Collingwood coach Craig McRae could offer just one piece of advice to Tim Membrey.
“Don’t carry it,” McRae said after Membrey missed the kick which would have saved the Magpies’ season.
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Friday night’s finals wildcard against the Western Bulldogs rested on Membrey’s boot after he took a strong pack mark with 34 seconds remaining.
Membrey’s kick started on target but skewed late, missing to the right to clinch a three-point Dogs win and end Collingwood’s 2026 campaign.
“I just said in front of everyone and privately that we’re not in that position without the big mark and big goal a minute before or whatever it was,” McRae said.
“It was a real seesaw game and then even beyond that, the year he’s had, to support our young forward line and be a pillar in that forward line is more than just tonight.
“I just said to him, ‘Don’t carry it’. It’s hard not to, I can’t imagine what that would be like. But he doesn’t need to carry the weight of that. That’s not all his.”
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The fine margin was the difference between Steele Sidebottom playing another week or having the curtain close on his career.
Scott Pendlebury may also be in the same boat, having not yet reached a decision on his future.
McRae spoke at length during the week about the Collingwood champion, but stopped short of addressing it again post game.
“That’s going to take its own course now. His management are saying they’ll speak to it at the end of the season and here we are,” McRae said.
