Collingwood coach Craig McRae has been left wondering what might have been, conceding his AFL ladder leaders lacked the courage to attack in the last quarter of their four-point loss to Melbourne.
The Magpies trailed by 19 points during the final term but got back within a kick through goals from Brody Mihocek and Nick Daicos deep into time-on.
At that stage, those in the 83,578-strong crowd who stayed to the end sensed another remarkable comeback might have been on the cards.
But the Demons hung on when tough midfielder Jack Viney won the crucial last clearance out of the centre square in the dying seconds.
McRae conceded the game was lost about 20 minutes earlier.
“We weren’t brave enough early in the last quarter. I wanted it to be a bit more like what we saw in the last five minutes,” he said.
“I’d rather lose by 10 goals, I really would, rather than die wondering. That’s always been our mantra – let’s not sit and wait and ask questions.
“I just thought we were a bit too safe at times, but credit to the opposition. Their contest and their defensive system was really strong.”
Collingwood managed just nine goals and 17 scoring shots from 49 forward entries in a loss that ended their winning streak at eight matches.
“There’s two parts to it; their pressure and handling those moments when they’re coming at us pretty fast, and not connecting,” McRae said.
“We’ve been the best team inside-50 in the last four weeks in terms of connection. Today we were a bit off.”
McRae refused to use illness as an excuse for his side after star midfielder Josh Daicos was among a group of players under a cloud during the build-up.
The coach clarified late withdrawal Jack Ginnivan was managed and said Dan McStay was not considered for a return from injury after copping a knock to the finger he had operated on at training.
Key forward McStay and Jamie Elliott (shoulder) are in the frame to play against Adelaide after next round’s bye.
McRae also eased injury fears over captain Darcy Moore, who required treatment on an ankle complaint during the final quarter against Melbourne.
“Early reports are it’s just a little sprain that’s swollen up a little bit,” McRae said.
“We’ve got 13 days before our next game, so I’m sure he’ll be right.”