Memorabilia from the collection of former Premiership skipper Murray Weideman has made its way back to the football club where he left such an indelible mark.
‘The Weed’ died earlier this year, aged 85, and now his son Mark (himself a former Magpie, of course), on behalf of the rest of the Weideman family and Murray’s widow Victoria, has donated a large collection of Murray’s items to the club.
The highlights of the collection include:
- The three Copeland Trophies Murray won in 1957, 1961 and 1962;
- His 1953 Premiership medallion/trophy;
- Two long service certificates given to him by the club;
- A medallion and certificate he was given for playing for Victoria at the ANFC carnival in Perth in 1956;
- His AFL Hall of Fame induction plaque;
- His reserves best and fairest trophy from 1953; and
- A range of signed guernseys, memorabilia and other mementoes from his career.
His son Mark said: “Collingwood meant everything to Dad. He grew up in Fairfield just down the road from Victoria Park and loved the Magpies from a very young age. His dream was fulfilled when he went on to the career he had at his beloved club.
“Collingwood owed him nothing. They gave him a wonderful life and made him feel loved and significant to the Magpies right up until the end. It gave the family great joy to donate all his awards and memorabilia to Collingwood. As his wife Victoria said, ‘Let’s give it to the Magpie fans and let them enjoy it for many years ahead’.”
Club historian and collection curator Michael Roberts said the items were an important addition to our treasure trove of memorabilia.
“Murray was one of the giant figures in Collingwood history,” Roberts said.
“A magnificent player, a magnificent leader and a larger-than-life figure who captured the fans’ imagination – and headlines – like few others. And he was, of course, captain of the fabled 1958 Premiership team.
“There are few names that mean as much at Collingwood as Weideman, especially with Mark having played as well. It’s great that he and the family have chosen to donate the items to us, because that means we’ll be able to use them to celebrate Murray’s life, and to keep his story alive for future generations.
“We hope to have many of the items on display in the foyer when COVID allows and fans can once again return to club HQ.”
