To share your story with us, email digitalmedia@collingwoodfc.com.au and tell your tale of following Collingwood from abroad.
Dear Collingwood Football Club,
As a regular "CFC surfer", as I have aptly dubbed myself, I was delighted to learn that a "Magpies Abroad" section had been devised. AFL is scarce off the shores of Australia, so it’s been great to read about the many Aussies representing the Black and White around the world. Here's my story...
I was born into a full-blooded Collingwood supporting family in the mid-80s; an era that most Collingwood fans would agree was one to be eagerly forgotten. A string of Grand Final losses, often by close margins, somewhat gave the perception that Collingwood was "choking". However, from the beginning I was told the tales of legends of the past, those who played with the heart and courage which built the foundations of what the club stands for today.
As a toddler, I'd revel in getting dressed up head to toe in my black and whites, swimming in an over-sized scarf and a ridiculously long jersey. I'd accompany my father to games at Victoria Park - not quite sure what to make of the showings of emotion from the fully-grown men and women I was surrounded by. As the 80s drew to a close, there was an excitement stirring among the Magpie Army.
"This is our year, I can feel it", I would hear Dad telling friends as 1990 clicked over. Sure enough, Collingwood's premiership woes ceased - finally we had the silverware we so desperately deserved! At five-years-old, I was adamant that there was only one place I wanted to be on Grand Final day, and that was at the game. Of course, my understanding of the game back then was minimal - get the ball, catch the ball, kick the ball. Yet, I dared not take my eyes off the game. I didn't go to the bathroom once that day…
Of course, the years that followed saw a steady decline in form. Quite simply, Collingwood needed a makeover. Enter Mick Malthouse.
What Mick did for our club was so much more than just our 2010 premiership campaign. He regrouped us, built players, moulded the team, saw raw talent and coached it with unhinged passion. He reinforced the importance of loyalty, and club culture. Watching Collingwood evolve into the 2010 powerhouse they came to be was a delight for the senses.
Naturally when I decided to travel Europe for five months in 2010, I knew my worlds were about to collide. Dad's only ever claimed it to be the Year of the Magpie twice in my lifetime, 1990, and 2010.
I was kept updated of course, weekly emails, stat updates; I even pieced together the Preliminary Final against Geelong with clips uploaded on YouTube.
I was in Split, Croatia for the (first) Grand Final. Wearing a subtle black and white 60s-inspired shift dress, I received the news that Collingwood had drawn with St Kilda. “Geez Collingwood, you sure know how to put on a show!” I thought. Immediately after the text message from my sister which read simply, "Draw. Play again next week." I received a more convincing text from Dad- "Don't worry Jess, It's in the bag. Collingwood loves to play in October." I knew he was making reference to the 1990 game.
A week later, as I imagined the whole of Melbourne doing a massive "take two", I donned my good luck Magpies socks and held out for the text. Croatia just did not accommodate for AFL stir-crazy tourists. Mum got in first - "We did it Jess! WE WON!”
I still get chills thinking about the feeling I got that morning, call me crazy but I would've traded anything to be back home, with my family, celebrating the end to our 20 year drought!
When I decided to move to Europe late last year (and not as a result of the 2011 Grand Final result, I can assure you!) I knew there was no way I was going anywhere without my scarf and trusty AFL shorts. I've even got a nice little set up on my bedside table, which includes photos from last year's Grand Final parade, and a Collingwood beanie baby. Its funny how small things like that can make you feel so much closer to home.
Of course, I still miss physically being able to attend games. Getting dressed up, merging with the rest of the Army and walking into the MCG, the rumble, the roar, the "Cooooooolingwooooood" chant - nothing in the world compares. And try explaining that to a soccer-mad Italian or Englishman!
I was lucky enough to attend the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Gallipoli this year, while my family was on the other side of the world cheering on the boys to win by a point. With my scarf wrapped tightly around me, I shivered through the Dawn bugle at ANZAC Cove. Later that morning at the Lone Pine Memorial Service, cheers went up in the crowd sporadically, either from Essendon supporters, or Collingwood supporters - depending on who was receiving a text message first!
As the choir sang "Amazing Grace", everyone must have received the same text- Pies had triumphed by a point! What a feeling.
As a Magpie Abroad, I've been lucky enough to represent my team in some pretty amazing places. I've even coaxed internationals along the way to support the Pies, an Italian local in Milan told me once - "In life, there's black, and then there's white. This is what we live by."
What a terrific way to describe the passion we share as a football club. Collingwood isn't just a team, it's a way of life. And win or lose, I wouldn't have it any other way!
Kind regards,
Jessica Christidis
Past Magpies Abroad
- Week One: Patrick McGeoch
- Week Two: Mark Dillman
