Collingwood have received a timely reminder of the need to keep improving as the AFL season progresses towards the business end.
Less than a week after surging two games clear on top of the ladder with victory over second-placed Port Adelaide, the Magpies were upset by old rivals Carlton on Friday night.
The 16.9 (93) to 10.16 (76) result was only Collingwood's third defeat of the year and gave coach Craig McRae plenty to ponder as he looks ahead to the final month of the home-and-away campaign.
"We're in the business of getting better. This is a marathon and you have to just keep improving," McRae said.
"We've had a great season to date but it's not finished. There's still so much work to do.
"You can't stand still in this game because teams take things away from you really quickly, so we're going to have to improve."
Carlton smashed Collingwood in contested possession (138-108) and clearances (41-31) but the Magpies had more scoring shots.
McRae refused to blame his side's six-day break and the travel home from Adelaide for the sub-par performance around the contest.
"They were clearly the better team, but we had enough chances," McRae said.
"It's hard to know if (executing) is (related to) energy levels."
McRae took positives out of Jeremy Howe's move forward, with the experienced defender kicking three final-quarter goals.
It came after ruck-forward Mason Cox was subbed out for Will Hoskin-Elliott during the third quarter with just three disposals to his name.
Cox looked furious on the bench after being tapped out.
"Mason's last couple of weeks haven't been his best for the season - that is what it is - but we just wanted to change it up a bit and try to play faster," McRae said.
"It means there has to be a cost somewhere and that's why Howey went forward ... we made a decision where we thought we could get benefit somewhere else."
