Collingwood were busy in the trade period after falling just one point short of a Grand Final berth in 2022.
After exceeding all expectations in Craig McRae’s first season in charge, the Magpies didn’t dare stand still as they brought in ready-made quartet Tom Mitchell, Dan McStay, Bobby Hill and Billy Frampton.
While each incoming Magpie has had their value questioned, SEN’s Sam Edmund believes McStay, Mitchell and Hill in particular are perfect fits for the way Collingwood wants to play.
“They are going to be a fascinating watch, aren’t they? The Pies,” Edmund said on SEN Breakfast.
“Their meteoric rise this year, but the competition catches, solves the riddle to some respect.
“But then they go and top up with guys I reckon fit the puzzle perfectly.
“I know Dan McStay has been heavily debated, but Tom Mitchell in that engine room for a fast midfield and then Bobby Hill up front to add to that mosquito fleet, they’re going to be a really interesting watch, Collingwood.
While Mitchell arrives at Collingwood a three-time best and fairest winner, Brownlow Medallist and two-time All-Australian, his effectiveness and output have been questioned in recent seasons.
Edmund believes the negativity surrounding Mitchell has come from an obsession with pointing out what players can’t do, as opposed to highlighting what they’re good at.
“I think the competition is obsessed to a degree to things players can’t do, as opposed to focusing on the things they can do,” Edmund said.
“What he does, he does very well, all of the work at the coal face, the contested work, the clearance work.
“Is he best the runner in the game? No. Is he the best defensive spreader in the game? Potentially no. Has he been accused of perhaps being possession hungry at the expense of taking territory and moving the ball forward? Perhaps.”
Given that Mitchell has been earmarked for an inside midfield role in black and white, Edmund expects the 29-year-old to be a “perfect fit” in an engine room where he could be the missing piece.
“But I think when you look at Collingwood, he’s the perfect fit,” Edmund said.
“It takes the pressure off Taylor Adams and Scott Pendlebury, their clearance players.
“He just has to do what he does well, just keep playing your one wood, keep pulling it out of the bag.”
Collingwood will hope a fully fit Mitchell makes his club debut in Round 1 of the 2023 season against Geelong.