Michael Christian catches up with former teammates including Peter Daicos and Damian Monkhorst.

Over 1,000 Collingwood supporters turned out for the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the club’s 1990 premiership at the Crown Palladium on Wednesday 9 June.

With all 14 premiership cups proudly displayed on stage and 14 flags hanging from the rafters, the room was brimming with black and white pride.

Highlights of the luncheon included Michael Christian and club president Eddie McGuire conducting Q & A sessions with rotating panels featuring players and staff.

Excerpt of the conversation with Michael Christian and Leigh Matthews on the legendary Alan Richardson fitness test.

Leigh Matthews:  It was a Thursday night before the grand final and there were over 10,000 people there at Victoria Park.  Richo (Alan Richardson) had cracked his collarbone in the second semi final and of course it was never going to heal in a short amount of time. 

He wanted to have a go and I started to do the fitness test and there were 10,000 watching.  As callous as it was, if someone was going to break down, they needed to break down in training, not in a game.

We were doing the normal bumping and tackling and he looked to survive it.  I then gave him a good bump when he wasn’t bracing for it. 

Christian:  We were all amazed watching this unfold.  We all thought he was going to get through it and could play on Saturday.  And then Richo and Leigh started walking off the ground. 

Without any warning Leigh grabbed Richo and absolutely smashed him into the turf and Richo got up and was holding his collarbone.

Matthews:  I think it was his good shoulder he actually cracked after my bump!

McGuire closed the lunch by awarding Doug Barwick, Craig Starcevich and Brian Taylor life membership to the club.

Photos and highlights of the event will be published on Collingwoodfc.com.au later in the week.

Awards handed out during the event
Best kick in 1990: Tony Francis (suspended for six matches for kicking a West Coast player in round one).
Striking a pensioner: Graeme 'Gubby' Allen (for quarter-time brawl at grand final)
Best mullet:  Doug Barwick
Greatest point against Collingwood: Peter Sumich (to level scores and force a second qualifying final against West Coast)