A HESITANT mindset rather than a lack of talent is behind Collingwood's poor start to the season, says premiership player Jarryd Blair.
The 26-year-old told AFL.com.au that despite injuries, the Magpies were good enough to be performing better than they have so far this year, with Collingwood sitting 14th on the ladder with a 2-5 record after seven rounds.
He suspects the opening-round 80-point thrashing by the Sydney Swans rocked the confidence of some players and the group, hit by injuries and form slumps, had been chasing its tail ever since.
"There has not been one week this season where we have not had plenty of talent in our side," Blair said.
"It's not the cattle that is the problem. It's just probably the mindset that is not getting the job done."
Blair expressed confidence in the Collingwood game plan that has come under criticism because of the lack of defensive pressure being applied at times, and believes a quick turnaround is possible.
"It's definitely not the plan. It's just the matter of getting it done in the heat of battle," Blair said.
He refuted suggestions that there appeared to be a gap between what the coaches wanted and what the players were able to deliver.
"I don't think there is a disconnect. We're pretty diligent in covering off what we need to during the week and are confident with the plans going in [to games]," Blair said.
Blair played in a flag with Collingwood in just his 12th game, and has played 129 of a possible 136 matches since making his debut in round 14, 2010.
Last week Blair kicked his 100th AFL goal, and he has been one of the most consistent pressure forwards in the game this decade.
But he candidly describes his year so far as average.
"I don't think I have been terrible, but I don't think I have been maximising my ability and playing my role to my potential," Blair said.
Blair says it's tough to put a finger on what is behind the blip. At his best, he is a rabid contested ball player who tackles opponents with more ferocity than a cowboy ropes steers at a rodeo.
"In my mind I always endeavour to put pressure on, and this year for me I think I have been underperforming in that area," Blair said.
Blair doesn't use any excuses, but the absence of Dane Swan through injury cannot be underestimated, while Travis Cloke's loss of form and injury to Tyson Goldsack, Travis Varcoe, Marley Williams and Jamie Elliott has only compounded the problems.
A group that is unfamiliar with each other can try hard to play a melody but end up sounding like a cacophony.
It's why the losses of such players are more real and having a more immediate effect on the season than any changes to the club's list that have occurred since Nathan Buckley took over as coach in 2012.
With experienced players out of the side, Blair identified leadership as an area that needs ongoing improvement.
"You need to be helping guys out who have only played a handful of games and probably get a little bit distracted at times or a little bit confused or forget where they are supposed to be. I think that is probably a growth area for us and for me," Blair said.
A free agent, Blair remains unsigned beyond 2016, but he is keen to continue his career at Collingwood.
However he knows that issue will be dealt with when the time is right for club and player.
One thing that can be guaranteed is that the Magpies don't have to worry about Blair giving the rest of the season everything he has.
"I love this footy club and I love everything it represents and the people in it," he said.
"I will just take care of my form from week to week and try to put together some good footy and then go from there."
