Zeroing in on his training and doing the little things during the week has been the catalyst behind Beau McCreery’s late-season form, with the forward hitting his strides heading into this week’s Wildcard Final.

The 25-year-old had an admittedly slow start to his 2026 campaign, however he has been back at his best over the Pies’ past six games, stepping up with some key personnel out.

Since Round 19 against Carlton, the powerful forward has had double-digit disposal outings all bar one time, and has averaged a goal per game throughout that time.

Ahead of the maiden Wildcard clash this Friday night against the Western Bulldogs, the 2023 Premiership player said sticking to the basics and feeling supported by his teammates had helped turn his form around.

“I was definitely hurting for a bit there mid-year, but I feel like I just put a big emphasis on training really well, getting my body right and getting my mentals right and I started to tick,” he said.

“I feel like playing a bit more midfield time has really helped me flourish.

“I feel like I’ve been playing a lot better than what I was at the start of the year and I feel like the boys have helped me with that with my confidence going into the midfield.

“When I go forward it’s just being able to pressure and the big boys getting the ball to ground helps us young fellas kick goals.”

McCreery is heading into his fourth finals series in the black and white, after becoming a regular member of the side from the outset of his tenure in 2021.

It’s that experience that he feels will come in handy during Friday’s game, with the big stage not unfamiliar territory.

“We’ve all just got so much confidence in this group and we’ve played a few finals campaigns now,” he said.

“For myself it’s pretty crazy, I’m in my sixth year and I’ve played in a few now so I’m very excited and we have so much belief in anyone to come in and play a role.

“I haven’t even thought about it being a Wildcard, it just feels like another final.

“It’s the first of its kind but I don’t think it changes anything, it’s still a final and you need to win so the boys will be out there firing.”

The Pies’ forward line has been part of the team’s resurgence in the second half of 2026, with faster ball movement seeing the attack look more potent.

McCreery said the array of options and confidence in each other had helped the forward group flourish.

“I think our style of footy since then has changed massively, we’re playing a lot more aggressive and a lot more freely,” he said.

“Especially as a forward group, it’s allowed us to flourish and put higher scores on the board so it’s been fun to be a part of and I feel like we’re going very well.

“We’ve got the big boys taking big clunks, getting the ball to ground and kicking goals.

“Obviously D-Mac (Dan McStay) is kicking lots of goals and playing good footy and Westy (Charlie West) comes in and does his job and gets on the end of a few too.

“Obviously when Shoota’s (Lachie Schultz) in it’s unreal, he’s been unfortunate with a few injuries this year.

“I feel like the likes of Hayesy (Will Hayes) and Harvey (Harrison) have been elite when they’ve come up forward, even having Angus Anderson come in has been great.

“Everyone’s playing really well and it’s showing on the scoreboard.”

Anderson is one McCreery is eager to see play in his first final, with the first-year Pie kicking three goals in Round 24 to take his tally to 18 for the season.

That’s brought Anderson’s average to a goal a game, with McCreery saying he was a tough match up given his size and versatility.

“When you first lay eyes on Angus you can tell he’s a bit of an animal, he’s a big boy,” he said.

“He’s a bit of a country football type of player I believe and he’s just so good to play with and so fun to watch.

“I feel like he’s a hard matchup because he’s really crafty, but he’s also strong.

“When he plays forward he’s a bit of an animal and he’s been hitting the scoreboard which is so good to see.”

The Pies will open up the league’s new-look finals series at the MCG on Friday, with the first ball up scheduled for 7:40pm.