Standard Reserved Bay

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.

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.

I arrived from England, with my parents, as a four year old. At Station Pier a boy wearing a black and white jumper came up to me. He said, "who do you barrack for?" I must have looked puzzled as I didn't know what barrack meant. He pointed to his jumper and said, "Collingwood - the Magpies". Seventy-four years have passed since that chance encounter. I saw my first Collingwood Premiership in 1958. To this day I am a passionate member of the Magpie Army!