Sometimes the thing that makes a footballer vulnerable becomes the very trait that endears him to the fans.
There are few better examples of this than the love Collingwood supporters have always reserved for James Manson – premiership player, hardworking ruckman/forward, inspirational teammate, and Collingwood cult hero of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Part of that came from his laid-back personality off the field which sometimes seemed at odds with his passionate, aggressive attack on the ball on the ground. It may also have come from his capacity to work himself up before games, which sometimes included crashing into the lockers to fire himself up.
Read Glenn McFarlane's full story on the life and times of James Manson on Collingwood Forever.
James Manson
Games: 1920
Goals: 106
Born: 2 November 1966
Recruited From: North Hobat
Debut: Round 1 1986 v North Melbourne
Nickname: Charlie
Our Collingwood Cult Figures
There are some footballers who, for whatever reason, form a special connection with their club's fans.
They might not always be the best players in the team, but there is something about them that makes them a favourite of those who cheer from the stands each week.
It might be their hair, or their physique, or their temperament, or something about the way they play – the reasons are many and varied. And you can't force it: it has to happen naturally.
These are a football club's cult heroes. And Collingwood has had plenty of them over the years, especially in the decades since TV and media coverage has boomed.
Each week during the 2016 season, collingwoodfc.com.au and the club's history website, Collingwood Forever, will highlight the career of a different Magpie cult hero. Some have been great players, some have been battlers, some have flattered to deceive. But all have enjoyed a special place in the affections of the black-and-white army.
The story so far...
Round One - Rene Kink
The Incredible Hulk.
Round Two - Rupert Betheras
The king of the Rupe Group.
Round Three - Ian Cooper
Collingwood fans have always loved their tough, battling, no-nonsense defenders.
Round Four - Leigh Brown
A journey from the scrapheap to the 'Leigh Brown role'.
Round Five - Graeme Jenkin
Not just Jezza's stepladder.
Round Six - Dannie Seow
A Magpie from Montmerency.
Round Seven - Micky Bone
Unheralded but loved by all.
Round Eight - Ron Wearmouth
Flowing blond locks, energetic bursts from contests, a cheeky on-field manner and a knockabout nature that endeared him to all.
Round Nine - Kevin Grose
Before there was Swanny, there was a man known as Disney.
Round 10 - James Manson
Sometimes the thing that makes a footballer vulnerable becomes the very trait that endears him to the fans.
Click on each player's name to view their profile on Collingwood Forever.
