Founded in 1892, the Magpies are now considered the AFL’s most popular team, but at the same time, the club that is most hated by fans of rival clubs. In their history Collingwood have appeared in 43 grand finals: winning 15, drawing 2, and losing 26, setting an unflattering record for most grand finals lost.
Joining the VFA in their inaugural season, the Magpies were then part of the split to create the VFL in 1897. Collingwood’s most successful period came in the 1920s and 1930s and was highlighted by an astonishing run of four consecutive grand final victories form 1927-1930. The architect of this golden era was Collingwood legend Jock McHale, who coached the Pies from 1912 until 1949. This staggering career has McHale holding the record for most games won as a coach (440), with a win percentage of 68%.
However, the Magpies failed to continue this winning mentality once McHale retired. A period from 1960 to 1981 saw Collingwood play in and lose eight grand finals, earning them a reputation as ‘chokers’. The 1970 big dance against arch-rivals Carlton was a case in point, with the Pies leading by 44 points at half time, before the Blues stormed back to win by 10 points in front of a crowd of 121,696. The 1977 grand final was also heartbreaking for Magpies’ fans. Playing against North Melbourne, the game ended in a draw and had to be replayed the next week, in which Collingwood were soundly beaten.
Collingwood have since shed their tag as chokers, chiefly from another drawn grand final, this time in 2010 against the Saints. In this replay, the Magpies came out victorious, bringing unbridled joy to their large and raucous supporter base. Now coached by ex-player and club legend Nathan Buckley, the Pies’ fans will be expecting him to bring them another premiership in the immediate future.
