The Collingwood veteran is not buying into any of the criticism ahead of the Crows showdown.
Ahead of the Crows grudge match, a Collingwood star denies derogatory rumours about Craig McRae’s team.
Jack Crisp has responded…
Ace of Collingwood After suffering in the latter part of the season, Jack Crisp has responded to claims that the Magpies team is too old to win the AFL Premiership this year. Before injuries and a decline in form caused them to win just three of their following eight games, Craig McRae’s team maintained their top spot on the ladder for 11 weeks of the AFL season. The Magpies will face the Adelaide Crows in the qualifying final after clinging to a top four finish. There have been claims, though, that Collingwood’s ageing roster has hurt them in the latter part of the season. Despite losing their initial game, Collingwood overcame their detractors and began the season in spectacular form.
With Collingwood dominating the tournament, supporters began to speculate that McRae could have struck the ideal balance between youth and experience. With an average age of 28.7, the Pies have the oldest roster in the AFL thanks to players like Scott Pendlebury (37), Jeremy Howe (35), Steele Sidebottom (34), Jamie Elliott (33), Crisp (32) and Brody Mihocek (32). At 26.8 years, it’s nearly two years older than Geelong, the second-oldest team.
However, Collingwood’s intensity has undoubtedly decreased since responding to the critics in the early going of the season. Additionally, it was suggested that McRae consider resting Nick Daicos in order to prepare him for a demanding finals campaign.
Crisp, however, has supported McRae and his teammates after dismissing rumours that the team may have reached their breaking point before Thursday’s game against Adelaide. “We see how often people play to a much older age bracket these days, and if you can still impact and play your role at a high level, why do you have to be too old to play football?” Crisp informed AAP. It all comes down to how well we work together as a team and as a system. And we were doing it incredibly well for seventy-five percent of the year. So, if you want to write us off, do so at your own risk.
Jack Crisp has responded…
Collingwood’s midfield has undoubtedly suffered from injuries, and the AFL community took issue with McRae’s request that Daicos not be rested. Despite a challenging year, Crisp asserted that he feels rejuvenated and prepared to go.
Perhaps in the latter part of the year, there were a few discussions about whether or not I would be a substitute to assist other players,” Crisp remarked. However, based on the way the games have gone and perhaps a few unexpected injuries to the boys, we put that behind us. “But I’m feeling fresh as a daisy, ready to attack finals – best time of year.” Before the finals, players like Jordan De Goey also got back to their best for the Magpies. Unfortunately, after hurting his groin during the match against Melbourne, Jeremy Howe is in a race to recover.
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