Could AFL football make a return to Victoria Park in 2017 as part of Collingwood’s 125-year anniversary celebrations?

President Eddie McGuire flagged the concept of playing a NAB Challenge game at the club’s spiritual home during Thursday’s annual Member Forum.

“2017 is obviously the 125 anniversary of the Collingwood Football Club. We’re working towards some fantastic things,” McGuire told members at the Glasshouse at the Holden Centre.

“We want to play a NAB Challenge game at Victoria Park.”

The announcement from McGuire came as a pleasant surprise to members in the audience, though the President was quick to stress the process that still has to be undertaken.

“We have to get it through the Council,” McGuire said.

“But the AFL have already given us permission to move forward on it.”

First established as the base of the Collingwood Football Club in 1897, Victoria Park hasn’t been home to an AFL game since round 22, 1999.

The Brisbane Lions spoiled the farewell to the famous ground with a 42-point victory on the particular occasion, while Nathan Buckley led the Magpies with 28 disposals.

After six years of absence, Victoria Park once again came to life in 2010 as the home of Collingwood’s reborn VFL team.

The VFL Magpies currently play all home games at the venue, with the Sherrin and Ryder Stands often abuzz with activity in scenes reminiscent of years gone by.

“If you haven’t been down to Victoria Park lately, go down and have a look at what we’ve been able to do,” McGuire told the room on Thursday night.



Collingwood's last game at Victoria Park against Brisbane in Round 22, 1999.