collingwood-2003, page-5

It's easy to be wise after the event but it seems obvious now that Collingwood got where it did by strong disciplined team play. With the exception of Buckley and Fraser the side does not boast star players. During the year it suffered a thrashing from an Essendon side that does have a few super stars. That probably showed that Collingwood will be susceptible to sides that have the ability to take the game a notch higher. Brisbane of course has an abundance of proven star players.