The memories and stories flowed at the Holden Centre on Sunday when Peter McKenna became the first former player to be featured in what will be an ongoing series of displays.
The display cabinet, which has been funded by the Collingwood Past Players Association, features rare memorabilia and photos from McKenna's career – much of it from his own collection.
There are the footballs used in games where he kicked 12 goals (in the opening round of 1966) and 16 goals (in 1969), his Victorian jumper from the 1972 carnival team, a range of trophies, his trusty right boot from that remarkable 1970 season where he kicked 143 goals, the famous No.6 jumper he wore in the 1970 Grand Final and much more.
Peter McKenna's Collingwood Forever profile page
To celebrate the opening of the display, a small and informal gathering – befitting one of this club's most humble champions – was held at the club last Sunday. Most on hand were part of the Magpie Faithful supporters group, for those with an interest in Collingwood history.
Former teammate and good friend Barry Price spoke with great warmth about McKenna, and the reminiscences continued when club historian Michael Roberts interviewed Peter on stage.
As always, Peter was incredibly generous with his time, sharing not only the memories of a remarkable career but also freely posing for plenty of photographs and handing out dozens of autographs. It was just like the good old days really!
Collingwood historian Michael Roberts with Peter McKenna, Barry Price and Ross 'Twiggy' Dunne
It was a great way to kick off our new display series, celebrating the careers of some of our favourites to have pulled on the famous black and white jumper over the years.
The display is in the foyer at the Holden Centre and will remain in place for around six months, with a new player to be featured at similar intervals after that.
