Monday’s crowd of 83,518 was the largest to attend a Queen’s Birthday match between Collingwood and Melbourne since the tradition began in 2001.

It was 4,745 bigger than the previous highest attendance of 78,773, set back in 2006, and 12,592 more than the 70,926 that came through the gates in the corresponding fixture last year.

Top Five Queen’s Birthday Crowds (2001-2018)
83,518 – 2018
78,773 – 2006
75,998 – 2011
70,926 – 2017
70,660 – 2007

But the numbers don’t stop there.

The crowd was the biggest at a home and away match between the Magpies and the Demons since 1964.

It was still some way off the all time home and away record of 99,256, set by the two clubs on the Queen’s Birthday in 1958.

Interestingly, each time the Pies and Dees have drawn more than 81,000 to a home and away match, they have gone on to meet each other in a Grand Final.

Top Five Collingwood v Melbourne Attendances (home and away)
99,256 – Round 10 1958
86,664 – Round Nine 1964
83,518 – Round 12 2018
81,099 – Round 15 1960
80,231 – Round 6 1971



The MCG stands were treated to a 42-point Collingwood victory on Monday.

Monday’s crowd marked the first time Collingwood and Melbourne had drawn more than 80,000 to a match of any kind since 1988.

That match, sadly, won’t be remembered with any fondness by the Magpie hordes. A crowd of 87,407 saw the Dees record a 13-point victory in the 1988 Semi-Final.

For those with long memories to be jogged, Brian Taylor kicked six goals, while Mick McGuane helped himself to 23 disposals.

Fourteen of the 20 men that became premiership players in 1990 played that afternoon. Evidently, their biggest day was still to come.

Top Five Collingwood v Melbourne Finals Attendances
115,902 – 1956 Grand Final
102,471 – 1964 Grand Final
99,256 – Round 10 1958
97,956 – 1958 Grand Final
97,457 – 1960 Grand Final