Can Collingwood stop the rot in 2024?

Going back-to-back and winning AFL titles is a yardstick for many of the great AFL sides and Collingwood are under increased scrutiny with many punters and AFL betting sites. 

The manner with which Collingwood won the AFL title last season was hugely impressive and many expected them to kick on in 2024.

However, two defeats from their opening two games played has cast some doubt over how far the Magpies will go this season.

Team to beat

Inevitably, winning the AFL Championship is always going to put a target on the backs of Collingwood.

Aside from a couple of scares last term, 2023 was serene for Collingwood and they are undoubtedly the team to beat in 2024.

Carrying that momentum into 2024 will be something that Collingwood will strive for, and they will be reeling from their poor start to the campaign, which was unforeseen by many AFL punters and betting sites.

New South Walian woe

The brutal nature of the AFL was clear for all to see at Collingwood from the start of the season, as the Magpies succumbed to two losses to Sydney teams.

Conceding 114 points in a chastening defeat on the road at the GWS Giants was a tough one to take for Collingwood, who looked to struggle with the intensity of the season opener.

Similarly, a 69-102 loss at home to Sydney, will have all at the Magpies panicking and they were once again overwhelmed both defensively and in the attacking areas.

No panic yet

For all the conjecture surrounding Collingwood this season, no AFL fan will be writing off the Magpies just yet.

They are a side that have continually pushed the envelope with many AFL betting apps and no team that wins the AFL championship becomes bad overnight.

The cruel nature of the AFL is epitomised by Collingwood having to travel to old foes St Kilda next and they will be desperate to pick up their first win of the season and ease the growing pressure.