Why it's time for Pies skipper to consider VFL stint

Kane Cornes has again criticised Collingwood skipper Darcy Moore, after his dismal performance in their 20-point loss to Geelong on Friday night.

Moore played as the Pies’ loose defender, managing just eight touches for the game.

It’s a big change from the start of the year, as Collingwood entered as reigning premiers.

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Now, Cornes says Moore has a lot to answer for, suggesting that after another loss to the Pies, the captain should consider a stint in the VFL.

“Either play Darcy Moore, give him a challenge on the oppostion’s best player, or send him forward … which you know he can do, or put him in the VFL,” Cornes said on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.

“I think it’s almost at that level (to be dropped to the VFL), for the Collingwood captain, who clearly is not smiling now.”

But where exactly has Moore gone so wrong?

The loss of Pies lock down defender Nathan Murphy, who was forced to medically retire earlier this season due to ongoing concussion issues, has meant Moore’s usual role as a roaming intercept defender is no longer viable.

Without Murphy, the Pies backline has struggled to find their mojo that won them a premiership in 2023, with small running defender Isaac Quaynor now faced with some of the games best key forwards.

Cornes holds concerns that Collingwood’s “aura” has diminished, as they sit well outside the top eight on the ladder, with their finals hopes slipping each week.

“They’re not coming from behind (to win games). That aura is gone,” he said.

“Part of that is because of Darcy Moore.

“I’ve been hard on Darcy Moore. I said he plays one good game every six weeks. It may be less than that. It may be less than one good game every six weeks.”

“How they have allowed Isaac Quaynor to play on Jeremy Cameron instead of Darcy Moore, who wants to be the loose (player) or wants to play on the least dangerous opposition forward,” Cornes said.

“That’s all well and good when you want to be the loose and you’re impacting. It’s not well and good when you’re taking one intercept mark and having four kicks.

“And Jeremy Cameron …. he was excited about that match up.”

Collingwood face the high flying Hawks at the MCG in round 19, before clashing with Richmond the following week in must-win matches to keep their finals hopes alive.