Collingwood has gone from 2018 runners up, to upset in the 2019 Preliminary Final to scraping into the eight in 2020.
Because of it, they take on West Coast in an Elimination Final and must overcome the toughest road trip in the game to keep their finals hopes alive.
Kane Cornes wonders what caused Collingwood’s steep offensive drop off this year.
“They can’t score so what has happened to their game style? They’ve averaged 56 points per game this year,” he told SEN’s Whateley.
“I’ve been thinking – how can they beat the Eagles this weekend? I don’t think they can … I can’t mount a case for them to beat the Eagles.
“A lot of people say they travel well, well they’ve been to Perth three times this year and only won one of those which was against Geelong and was their best win of the year.
“They got smashed by the Eagles in Round 8 and also lost to Fremantle as well.
“I can’t make a case for it. They’ve got some list decisions and the fallout from that after this game will be significant. Brody Mihocek, Jordan De Goey, Darcy Moore as well.
“Have they missed their window? I don’t think it’s that dire yet, but when you start to look at some of the age demographics of their players, have they missed the opportunity and was this their sweet spot to win it?
“It’s just their game style … they’ve been 13th for attack, yes their defence has been good, but I can’t mount a case for them. Who is going to kick a big bag for them to win them a final? De Goey is okay, but 12 goals in eight games is not great.”
They take on the Eagles on Saturday night at Optus Stadium, with the winner facing the loser of Port Adelaide versus Geelong.