Football clubs often overestimate their own brilliance in the wake of premiership glory.
That's why repeat premierships are so difficult to win, and why they're so rightfully revered.
Collingwood fell into that trap itself. Maybe not to the same extent as the West Coast Eagles, whose drastic plummet into all-time low levels of irrelevance and feebleness continues, as plans for their 10-year premiership reunion are no doubt being drawn up.
It leaves the Magpies at a critical junction in their modern history. How needle movers at Olympic Park traverse the terrain of this tricky little post-window period will determine the decades to follow.
Here's a fool-proof list of eight steps Magpie power brokers should consider as they look to shore up the long-term competitiveness of their playing list, and health of their business.
2Poach a list guru
It is imperative Collingwood utilises its standing as a powerhouse in the industry to poach an experienced, proven performer. If Leppitsch stays, he needs help.
Tim Lamb was the architect of the Demons' flag-winning list of 2021 - one that on balances, should have produced a dynasty. His nous has extended to the current, fun iteration of the Demons, who, helmed by Steven King, are playing with house money in 2026's early sledding - and winning.
Greater Western Sydney's Adrian Caruso is highly regarded in that same space for his talent recognition, needs-based drafting acumen and ability to construct a list around a certain playing style, as he explained to Zero Hanger, here.
Either will be able to construct a list capable of sustainable contention, for as long McRae wants the job, and beyond.
