Collingwood's third quarter defence has become a crisis
Collingwood has not won a single third quarter all season and gives up an average of 25.3 points in that term.
Collingwood's AFLW team has a problem it cannot hide: it folds in the third quarter. Coach Sam Wright acknowledged the pattern after Saturday's loss to Geelong, where the Pies trailed by three at half time but conceded six goals in the third to blow out the margin.
The club has not won a third quarter all year. The defence gives up an average of 25.3 points in that term alone.
Wright said the team must adjust its system when the pressure lifts after half time, because opponents adjust theirs. The Pies are strong early but cannot sustain intensity when the game shifts.
Seven different Collingwood players kicked goals, a sign the attack is improving, but the defence remains a liability.
- 25.3 average
- Third quarter points conceded
- 0 all season
- Third quarters won
- 6
- Goals conceded vs Geelong third quarter
- Sam Wright
- Coach
Why it mattersA third-quarter collapse costs games. If Collingwood fixes it, the team becomes a finals threat; if not, it will keep losing close matches.
AustraliaAFLW fans and players will watch closely to see if Sam Wright can solve this tactical problem that defines the Magpies' season.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 5 d ago
