Cameroon timber Key Posts‘We aren’t getting much from our keys’: McRaeBy
Collingwood coach Craig McRae admits his forward line has some issues to fix, but he thinks work can be done in the next 12 days before their next match.
The Magpies’ key forwards aren’t in great goal-kicking form, and they only kicked 11 goals in tonight’s loss to Adelaide.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae.AFL Photos“That’s the reality. We are not getting much out of our keys [key forwards] – that’s real, and I’m not going to shy away from that,” McRae said.
“We’ve got work to do on that. There is a connection breakdown at times. In the second and fourth quarter we kicked nine of our 11 goals. So you say no then – in the last quarter you would say the connection is pretty good.
“We’ve got some work to do forward of the ball.”
Latest Posts11.46pm on Mar 14, 2026That’s all for tonightBy
Thanks so much for joining us today and tonight.
That’s all we have for now, but we will have plenty more AFL coverage tomorrow and throughout the week as we head towards round two.
Please have a lovely evening and bye for now.
11.31pm on Mar 14, 2026McRae sees plenty of “blue sky” for Magpies despite lossBy
The Magpies paid dearly for some costly turnovers in the third term and coach Craig McRae noted this during his post game presser.
“That third quarter really shifted momentum. In the end, that was the margin wasn’t it? It was 14 points and they’ve kicked three or four quick goals and here we are,” McRae said.
Darcy Cameron of the Magpies kicks the ball.AFL Photos via Getty Images“We played the team that finished top of the ladder last year and lost by 14 points. I think there is a lot of blue sky in that and we had had our chances.”
McRae said his side was “average” on the night but had plenty of improvement to come.
Pinned post from 11.21pm on Mar 14, 2026
‘We aren’t getting much from our keys’: McRaeBy
Collingwood coach Craig McRae admits his forward line has some issues to fix, but he thinks work can be done in the next 12 days before their next match.
The Magpies’ key forwards aren’t in great goal-kicking form, and they only kicked 11 goals in tonight’s loss to Adelaide.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae.AFL Photos“That’s the reality. We are not getting much out of our keys [key forwards] – that’s real, and I’m not going to shy away from that,” McRae said.
“We’ve got work to do on that. There is a connection breakdown at times. In the second and fourth quarter we kicked nine of our 11 goals. So you say no then – in the last quarter you would say the connection is pretty good.
“We’ve got some work to do forward of the ball.”
10.53pm on Mar 14, 2026Your view: Should all sides start in the same roundBy
10.29pm on Mar 14, 2026Nicks said Rankine is ready to returnBy
Crows coach Matthew Nicks didn’t guarantee star playmaker Izak Rankine would be playing next round, but he made it clear where he wouldn’t be playing.
“I can guarantee you he won’t be playing in the SANFL – I hope he is watching,” Nicks told Fox Footy.
“He’s good to go. We are holding him back. He’s been that keen to play since September last year. He’s done everything but hasn’t missed a beat.”
10.26pm on Mar 14, 2026With Daicos away, the Crows started to playBy Andrew Wu
Nick Daicos was the most influential player on the MCG in the first half. He started the third quarter on the wing.
By the time he was back in the centre square seven minutes later, Adelaide had made their match-winning run.
Nick Daicos of the Magpies celebrates kicking a goal.Getty ImagesThe sight of Daicos patrolling the Members wing was strange at the time, and by game’s end a genuine head scratcher.
Despite a charge in the final quarter, the Pies, who trailed by 37 points entering time-on in the third term, were unable to reel in Adelaide, who prevailed by 14 points – 13.15 (93) to 11.13 (79).
10.16pm on Mar 14, 2026Full-time stats – Pies v CrowsBy
10.14pm on Mar 14, 2026‘It’s huge’: Crows proud to score an early MCG winBy
Crows star Riley Thilthorpe isn’t hiding how important this win was for his club as they chase a premiership in 2026.
“It’s huge to start off like that with a great team win,” Thilthorpe told Fox Footy.
“It will lift all the boys and get us ready for round two.”
Thilthorpe also joked that debutant ruckman Lachlan McAndrew had moved into his house two years ago and hadn’t left.
“He wasn’t signed and was going to play SANFL. He meant to stay for two weeks, and he’s been with me for two years. I can’t get rid of him,” Thilthorpe said with a laugh.
10.06pm on Mar 14, 2026FT: Adelaide 13.15 (93) to Collingwood 10.13 (73)By
The Crows have scored a statement win over Collingwood at the MCG.
It’s a big win for the Crows’ top-four hopes and for their premiership aspirations.
Riley Thilthorpe is congratulated by teammates after kicking a goal.Getty ImagesThe Crows had a late scare with Jordan Dawson landing awkwardly on his back. He appears to be sore but OK.
Time will tell, but his club has the four points at a ground they haven’t had too much success at in recent times.
10.02pm on Mar 14, 2026Elliott keeps the Pies interestedBy
Jamie Elliott has booted another goal.
It might be too little, too late but the Pies will swing for the fences and see if they can conjure a miracle from here.
Crows 91, Pies 73 with two minutes to go.
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