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.

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.

The year was 1977, and I was in Primary School in Richmond. My teacher put 4 teams on the board: Richmond, Hawthorn, Carlton and Collingwood and said, to pick one. Everyone chose the Tigers as expected. I knew following the Magpies I would stand out from the crowd. It was the best decision I made, to join a passionate one-eyed group of fans. I influenced my parents, one cousin and my pets! We were Magpies living in enemy territory, especially in 1980! It's been a journey... and I still have my cherished scarf from that time! GO PIES!