'll probably play better than we did last week.

"It's about doing that week in, week out, which is what makes a good side. That's why Geelong is so good, because not only do they produce really good football, but they do it week in, week out."

The 28-year-old, who will play his 100th consecutive game this weekend, has no doubt there's a psychological reason behind the Pies' tendency to lose winnable games.

"It's about concentration and execution, it's about listening to the coaches and trying to execute their game plan. It's a bit of everything," he said.

"I think we've just got to pick up in all areas."

Collingwood's loss to North Melbourne last Friday night has left such a bitter taste that Lockyer believes the group has already learned from it.

"It was very disappointing. We were certainly beaten by a much better side on the day," he said.

"The Kangaroos well and truly outplayed us so they deserved to win, but the boys have been disappointed, which is good because it obviously means it hurts.

"We're really looking forward to the challenge of facing an up-and-coming Essendon side this week, who goes out there and plays every game like it's their last.

"They go out and they have nothing to lose, so we know it's going to be a really good challenge for us."