AdvertisementAnalysis SportAFLAFL 2026 The AFL’s ‘unkillable’ sides: How the Pies and Cats keep hanging around Jake Niall July 30, 2026 — 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. The Pies were playing with a grim resolve, without the verve that characterised their rise under Craig McRae in 2022 and 2023. Lacking midfield star power (Geelong), rucks (Geelong), potent forwards (Collingwood) and top-end youth (Collingwood). Though he’s nearing the end of his career, Steele Sidebottom still has a huge role to play for the Pies. The most critical factor in the unkillable Cats and Pies has been their sheer unwillingness to accept that they must have a stint in the cellar.