Perhaps the greatest coach in VFL/AFL history, Jock McHale’s legacy lives on with an award in his honour at Collingwood’s night of nights.

The fourth-placed player in the Best and Fairest on Friday night will be presented with the J.F. McHale Trophy as recognition for being one of the Magpies’ best performers through the 2017 home and away season.

The former player, coach and selector has had his legend duly respected since he passed away in 1953. Not only is he remembered on Copeland Trophy night, but also on AFL Grand Final day when the victorious coach is awarded the Jock McHale Medal.

While his playing days were admirable in their own right (261 games, 18 goals), McHale made his mark leading from off the field. A coaching career spanned 38 years and included 714 games and a remarkable eight premierships.

As the most successful coach in AFL/VFL history, he was inducted into the league’s Hall of Fame in 1996 and then elevated to Legend status in 2005.

The man behind the award – Learn more about Jock McHale on Collingwood Forever.

PAST WINNERS
Prior to 2000, the Jock McHale Trophy was awarded to Collingwood’s most courageous player. Tony Shaw was a regular winner, while Gavin Brown joined him as a four-time recipient.

Even when the award changed its purpose to recognise the fourth place-getter in the Best and Fairest, some of our bravest continued to be acknowledged. Shane O’Bree, Tarkyn Lockyer, Simon Prestigiacomo, Heath Shaw and Luke Ball all rose to the occasion in their respective years to take home the trophy.

2016 saw ruckman Brodie Grundy recognised for what was considered a breakout year of his time in Black and White. The South Australian played 21 games and averaged a career-high in a number of stat categories as a rising 22-year-old.

In a world where midfielders often receive the most accolades, Grundy wasn’t the first Collingwood ruckman to take Jock home. In 2006, Josh Fraser won the award in what was considered one of his best seasons in Black and White.

THE J.F. McHALE TROPHY
As 4th-placed finisher
1996: Tony Francis
1997: Gavin Crosisca
1998: Mal Michael
1999: Scott Burns

As the Jock McHale Trophy
2000: No award
2001: Shane O'Bree
2002: Tarkyn Lockyer and Shane Wakelin
2003: Paul Licuria
2004: No award
2005: Shane O'Bree and Simon Prestigiacomo
2006: Josh Fraser and Heath Shaw
2007: Dane Swan and Heath Shaw
2008: Leon Davis
2009: No award
2010: Alan Didak
2011: Luke Ball
2012: Steele Sidebottom
2013: Travis Cloke
2014: Heritier Lumumba
2015: Taylor Adams
2016: Brodie  Grundy

LAST FIVE WINNERS

2012: Steele Sidebottom (24 games, 14 goals)

2013: Travis Cloke (22 games, 68 goals)

2014: Heritier Lumumba (21 games, 3 goals)

2015: Taylor Adams (18 games, 7 goals)

2016: Brodie Grundy (21 games, 11 goals)