Collingwood Football Club, also known as the Magpies or simply the Pies, is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in the Australian Football League (AFL). Founded in 1892, the club has a long and storied history, with a passionate fan base and a proud tradition of success both on and off the field.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of Collingwood Football Club, from its early days as a suburban team to its current status as one of the most popular and successful clubs in the AFL.
1. Early Days and Formation
Collingwood Football Club was formed in 1892 as a suburban team, based in the inner-city Melbourne suburb of Abbotsford. The club quickly gained a reputation as a strong and competitive team, and by the turn of the century, had established itself as one of the dominant forces in Victorian football.
2. The Jock McHale Era and Dominance in the 1920s and 30s
In the 1920s and 30s, Collingwood Football Club enjoyed a period of sustained success under the coaching of Jock McHale. McHale, who coached the club from 1912 to 1949, led the Magpies to a record-breaking four consecutive premierships between 1927 and 1930.
During the McHale era, the club also produced several legendary players, including Syd Coventry, Harry Collier, and Gordon Coventry, who remains the club's all-time leading goal scorer with 1,299 goals.
3. The 1950s and 60s: A Period of Transition
In the 1950s and 60s, Collingwood Football Club underwent a period of transition, as the club struggled to maintain its dominance in the face of a changing football landscape. Despite this, the club continued to produce several star players, including Len Thompson and Des Tuddenham.
4. The Leigh Matthews Era and Another Premiership
In the 1990s, Collingwood Football Club enjoyed a resurgence under the coaching of Leigh Matthews. Matthews, a former Collingwood player, led the Magpies to their 14th premiership in 1990, defeating Essendon in a thrilling grand final.
During the Matthews era, the club also produced several star players, including Nathan Buckley, who would later become one of the club's greatest-ever players and coaches.
5. The Malthouse Era and Another Premiership
In 2000, Mick Malthouse was appointed as the coach of Collingwood, ushering in another era of success for the club. Under Malthouse's leadership, the Magpies made the grand final in 2002 and won their 15th premiership in 2010, defeating St Kilda in a thrilling grand final replay.
During the Malthouse era, the club also produced several star players, including Dane Swan, who won the Brownlow Medal in 2011, and Scott Pendlebury, who has since become one of the club's greatest-ever players.
6. The Eddie McGuire Era and Off-Field Controversies
In 1998, Eddie McGuire became the president of Collingwood Football Club, a position he would hold for over 20 years. During his tenure, McGuire oversaw a period of great success for the club on the field but also faced several controversies off the field.
7. Recent Years and Future Outlook
In recent years, Collingwood Football Club has faced several challenges both on and off the field. The club has undergone a significant period of transition, with several high-profile players leaving and new players being recruited to fill the void.
In 2021, the club appointed Craig McRae as its new senior coach, replacing Nathan Buckley who had resigned mid-season. McRae, a former player and assistant coach at Richmond, has been tasked with rebuilding the team and taking them back to the top of the AFL ladder.
Despite the challenges faced by the club, Collingwood Football Club remains one of the most popular and successful clubs in the AFL. With a passionate fan base, a proud history, and a bright future ahead, the Magpies look set to continue their legacy as one of the great clubs of Australian football.
Conclusion
Collingwood Football Club is a club steeped in history and tradition, with a passionate fan base and a proud record of success both on and off the field. From its early days as a suburban team to its current status as one of the most popular and successful clubs in the AFL, Collingwood Football Club has been a major force in Australian football for over a century.
While the club has faced its share of challenges in recent years, including off-field controversies and on-field struggles, there is no doubt that the Magpies will continue to be a major player in the AFL for years to come.
FAQs
- When was Collingwood Football Club founded?
- Collingwood Football Club was founded in 1892.
- Who is the all-time leading goal scorer for Collingwood Football Club?
- Gordon Coventry is the all-time leading goal scorer for Collingwood Football Club with 1,299 goals.
- How many premierships have Collingwood Football Club won?
- Collingwood Football Club has won 15 premierships.
- Who is the current senior coach of Collingwood Football Club?
- The current senior coach of Collingwood Football Club is Craig McRae.
- Who is the president of Collingwood Football Club?
- While the current president of the club is Mark Korda.
.){kind=link}