The 'massive loss' hurting Collingwood amid form slump and the positional switch they must consider for finals
Essendon greats Matthew Lloyd and James Hird both believe Collingwood's issues stem from their struggling forward half.
The Magpies have lost five of their last six games and now risk missing the top four altogether.
They've scored 56, 46, 65, 78 and 63 in those five losses and their offensive potency has fallen away.
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Bobby Hill warms up ahead of round 21. Getty
Lloyd feels the loss of small forward Bobby Hill has been a key part of their issues.
"He's had his off-field troubles, some personal matters, and he missed training again on Monday," Lloyd told 3AW.
"Since Bobby Hill hasn't been in the side, since round 15, Collingwood has lost five of their last six games. He's been a massive, massive loss for them.
"They've lost the X-factor. Craig McRae said after the game that he's not sure if he'll pick him next week. He probably hasn't trained enough. He missed a session last week too.
"You just wonder whether we'll see him again this year. He's been a big loss for Collingwood."
The Pies' key forward trio of Brody Mihocek, Dan McStay and Tim Membrey have struggled to impact as well, something Hird believes requires a personnel change.
He'd like to see Collingwood move Jordan De Goey to full forward as part of that restructure.
Jordan De Goey of the Magpies. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"It's their forward line that's not working," Hird told Nine's Footy Furnace.
"If you look at the stats, their key forwards just aren't marking the ball. Jamie Elliott's their highest goal kicker, he's had a great year. They need more out of Jordan De Goey and obviously they're missing Bobby Hill.
"But if your three key forwards aren't taking any marks, it makes it very hard.
"I think Jordan De Goey needs to go back to being almost a key forward or a deeper forward.
"He's got the speed. He's very good one-on-one. He's got the body strength. They don't really have any key forwards to bring in.
"They could try Mason Cox as someone to bring it to ground and be really predictable, but I think it's a De Goey type and then the obvious one is Bobby Hill who adds dynamism.
