It is 30 years since Collingwood lost one of our great players, teammate and characters.

His name, Darren “Pants” Millane.

He wore number 42.

Pants epitomised what Collingwood stands for. He would always stand by your side.

Off the field, Pants was loving and caring. He was magnetic and charming.

That mischievous smile would paralyse many.

He loved people and people loved him. He was great to be around. He was full of fun.

His kindness was no more evident than when it came to visiting young and old people in hospitals.

He did this more than anyone I know. He was so giving and generous of his time and let me tell you it wasn’t about gaining notoriety. It was always from a place of care. It was about giving those that were sick or overcoming serious challenges hope and putting a smile on their face.

On the field, he had great balance, speed and strength yet was skilful, tough, uncompromising and competitive.

He was a winner. He was a leader.

The Collingwood faithful would roar whenever he went near the footy, and didn’t we feed off that.

Our fans knew when he was in the proximity of a contest, either in the air or at ground level, we were a better than 50/50 chance to win possession.

He loved to compete. For us to win he would do whatever it takes.

His attitude was pretty simple: Every skirmish and battle needed to be won to win the war.

Pants hated defeat. He loved singing our “theme song”. 

I, like most of us that have been touched by Pant’s presence, miss him dearly and always have him in our hearts.

He was fiercely loyal. If he trusted you, he was your mate for life.

Pants was more than a teammate, he was a true friend. And don’t we miss him.

I know I do. Miss you mate!

GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.