Suddenly Collingwood is besieged with problems.
There have been distractions with the troubles surrounding Jordan de Goey, Sam Murray and Jaidyn Stephenson but that is not a genuine excuse for the worrying loss of form.
This has led to three consecutive losses – to the Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne and Hawthorn – which were matches the Magpies were expected to win.
Now worse is to come with the clash against West Coast at Optus Stadium on Friday night.
With the extraordinarily talented ruckman Nic Naitanui back in the line-up the Eagles are now looking very much like a side capable of winning a second successive premiership.
With the thrashing of Fremantle last weekend the Eagles are on a roll, which Collingwood has little chance of stopping.
Only seven rounds remain until the play-offs and the finals race is hotting up.
As a result there are two other matches, both on Sunday, vital to the competing clubs.
These are Richmond’s clash with Greater Western Sydney at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Port Adelaide’s encounter with Brisbane at the Adelaide Oval.
The Tigers should be triumphant despite the talent the Giants possess while Power, at home, can down the Lions, who are not as certain to reach the finals as most people think.
Last Week: 3
2019: 75
West Coast by 32pts
Sydney by 10pts
Hawthorn by 16pts
Essendon by 7pts
Adelaide by 35pts
Geelong by 43pts
Richmond by 11pts
Western Bulldogs by 25pts
Port Adelaide by 30pts