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Tim Watson’s premiership tip ahead of finals
SEN • September 3rd, 2025 1:09 pm
Tim Watson is not giving up on Collingwood despite some subpar form leading into this year’s finals series.
While the Magpies won their last home and away game over Melbourne, it was a struggle to get over the line against the Demons.
Prior to that Craig McRae’s side had lost five of six and relinquished their position on top of the ladder as a result.
Ahead of Thursday night’s Qualifying Final against the Crows in Adelaide, Watson asked SEN Breakfast co-host Garry Lyon if he has any queries on the Pies given their worrisome form of late.
Watson asked: “Are you holding your breath on Collingwood?
“Or are you now believing that what we saw over the last six or so weeks is real and alarming in some way?”
Lyon reeled off the recent win-loss records of the final eight teams when pondering Collingwood’s current situation.
He admits it is not ideal but has faith that the Maggies are a good enough team to step up when it counts.
“That recent record of the finalists - you can go back as far as you want,” he replied.
“Adelaide have won nine in a row. Geelong have won 13 of 15. Brisbane have won six of eight.
“Giants nine of 10. Freo nine of 11. Gold Coast seven of 10. Hawthorn nine of 11.
“Five of 10 for Collingwood. So it is dramatic. The ones that form-wise (have struggled).
“But I give them an outstanding chance of winning.”
Watson insists that even though they’ve lowered their colours in recent times, the Pies should not be underestimated in September.
“The last time they went over to Adelaide they didn’t convert, but had 71 inside 50s on a wet night,” he added, referencing the dramatic three-point loss at the Adelaide Oval in Round 23.
“It was a narrow loss against a really good team and in front of a hostile crowd. In that environment that’s a difficult thing to overcome.
“I haven’t given up on Collingwood. I still think Collingwood are going to win the flag.”
The Pies and Crows kick off the 2025 finals series at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday night from 7:40pm AEST (7:10pm ACST).
