Jesse White is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury which he suffered while playing in the VFL loss to Werribee just over a week ago. The injury is expected to sideline the key-forward for three to four weeks.

Out of contract at season’s end, the injury has come at a poor time for the former Swan who was trying to force his way back into the Magpie line-up. White has not featured at AFL level since a six disposal game against St Kilda in round four. His lowest disposal output game since round 13, 2014.

A lifeline for 2017

Jesse White, who was also out of contract at the end of last season, probably thought his time was up at AFL level before the Magpies offered him a one year deal. The fluctuating form of Travis Cloke at the time did allow White more opportunities at AFL level where he played 15 of the final 16 matches.

Nathan Buckley would certainly have hoped the 29 year old would have more of a scoreboard impact earlier this season. A return of only five goals from four matches no doubt contributed to his axing from the side.

Key forwards & a lack of goals

The key forward stocks at Collingwood are certainly not overflowing with options. The Magpies have been keen to invest as much time as possible this season into Darcy Moore. And the youngster has played every match for a return of eight goals from nine matches.

Mason Cox has also spent time forward at various stages. Fremantle recruit Chris Mayne, while not a key forward, was signed on a four year deal but has not played since round three with many pundits already questioning the wisdom of his recruitment.

While not a massive goal kicker, the Magpies would have hoped Mayne could recapture some of the form he showed at Fremantle. Most notably in 2012 and 2013 where he kicked 37 & 39 goals.

Most of the goals for Collingwood thus far in 2017 have come from smaller forwards. The three leading goal kickers at the club are Jamie Elliot, Alex Fasolo and Will Hoskin-Elliot. Ben Reid was expected to spend more time forward in the coming weeks but he is also on the injury list after suffering a quad injury against GWS.

Alarmingly for Collingwood they are currently ranked 16th in the league for average goals. Currently averaging 11.4 goals per match.

Who is to blame?

The lack of scoring power has certainly led to much debate about whether the players are to blame. With goal kicking accuracy identified as a major issue or whether the game-plan is at fault. David Cloke, who has certainly been very defensive of his son Travis when under criticism in recent years, put the blowtorch well and truly on Nathan Buckley last month.

“They will destroy him (Darcy Moore) because they have a game style which revolves around their midfielders getting high possessions. But don’t get the ball into their forward half. All Collingwood has concentrated on is getting a midfield, getting all these players in the midfield. What they need to do is get a game plan which tries to win games of football.”

Is Jesse White the answer?

Jesse White is most likely not the answer. Investing in a key-forward will need to be a priority for Collingwood at the end of the season. If Jesse White does get another opportunity in 2017, he will certainly need to perform. It is most likely the last chance he is going to get.

by Liam Sheedy – contributor

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