They’re the players who make fans sit on the edge of their seats. Men who have the ability to do the unthinkable and turn a game on its head in a matter of minutes.
Collingwood has had its fair share of players with ‘x-factor’. From Peter Daicos to Alan Didak in generations past to current excitement machines such as Jamie Elliott or Alex Fasolo, these are players who make people want to watch the footy.
Thanks to 20th Century Fox and the May 19 release of ‘X-Men Apocalypse’, Collingwood is giving five fans the chance take part in the ‘X marks the spot’ competition on the MCG before the Collingwood v Geelong game in round nine.
To win, simply name and give a 25-word or less answer on which player in Collingwood history has possessed the most ‘x-factor’.
Five winners will be selected to have their kicking skills put to the test on the MCG. All five will win a double pass to ‘X-Men Apocalypse’.
Additionally, the major prize winner of the ‘X marks the spot’ competition on match day will receive an entire Gold Class screening experience to see the film with 20 friends or family.
Following the critically acclaimed global smash hit ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’, director Bryan Singer returns with X-MEN: APOCALYPSE. Click here to watch the trailer to the latest in the popular franchise.
The competition closes at 5pm on Thursday 17 May. Click here to view the terms and conditions.
So who now or in the past has showed the most x-factor when wearing the Black and White stripes?
You never forget your favourite player, but Collingwood Media has five suggestions since 1990 that might help jog your memory.
PETER DAICOS
The Macedonian Marvel did things on the football field that not many others could even imagine trying.
Recruited to Collingwood in 1979, Daicos played 250 games and kicked twice as many goals (549) in a career lasting until 1993.
Usually reserved to towering full forwards, Daicos’ quick wit and uncanny goal-sense saw him win the Gordon Coventry Trophy for Collingwood’s leading goalkicker five times.
He is a two-time Copeland Trophy winner, a Premiership player and a member of Collingwood’s team of the century, but Peter Daicos was also a player with untapped x-factor.
LEON DAVIS
You don't get the nicknames 'Neon Leon' or 'Magic' for anything less than possessing the dazzling skills shown by Davis.
Originally from Perth, Davis didn't care too much for the words used to describe him. But what did enjoy was kicking goals from all angles, and wowing those who paid money to come and watch him play.
225 senior games included All-Australian honours in 2009 and 2011. He won the Goal of the Year in 2008, a fitting reward for numerous nominations and extraordinary feats throughout his career.
ALAN DIDAK
Opposing fans didn't care too much for Alan Didak. Maybe it was because of the confidence he carried out on the football field. Or maybe it was just because the things he did to opposition teams were just so good they were cruel.
Take round 14, 2010 for example. Already leading West Coast by 51 points in the third quarter, Collingwood more or less had the game sown up.
Enter Alan Didak.
The devastating forward did what only he could and kicked three goals in just over one minute of game time.
If it wasn't this that made Didak a Collingwood favourite, then maybe it was the colour he brought to the game. He was a member of the 'rat pack', trialled a number of interesting hair cuts and made the post-goal shimmy his own.
218 games, a premiership, a Copeland Trophy and two All-Australian honours... Not bad for a 17-year-old from the Port Adelaide Magpies.
ANDREW KRAKOUER
Krakouer only needed 35 games in two seasons at Collingwood to become a fan favourite.
One of the most creative small forwards in the early 2000s, Krakouer arrived at the Magpies in 2011 after spending time in prison in Western Australia.
He played 23 games (including the Grand Final) in 2011 which including two bags of four goals, while a screamer in round nine went on to be the goal of the year.
He was eye-catching, clever and clean in the clutches to a point where even teammates would be surprised by his brilliance.
Andrew Krakouer had the x-factor.
ALEX FASOLO
A fit Jamie Elliott would be tough competition, and the recently acquired Jeremy Howe would also put his hand up, but its hard not to go past Alex Fasolo when looking for Collingwood's current x-factor.
In 2016, Fasolo has been playing with the confidence and form he's been teasing at since he arrived on the scene in 2011.
In eight games so far this season, the West Australian has kicked 19 goals and has been one of Collingwood's most consistent performers.
He knows where the goals are, loves to take the game on, and plays with a smile on his face.
It's all this and more that make Fasolo a player oozing with x-factor.
Over to you...
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The ultimate x-factor: Be the judge and win
Daicos, Didak, Davis? Who is the Collingwood player with the most x-factor? Tell us who excites you the most in the Black and White and win an MCG on-field experience.