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.

I was too young to appreciate the 1958 premiership. 1964, 1966 and 1970 were heartbreaking. I was at the 1977 replay, 1979, 1980 and 1981 and still no joy. I couldn't get a ticket for 1990. Then there was 2010. My son and I were front row on the 50 metre line for the replay. Just absolute delight and relief. I'll never forget high fives with players and walking out of the 'G on cloud nine. Out of heartbreak and despair comes resilience and passion. That's what defines us Pies supporters and makes us so passionate and loyal.

Recently my brother Jacob and myself attended the school holiday program, it was the highlight of my life. Fun activities with other magpies fan and even got to meet a huge number of players which signed my personalised football. I even got to meet my favourite player, Jamie Elliott and he was incredible with every fan just like the rest of his teammates. I feel like the Collingwood Football Club is one true family and super supportive of all those around them.