Few teams in Collingwood history have captured fans' imagination the way 'Hafey's Heroes' did in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Now that era is being celebrated with a special display in the foyer at the Holden Centre.

The display includes rare player relics, including guernseys from Rick Barham, Peter Moore and Graeme Anderson, Bill Picken's iconic Yakka training jumper, an official player-issue cardigan worn by Ross Brewer and a blazer jacket worn by Anderson.

There are rarely seen official team sheets from all the grand finals, plus the official stats sheets from our record score v St Kilda in 1980. And there is a great range of fan memorabilia and supporter gear – including some of the best duffle coats and jackets you'll ever see!

Under legendary former Richmond coach Tom Hafey, the Pies recovered from the club's first-ever wooden spoon in 1976 to top the ladder the very next season. There would be five grand finals – four lost and one drawn – in a chaotic five-year period.

Tommy's teams – cobbled together with a mix of established stars, emerging youngsters and journeymen from other clubs – became synonymous with big hearts, desperation and a willingness to give everything for the cause. But there was flair and brilliance too, and a swag of larger-than-life cult figures. And they brought home the club's first premiership since 1958 (albeit a night one).

Plus there was 'T-shirt Tommy' himself. Universally regarded as one of the nicest and most decent men in football, Hafey was the first non-Magpie to have ever coached the club. But he quickly became one of us, and one of our most beloved coaches.

All these things combined to make this one of the most colourful and fondly remembered eras in Collingwood history. And now we can celebrate it all over again.

The Hafey's Heroes display will remain in the foyer at the Holden Centre all year. If you have anything you'd like to donate or loan to add to the display, please contact our historian, Michael Roberts, via email at forever@collingwoodfc.com.au