Seven famous Collingwood faces back on the field. But not in Black and White.

Every year the EJ Whitten Legends game pulls the recently, and sometimes not so recently, retired back onto the field in the name of charity.

This season a host of former Pies will be taking part for both the Victorian team, and Wayne Carey-coached All Stars.

Four Victorians – Ben Johnson, Heath Scotland, Damien Monkhorst and Paul Licuria will clash with interstaters Leon Davis, Alan Didak and Scott Cummings.

What can we expect from these famous former Magpies? And where have they been since retirement? Catch up below.

Tickets to the game are available HERE and fans can donate to the EJ Whitten Foundation by texting LEGEND to 0477 333 444.

Ben Johnson
Johnson swapped his Black and White stripes for navy and white hoops after his AFL retirement at the end of 2013.

While remaining at Collingwood in an admin role, the gutsy defender played for the Doncaster Sharks in Melbourne’s Eastern Football League.

He wasn’t alone as an ex-AFL star at Doncaster, joining Scotland, Tarkyn Lockyer, ex-Kangaroo and Hawk Nathan Thompson and former Richmond player Aaron Fiora.

While Johnson’s playing days have since ended, he will dust off the boots to play for the Vics for the second-straight year.



A moment of joy for Johnson during his 235-game Collingwood career. Image: AFL Photos.

Heath Scotland
Scotland played 53 games for Collingwood before carving out another ten seasons at Carlton.

We’ll forgive him for that last decade in Navy Blue as he pulls on the Big V alongside his former Magpie teammates on Friday night.

Scotland played in the EJ Whitten Legends game in 2016, and will once again take the field this year.



Scotland finds space during the 2016 EJ Whitten Legends game. Image: AFL Photos.

Damian Monkhorst
Not only the oldest Magpie representing the Victorians, but also one of the most experienced when it comes to the EJ Whitten game.

Monkhorst has been a feature in the game for a number of years, despite calling time on his AFL career 17 years ago.

The Collingwood Hall-of-Famer has been a ruck coach at Hawthorn since 2010, while his son Ben spent time on the VFL Magpies list in 2015.



Monkhorst in his role as Hawthorn's ruck coach. Image: AFL Photos.

Paul Licuria
Licuria will return to Etihad Stadium after lining up for the Vics in 2016.

192 games in Black and White continued for the left-footer as the continued playing for Collingwood’s VFL team after his AFL retirement in 2007.

He remained at the club in a football management and player development role until midway through 2011.

Outside of last year’s Legends game performance, Licuria popped up on the football field in August 2016, playing for the Yolla Demons in Tasmania’s DFL.



Licuria with ball in hand, playing for Yolla in 2016. Image: Sourced.

Leon Davis
Inclusions into the All Star’s squad don’t come much bigger than this. But what magic will Neon Leon bring to Etihad Stadium?

Now living in Perth, Davis received a hero’s welcome upon returning to Collingwood in 2017 as part of the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations.

The reception will no doubt be replicated when he pulls on the boots for the All Stars.

One of the most exciting small forwards in the AFL on his day, Davis resurrected his career as a defender during his final season in 2011.

Surely a return to the forward line on Friday night is more appealing for the former fan favourite and two-time All Australian?



Leon Davis celebrates one of his 270 goals in Collingwood colours. Image: AFL Photos.

Alan Didak
The two-pronged Didak and Davis combination is worth the price of admission alone on Friday night.

What Dids can dish up remains to be seen, but will surely be remarkable.

Formerly a recruit from Port Adelaide in the SANFL, Didak’s 218-game Collingwood career was honoured early in 2016 when he was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.

Taking the stage upon receiving his award, the 2010 Premiership player was as cheeky on the mic as he was on-field.

“I want to thank best friends… the Rat Pack. We had so much fun. Probably too much fun.”

Scott Cummings
Another veteran of the EJ Whitten Legends game.

In fact, Cummings may have now played more games for the All Stars than he did for Collingwood, after first taking the field in the charity match in 2003.

The goal kicking star played five matches in the Black and White at the end of a storied 128-game career.

He has since remained connected to the Magpies as a master of ceremonies in various functions, while also forging a successful career in the media.