PRESSURE is mounting on Collingwood’s defence to up the ante in round two of the NAB Challenge held at Robertson Oval on Saturday.
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Magpies coach Nathan Buckley wants the team to focus on limiting North Melbourne’s attack after leaking 16 goals in their round one clash against Geelong on Friday.
“Kicking 130 points was pretty handy but having 120 kicked against you is not what we’re looking for,” Buckley said.
“There were a couple of super goals in there but it’s still 16 goals against, so we need to improve the defensive aspects of the game.”
He pinpointed the stoppage goals scored against them in the second quarter and called on players to show more initiative in working the ball out of the back half.
Considering their opponents have proved they, too, can muster a comeback, boasting a punchy 44-point win in round one, Buckley’s under no illusions about the task ahead.
“North Melbourne scored really heavily two weeks ago against Saint Kilda,” he said.
However, two tough games early on can only play to their advantage according to Buckley.
“It’s a good way for us to go in,” Buckley said.
Buckley deflected questions about the Swans’ controversial decision to switch the first round game from ANZ Stadium to the SCG, opting to discuss a more positive venue topic; playing to a regional crowd in Wagga.
“We love the opportunity to travel to a regional area and press the flesh with our supporter base there,” Buckley said.