But not even the most one-eyed Collingwood supporter could have predicted the whirlwind start under West Coast’s duel premiership coach in season 2000.
Having won only four games in 1999, the Magpies entered their clash with Hawthorn in 35-degree Melbourne heat as rank outsiders. The Pies blooded four youngsters - prized number one draft choice Josh Fraser, an Indigenous boy from the west in Leon Davis, Ben Johnson, an 18-year-old from the heartland in Greensborough and whippet thin Leongatha recruit Damien Adkins - as well as handing Shane O’Bree, and Andrew Ukovic their first outings in the black and white.
Collingwood shocked Hawthorn with a five-goal opening term that featured outstanding two goals from Adkins. His first - a snap on the left out of a stoppage - was with his first kick in league football, but his second was even better. Adkins gathered a loose ball on the half forward flank, baulked the reigning Brownlow Medallist Shane Crawford, and slotted a major from the wrong pocket for a right footer.
The other debutant to star was Johnson, who bobbed up for 3.3 in the second half. Little did anyone know that Johnson would be the only surviving member of Malthouse’s first game to feature in the 2010 premiership team.
Captain Nathan Buckley played like a man on a mission, hunting down 31 disposals and 3.4 in front of goal en route to three Brownlow votes. He was well supported by O’Bree, Rupert Betheras and Paul Licuria around the ground, while Anthony Rocca sank four goals from long range.
Although the Magpies went on to shock the competition by winning the next four games in memorable fashion to share top spot with the undefeated Bombers after round five, the challenges of a long season meant that they won only two of the remaining 15 games to finish second last.
But Malthouse had laid the foundations for future success. In fact, 12 of the 22 who ran out against Hawthorn featured in Collingwood’s 2002 Grand Final team.
Mal Michael, Brent Tuckey and Josh Fraser all played roles in Malthouse's first game (and victory) as coach of the Collingwood Football Club.
The six Magpies to pull on the jumper for the first time in Malthouse's first match (L-R): Damien Adkins, Leon Dvais, Josh Fraser, Ben Johnson, Shane O'Bree, Andrew Ukovic.
Nathan Buckley has a smile on his face as he cools down following the 54 point win over the Hawks. Those adidas boots touched the footy on 25 occasions.
Mick Malthouse won seven games in his first season at the helm at Collingwood. He would finish his 12 year stint at the club with 163 wins and the 2010 premiership.
Round One 2000
Collingwood 5.1, 10.9, 17.14, 20.20 (140)
Hawthorn 2.5, 5.6, 11.7, 13.8 (86)
Goals - Collingwood: A.Rocca 4, Buckley 3, Johnson 3, Adkins 2, Michael 2, Williams 2, Burns, Fraser, O’Bree, S.Rocca.
Hawthorn: Holland 6, Graham 2, Barker, Croad, Smith, Crawford.
Best - Collingwood: Buckley, Adkins, Rocca, O’Bree, Ukovic, Betheras, Licuria, Johnson.
Hawthorn: Holland, McCabe, Harford, Hay, Woods.
