Checklist: All 16 Collingwood Premiership Wins From 1902 to 2023

Checklist: All 16 Collingwood Premiership Wins From 1902 to 2023

So, you want to truly understand the legacy of the Collingwood Football Club? There’s no better way than to walk through the history of its premiership wins. For the Magpies, each flag is more than just a grand final win; it’s a chapter in a rich, often dramatic, story that defines the club’s soul.

This isn't just a list of dates and scores. This is your practical checklist to appreciating what it means to be part of the black and white army. We’re going to journey through all 16 triumphs, from the first in 1902 to the most recent, heart-stopping one in 2023. By the end, you’ll not only know the years and the opponents, but you’ll feel the weight of history behind each one and understand why these victories are the bedrock of the club’s identity.

Let’s get started.

What You’ll Need

Before we dive into the step-by-step history, let’s make sure you’re prepped. You don’t need much, just the right mindset and a few key references.

A Sense of History: Approach this as a story, not a stat sheet. Each era had its own challenges, heroes, and style of play.
The Collingwood Guernsey: Keep the iconic black and white stripes in mind. Its design is a constant, linking every generation of player and supporter.
Key References: We’ll mention legends, grounds, and awards. Having a mental picture of places like Victoria Park (or 'Vic Park') and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (the 'G'), and honours like the Copeland Trophy (the club's best and fairest), will help colour in the story.
Patience for the Droughts: The gaps between flags are as much a part of the Collingwood story as the wins themselves. They make the triumphs sweeter.

Ready? Let’s walk through each premiership, step by step.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Collingwood’s Premiership History

Step 1: Acknowledge The Foundation (1902, 1903, 1910, 1917, 1919)

Our story begins in the Victorian Football League (VFL), the precursor to the AFL. Collingwood’s early identity was built on sheer dominance and grit. The back-to-back flags in 1902 and 1903 announced the Magpies as a powerhouse straight out of the gate. The 1910 premiership solidified this, but the true character of the club was forged in fire during the 1917 and 1919 wins. These were war-affected seasons, played with depleted lists and a heavy heart, proving the club's resilience. This era established the never-say-die spirit that would become synonymous with the Magpies.

Step 2: Celebrate The Machine (1927, 1928, 1929, 1930)

Here is where legend becomes fact. This is the most famous period in Collingwood history. Under the legendary Jock McHale, the Pies became an unstoppable machine. They played in four consecutive grand finals from 1927 to 1930 and won them all. This "Four-in-a-Row" is a feat that has never been matched in the VFL/AFL. It’s the Everest of Australian rules football achievements and is the central pillar of the club’s historical prestige. Every discussion of Collingwood’s greatness starts here.

Step 3: Recognise The Post-War Pillar (1953)

After the Four-in-a-Row, the club entered a long period of grand final heartbreak, losing seven deciders between 1935 and 1952. The 1953 flag was therefore a monumental relief and a testament to persistence. It broke the infamous "Colliwobbles" curse of the era and was a triumph for a generation of supporters who had endured so much pain. It stands as a solitary, shining post-war pillar for decades.

Step 4: Appreciate The Modern Rebirth (1990)

Fast forward through more heartbreak (including the famous 1970 draw and loss). The 1990 premiership is arguably the most emotionally charged of them all. After a 32-year drought, and against a seemingly unstoppable Essendon side, the Magpies, led by Tony Shaw and inspired by the tragic passing of Darren Millane, produced a ferocious, against-all-odds performance. It wasn’t just a flag; it was a cathartic release for the entire Magpie Army and a rebirth of the club's modern identity.

Step 5: Understand The Bridesmaid Era & Its Finale (2010)

The decades after 1990 were defined by near-misses—losing grand finals in 2002, 2003, and 2011, and a draw in 2010. The 2010 premiership, won in a replay against St Kilda, was therefore a complex triumph. It ended a 20-year wait and relieved immense pressure, but its unique drawn-grand-final storyline means it occupies a special, almost surreal, place in the cabinet. It proved the club could win the big one again, even if the path was utterly bizarre.

Step 6: Soak In The Present Dynasty (2023)

And so, we arrive at the present. The 2023 premiership is a masterpiece of a new era. After a crushing loss in 2018 and a narrow defeat in 2022, many wondered if this talented group could finish the job. Under the transformative guidance of coach Craig McRae ("Fly"), and led by captain Darcy Moore and veterans like Scott Pendlebury ("Pendles"), the Pies played a brand of fearless, pressure-focused football. With young superstar Nick Daicos returning from injury, they won a series of heart-stopping close finals, culminating in a four-point epic against Brisbane. This flag felt different—it was a validation of a new philosophy and cemented the current team’s place in history. For a deeper dive into moments like this, explore our hub on Collingwood key moments and legends.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

TIP: Don't just memorise the years. Connect them to the club's home. The early flags are tied to Vic Park, while the modern ones echo in the halls of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
TIP: When talking about the 2010 win, always mention the draw. It’s the essential part of the story. It was a saga, not just a game.
COMMON MISTAKE: Confusing the "Four-in-a-Row" (1927-30) with other dynasties. It is unique. No other club has done it.
COMMON MISTAKE: Underestimating the 1953 flag because it stands alone. In context, it was one of the most important for the club's psyche.
TIP: Relate past heroes to present ones. Draw lines from the leadership of past captains to Darcy Moore today, or from the midfield generals of yesteryear to Scott Pendlebury and Nick Daicos. The threads of the black and white guernsey connect them all.

Checklist Summary: The 16 Flags

Use this bullet list as your final checklist. Each one represents a mountain climbed, a story told, and a generation of black and white army celebrated.

• 1902: The foundation. The first ever VFL flag.


• 1903: Back-to-back, establishing dominance.


• 1910: Cementing the early powerhouse status.


• 1917: A war-time triumph of resilience.


• 1919: Post-war success, restoring order.


• 1927: The beginning of immortality.


• 1928: The machine keeps rolling.


• 1929: The pinnacle of the dynasty.


• 1930: The unmatched Four-in-a-Row is complete.


• 1953: Breaking the drought and the "Colliwobbles."


• 1990: Catharsis. Ending the 32-year wait with raw emotion.


• 2010: The saga. Winning the replay to end the bridesmaid era.


• 2023: The new dawn. Fly’s philosophy, heart-stopping finals, and a new generation of heroes.

There you have it. Sixteen steps through history. From the mud of Vic Park to the bright lights of the 'G, each premiership is a badge of honour for every Collingwood supporter. Now you’re not just a fan who knows the number; you’re a custodian of the story. Wear those black and white stripes with pride, because you know exactly what they represent.

P.S. While we celebrate our own history, it's always fascinating to see how other major sporting stories unfold, whether it's a dramatic college basketball upset like Maryland beating Crimson Tide or complex off-field issues in other sports that remind us of the wider world athletes and clubs operate in, such as discussions surrounding community safety and policy.*