Collingwood Fan Chants, Songs & Traditions

For the Collingwood Football Club, success is not measured by the final siren alone. It is forged in the roar of the Magpie Army, a soundscape of unwavering loyalty that has become as iconic as the black and white stripes themselves. To understand Collingwood is to understand its people, and their rituals are the heartbeat of the club. This guide delves into the chants, songs, and traditions that define the matchday experience for Collingwood supporters, transforming the Melbourne Cricket Ground and beyond into a fortress of noise and passion. These are not mere habits; they are the living history and cultural fabric of one of the Australian Football League’s most powerful entities.

The Soundtrack of the Black and White: Core Chants & Songs

The voice of the Magpie Army is its most potent weapon. These chants are passed down through generations, creating an instant bond between old and new Collingwood supporters.

"Collingwood, Collingwood" – The Primary Chant

This simple, rhythmic call is the bedrock of matchday. Often led by a dedicated group in the cheer squad, its two-syllable repetition – "Col-ling-wood, Col-ling-wood" – builds in volume and intensity, especially during pivotal moments. It’s a unifying declaration of presence and a powerful tool for rallying the players.

"Good Old Collingwood Forever" – The Anthem

More than a song, this is a sacred vow. Sung with gusto before every match and in triumph after a win, its lyrics speak of loyalty through "good and bad times." The final, emphatic "Keep your eye on the red and the white!" is a direct challenge to any opponent. Hearing tens of thousands belt it out at the 'G is a spine-tingling experience that connects the current side to every AFL Premiership team that came before.

Player-Specific Chants

The Magpie Army personalises its support with chants for favourite sons. The melody for "He’s a Magpie, he’s a star, he’s got a car called the Collingwood car" has been adapted for decades. Today, you’ll hear it roar for champions like Scott Pendlebury ("He’s Pendlebury, he’s a star...") and Nick Daicos. For a key defender like Darcy Moore, a booming "Mooooore" echoes around the stadium with every intercept mark. These chants are a direct dialogue between the fans and their on-field heroes.

Sacred Grounds & Matchday Rituals

The where and when of supporting Collingwood is just as important as the how. Certain venues and dates are etched into the club’s soul.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground: Spiritual Home

While Victoria Park was the historic heartland, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is now the club’s grand stage. The ritual of the march to the 'G, with scarves held high, is a pilgrimage. The specific roar that erupts from the Ponsford Stand end—where the black and white army is most densely packed—is a unique acoustic signature in the Australian Football League. It’s a collective deep breath before the first bounce, a place where tradition meets the modern era.

The Anzac Day Clash: A Tradition of Respect and Rivalry

No fixture on the calendar carries more weight for Collingwood supporters. The Anzac Day match against Essendon is a day of profound respect and fierce competition. The silence observed during the pre-game ceremony is arguably the most powerful moment of the AFL season, a shared national tribute. The energy that follows is electric, with the usual chants imbued with an extra layer of passion. Winning the Anzac Day game is a coveted honour, a modern tradition that defines a season.

The Pre-Game Build-Up

The ritual starts long before the first ball is bounced. Fans gather at pubs like the "Labour in Vain," adorned in their Magpies jumper. The team’s walk from the bus into the stadium is met with cheers and clapping—a show of solidarity. Inside, the unfurling of the giant banner by the cheer squad, always ending with "GO PIES," is the final visual cue that the battle is about to begin.

Annual Traditions & Club Celebrations

Beyond weekly matches, the Collingwood calendar is marked by events that reinforce identity and honour excellence.

Copeland Trophy Night: Honouring the Best

The Copeland Trophy is the club’s highest individual honour, awarded to the season’s best and fairest. The night is a celebration of the club family. For the Magpie Army, it’s a chance to celebrate their favourites and get a glimpse into the team’s culture. The winner’s speech often references the fans, cementing that sacred player-supporter bond. It’s a tradition that looks back on the season past while building excitement for the one ahead. To understand the players who have shaped these traditions, explore our complete history of the club.

Family Day & Open Training Sessions

These events break down the barriers between players and the black and white army. Getting a signature on a Collingwood guernsey, taking a photo with a star like Nick Daicos, or hearing Craig McRae address the crowd fosters a deep sense of belonging. These are the moments where young fans become lifelong members of the Magpie Army, creating personal memories tied to the club’s icons.

The Modern Era: Evolution Under Fly

Traditions aren’t static; they evolve with new leaders and new successes. The era of Coach McRae—affectionately known as ‘Fly’—has introduced fresh energy and subtle new layers to the fan experience.

"Fly the Flag" & Positive Reinforcement

Craig McRae’s philosophy of joy, connection, and relentless positivity has resonated deeply with the player group and the fanbase. The concept of "flying the flag" for your teammate has been embraced by supporters. You’ll hear encouragement rather than blame, a collective willingness to "love the fight," as Fly often says. This has refined the matchday atmosphere, making the Magpie Army’s support more strategic and uplifting, willing the team over the line in close contests like the 2023 AFL Premiership decider.

Integrating New Stars into the Folklore

A key part of tradition is welcoming new heroes. The instant adoration for Nick Daicos saw his chant emerge almost from his first game. The Magpie Army has a keen eye for players who embody the club’s gritty spirit, and under Fly, they are quick to celebrate those who "play their role." This ensures the songs and cheers are constantly renewed, connecting the next generation of stars to the legacy. See how the current squad is shaping these new chapters in our definitive 2024 player guide.

Practical Tips for Joining the Magpie Army

Want to move from observer to participant? Here’s how to authentically engage with Collingwood’s fan culture.

Learn the Lyrics: Don’t just mumble "Good Old Collingwood Forever." Learn the words. You can find them on the club’s official website. Singing it loud and proud is your entry ticket.
Timing is Everything: The primary "Collingwood" chant often starts during a momentum shift or after a goal. Listen for the cheer squad’s lead and join in. The "Collllll-ling-woooood" slow clap is usually reserved for building tension before a key bounce.
Wear the Stripes with Pride: Your Magpies jumper is your uniform. Wear it without modification. Scarves, beanies, and face paint in black and white are encouraged, especially in cold weather.
Respect the Rivalries: Engage in banter with opposition fans, but keep it respectful, especially during solemn events like the Anzac Day clash. The Magpie Army’s reputation is built on passionate but fair support.
Embrace the Full Experience: Arrive early to soak in the build-up, participate in the banner clap, and stay to sing the song after a win—win or lose, applaud the team off the ground.

The Unbreakable Thread

The chants of the Collingwood Football Club are more than noise; they are a chronicle of triumph and heartbreak. The traditions are more than habit; they are a covenant between the club and its people. From the hallowed turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground to the quiet pride of wearing the black and white stripes in a foreign pub, being part of the Magpie Army is a shared identity. It connects the legacy of Victoria Park to the modern philosophy of Craig McRae, and the legendary feats of past Copeland Trophy winners to the emerging brilliance of Nick Daicos.

These rituals ensure that every supporter, whether a 90-year veteran or a 9-year-old attending their first game, is part of the same timeless story. They are why Collingwood is never just a football team; it is a culture, a community, and a lifelong passion. The call will always go out, and the black and white army will always answer: "Collingwood, Collingwood*."

Ready to dive deeper into what makes this club tick? Begin your journey by understanding the core essence of Collingwood in the AFL.