COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley has ramped up efforts to strengthen the connection between the club's coaching and playing groups.
 
In an interview with AFL.com.au, he admitted a post-season review revealed the connection between Collingwood's coaches and players was not as strong as it needed to be.
 
It became a focus during the pre-season and has led to a tight group that heads into the new season with high expectations.
 
Buckley said the post-season review identified the club had enough talent on its list, and the challenge for the team was to ensure it was better prepared for this season than it was for 2013.
 
He said some improvement could come from better conversion of scoring chances, more luck with injuries, a stronger aerobic base and the ripening of young talent.
 
Buckley also admitted he was improving as a coach on the eve of his third season.
 
"Your knowledge of what is needed in the environment builds as you get to know individuals better and you go through certain circumstances," Buckley told AFL.com.au
 

Although not shying away from the culture question that dogged Collingwood last season, Buckley said "the disappointing thing with that (conversation) is that potentially, individuals that are no longer with the club get tarred and that is unfortunate."
 
In 2013, Collingwood finished eighth after losing its first final.
 
It won just 42 of 88 quarters during the home and away season and struggled with injury and consistency.
 
At the end of the season, five premiership players finished up at the club and a batch of talented youngsters were introduced.
 
 
"We've asked them, we've found answers and now we're acting upon them and soon enough we'll get the ultimate [answer] which is performance," Buckley said. "It won't be the first five rounds. It won't be the first 10 [rounds]. It will be over time."
 
Happy to reveal that the club's post-season review indicated that the connections between the coaching group and the leadership group wasn't as strong as they needed to be in 2013, he has been enthused with the response.
 
"I have been encouraged by a number of individuals that've been in the environment for a long period of time but see a space created between last season and this, and see the opportunity to have more influence on the environment," Buckley said.
 
Scott Pendlebury replaced Nick Maxwell as captain last week with both Maxwell and Luke Ball remaining in the leadership group.
 
The club also introduced five new leaders - Nathan Brown, Steele Sidebottom, Lachie Keeffe, Clinton Young and Travis Cloke.
 
Buckley said the entire playing list was contributing to discussions relevant to team performance.
 
"We have a far more open environment in our team meetings and discussions. I think players understand it is safe to give their opinion and it is judged on a really well known and simple philosophy on how we want to go about our business in preparation for finals," Buckley said.
 
Collingwood has played finals every season since 2006 yet begins 2014 as an unknown quantity.
 
Buckley is happy to concede that until games begin, no one will know exactly where Collingwood sits.
 
"We've been encouraged by the way the playing group have attacked what has been thrown at them so it has been very positive in the preparation phase, but the test will come soon enough," Buckley said.



Skipper Scott Pendlebury heads a new generation of Collingwood leaders. Picture: AFL Media