Collingwood has an extraordinary ability to bring together people from every walk of life. Age, occupation, background and circumstance disappear the moment we pull on the black and white. Complete strangers become lifelong friends, united by a shared passion and unwavering belief. Collingwood has given me more than exciting wins and unforgettable moments: it has given me belonging. It has connected generations of my family, created friendships, and provided a place where everyone is welcome as long as they share the same passion.

My brother Chris and I have been proud Collingwood members for over 25 years and after all those seasons, this is still the greatest home and away game we've ever experienced together. Watching another incredible comeback, then seeing Jamie Elliott kick the match winner to beat Carlton by just one point was unforgettable. To secure a top four finish while knocking our biggest rivals out of finals made it even sweeter. The atmosphere at the MCG was unlike anything I've ever experienced. Complete strangers were hugging, screaming and celebrating together. Sharing that moment with my brother, after more than two decades of following the Pies side by side, is a memory we'll never forget. It perfectly sums up what being part of the Magpie Army is all about.

The 100th anniversary of the Anzacs. My brother and I both with defence force service, purchase tickets to our first AFL game together. We get seats on the fence, on the 50m line. The rain started and dispersed the less passionate but my brother and I arm in arm as the national anthem silences the stadium. The silence ends with the siren and the roar of the crowd shakes the stands, 95,000 people joined in applause and cheering for our countries anthem. The game starts, 3 minutes in, the ball comes to Jamie Elliot, he's chasing the ball, running along the boundary. My brother and I standing in our Anzac Day jerseys hanging on the fence, Elliot gets the ball, bombers defenders in hot pursuit, he steps out, lines up the sticks and kicks a miracle goal over the boundary line 50m out, 2m from where we are standing, screaming! What a way to kick off our first Anzac Day clash, first AFL game together and what was to us and many other veterans a day of mass celebration! I'll never forget the roar of the crowd on that moment!