Collingwood are AFL premiers after a near-perfect season under coach Craig McRae.
A preliminary final heartbreak in 2022 is a distant memory, and with the talent and culture at the pulse of the club, it's an exciting time to be a Magpies fan.
Letter Grade: A+
The Sporting News takes a look at Collingwood's 2023 season.
Did Collingwood over/under achieve in 2023?
With their 16th VFL/AFL premiership in hand, there can be no doubt that Collingwood met all expectations this season.
The Magpies hardly took a backward step, emerging as table leaders in Round 7 and surging to the top spot ahead of the finals with 17 wins.
In September, it was typical Collingwood play as the side composed itself in narrow wins over Melbourne, GWS, and Brisbane to take home the flag.
McRae and his side proved that the fairytale 2022 season was no fluke, and make no mistake, they'll be back to do it again.
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What worked?
Much can be said of about the quality of Nick Daicos and captain Darcy Moore, but it was the team mentality instilled by McRae that got Collingwood over the line.
The club which so often alienated opposition fans instead became one of the most likeable and exciting in the competition.
McRae's philosophy of fun and positivity brought the best out of his players and proved genius on Grand Final day.
What went wrong?
Collingwood lost three of four games from Rounds 20 to 23, which was the only smear on an otherwise perfect season.
Those losses can be attributed to the absence of Daicos and Moore as the side had its struggles in the midfield and defence.
BUY: 2023 AFL Collingwood Premiers Card Set - 25-card box set commemorating the Magpies premiership win
Collingwood best player
Star midfielder-forward Jordan De Goey had an excellent finish to the season, but there's no denying the season of Daicos.
The second-year star finished third in the Brownlow Medal and would have won it outright if not for his late-season knee injury.
Brother Josh Daicos was also a standout, earning All-Australian honours as a genuine wingman for his consistent efforts.
Who should Collingwood target in the AFL trade period?
A ruck and key forward stocks are on the list for Collingwood, who are always looking to improve under McRae.
Veterans Todd Goldstein and Scott Lycett are potential ruck options for the side while a forward suitor is yet to come into focus.
The Magpies could also shift picks in the late first and second rounds.
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