Missed Bucks’ latest weekly press conference? Here are some of the key takeaways from Wednesday’s presser.
Despite a nerve-wracking final-quarter, the Pies suffered a disappointing loss to Essendon on Sunday. Bucks’ reflected on the team’s issue of low-kicking and stressed that a key focus for the side is to play out the full four quarters.
- “It’s not going to change in one session and it’s a bit of an outlier for us. We’re still finding a way for better with the new young players we’ve brought it. There’s a bit of ownership of the players to make the right decision at the right time.”
- “We know there’s some areas we’re focusing on as we think they’re going to make distinct shifts in our capacity to find our best footy and to be more efficient.”
- “We’ve been competitive and we’ve had ourselves in positions to win games in the last four weeks, three of those games – Brisbane, GWS and last week Essendon – we were in the game in the last quarter with momentum and have been unable to finish it.”
- “We’re searching for better and we think we’re capable of better than that.”
With several of the side’s senior players currently sidelined with injury, Bucks said that this continues to present opportunities for the club’s younger players to step up at AFL level.
- “We’ve introduced some really good young players who have the capacity to make good decisions and use the ball well.”
- “We’ll give taste and opportunity to our young players when they’re ready and when it’s the right time for them and us.”
- “A few injuries to first choice players in the last two or three weeks and that’s providing opportunity for our young blokes to come up. We don’t have the depth of experience of AFL talent over an extended period of time so it’s a great opportunity for our young boys.”
Magpie fans are set to see the return of Jordan De Goey and Mark Keane on Saturday, while Darcy Moore will remain in the forward line.
- “De Goey has passed his concussion tests and will play on Saturday. Mark Keane will also be back against the Suns, we think he can be a real player for us.”
- “With Mark Keane coming back it allows Darcy Moore to stay forward.”
De Goey and Keane will return for the Suns on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/UYfZWgtK7R
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) April 28, 2021
Again questioned about his position as coach beyond 2021, Bucks expressed his desire to continue to serve as coach but respects the decision will come down to what’s best for the club.
- “Do I want to continue? Yes. Do I want to coach? Yes. We’ll have that conversation in the back half of the year. The only thing that matters is what’s the best thing for the club. There's plenty of water to go under the bridge for the best course of action.”
- “I really enjoy and am passionate about this club. I love this club.”
- “I’ve been a senior coach for ten years. I’ve had hard days and good days. My drive comes from seeing young men make their opportunities. I feel very fortunate to be able to do that and it gives me great energy to do that.”
