It was 1999 and I'd just undergone my first knee reconstruction thanks to a netball injury. I was 16 years old from a small country town in North Eastern Victoria and my family and I (all die hard Collingwood supporters) had travelled down to tour Victoria Park. We were lead to the gym where we found then current player Lee Walker doing rehab for one of his many knee injuries. He took time out of his program to talk me through and show me different exercises to aid in my recovery. He spent a good half an hour chatting to me and my family. It meant so much to me and we all still talk about what a lovely bloke he was. At 43 years old now I have many a Magpie memory, the highs and the lows, being witness to grand final wins and losses, the last game at Victoria Park, chasing my idol Nathan Buckley around during footy clinics, my mum driving us three hours on a Thursday afternoon to be part of the meat pie and signing nights at Vic Park, and to now watching Darcy Moore, Fly and the boys engage so enthusiastically and positively with my kids at training (both mad Magpies now too). Forever proud to be part of the Magpie family.

My favourite moment in 43 years of being a Collingwood supporter would have to be the 2023 Grand Final win where I spent that special day side by side with my 80 year old dad. We were almost in the same seats back in 2018 where we cried together but this time we share tears of joy. To be able to spend that special moment together will go down as my favourite sporting moment ever. Collingwood Football Club built so many beautiful memories that will live with my family for generations to come.

My love for footy started early, watching with friends and family - even my Blues-supporting brother. Some of my best childhood memories are cheering on Collingwood at home or at the 'G!