The 25 Greatest Collingwood Magpies Players of All Time

The 25 Greatest Collingwood Magpies Players of All Time

Ranking the greatest players in the storied history of the Collingwood Football Club is a task that invites passionate debate. With a legacy spanning over 130 years, 16 AFL Premiership flags, and countless iconic figures, the Magpies’ tapestry is woven with threads of brilliance, courage, and an unwavering will to win. This list seeks to honour those who have not only achieved individual excellence but have also left an indelible mark on the club’s identity, driving its success and captivating the Magpie Army generation after generation. From the pioneers at Victoria Park to the modern heroes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, these 25 players define what it means to wear the Collingwood guernsey.

Defining Greatness: Our Selection Criteria

Our evaluation is based on a confluence of factors designed to measure a player’s impact and legacy. Individual accolades, such as the Copeland Trophy, All-Australian selections, and representation in the AFL Hall of Fame or Team of the Century, carry significant weight. However, greatness at Collingwood is inextricably linked to team success and pivotal moments on the grandest stages. Leadership, longevity, and the intangible quality of inspiring teammates and supporters—especially in the cauldron of an Anzac Day clash—are equally vital. This list considers the complete picture of a player’s contribution to the black and white cause.

The Immortals: The Top 10 Magpies Legends

These figures transcend statistics; they are the bedrock of the club’s mythology.

1. Gordon Coventry (1920-1937): The original goalkicking colossus. Coventry was the first player in VFL/AFL history to kick 100 goals in a season (1929) and his career tally of 1299 stood as the league record for over 60 years. A key pillar in four premierships, his dominance revolutionised the forward role.


2. Nathan Buckley (1994-2007): The embodiment of fierce determination and sublime skill. A Brownlow Medallist (2003), seven-time best and fairest winner, and six-time All-Australian, Buckley’s leadership as captain was legendary. Though a premiership eluded him, his legacy as one of the game’s most complete midfielders is unassailable.


3. Peter Daicos (1979-1993): “The Macedonian Marvel” possessed magic in his boots. Renowned for his impossible goals from the boundary, Daicos was a match-winner who thrilled crowds and won the 1990 AFL Premiership with his genius. His 1990 season, where he kicked 97 goals from the forward pocket, remains the stuff of folklore.


4. Bob Rose (1946-1955): A four-time Copeland Trophy winner and the heart of Collingwood in the post-war era. Rose was a courageous, versatile champion who excelled in the centre and up forward. His name is synonymous with loyalty and spirit, qualities that define the club.


5. Len Thompson (1965-1978): A ruckman of extraordinary athleticism and skill for his era. Thompson won five best and fairest awards, a Brownlow Medal (1972), and was a dominant force who could change a game around the ground. He remains one of the most gifted big men to play the game.


6. Scott Pendlebury (2006-Present): The epitome of composure and class. “Pendles,” a premiership captain (2023), six-time best and fairest, and Norm Smith Medallist (2010), has redefined midfield elegance with his time-defying decision-making. His leadership under Craig McRae has been instrumental in the club’s recent resurgence.


7. Albert Collier (1925-1939): A tough, relentless defender and midfielder in the famed “Collier dynasty.” A key component of four flags, Collier won a Brownlow (1929) and was renowned for his hardness and competitive fire, setting a standard for Collingwood’s famed defensive ethos.


8. Harry Collier (1925-1940): Albert’s brother and a brilliant rover. A four-time premiership player and Brownlow Medallist (1930), Harry was the creative engine of the great Collingwood sides of the late 1920s and 1930s, known for his clever play and goal sense.


9. Darcy Moore (2015-Present): The modern defensive general. Evolving from a promising forward to an intercepting colossus, Moore’s ascent to the captaincy and his role as the linchpin of the 2023 premiership defence secures his place among the greats. His leadership and athleticism define the contemporary Magpie.


10. Syd Coventry (1922-1934): Captain of the legendary “Machine” team that won four consecutive flags from 1927-1930. A rugged and inspirational leader, Coventry’s will to win forged one of the greatest dynasties in football history. He set a standard for Collingwood captains that endures.

Champions of the Modern Era

The post-1990 period has seen champions who carried the club through triumphs and trials, building a bridge to today’s success.

1. Tony Shaw (1978-1994): The quintessential hard-nosed, fearless captain who led the Magpies to the famous drought-breaking 1990 flag. His relentless attack on the ball and will to win personified the spirit demanded by the Collingwood guernsey.


2. Gavin Brown (1987-2000): A heart-and-soul player of immense courage. Brown’s versatility, leadership as captain, and his heroic role in the 1990 premiership—playing with a broken jaw in the second half of the Grand Final—make him a beloved figure.


3. Dane Swan (2003-2016): A Brownlow Medallist (2011) and cult hero whose unique preparation belied an incredible football brain and endurance. A prolific ball-winner and match-winner, “Swanny” was the engine room of the 2010 premiership team and a five-time best and fairest.


4. Travis Cloke (2005-2016): For nearly a decade, Cloke was the AFL’s most formidable key forward. His powerful marking and goalkicking were central to Collingwood’s 2010 flag and 2011 Grand Final appearance, earning him three All-Australian blazers.


5. Nick Daicos (2022-Present): In just a few seasons, Nick Daicos has displayed a level of skill and football intelligence that places him on a trajectory to the very top of this list. His breathtaking debut season and immediate impact as a premier midfielder signal the arrival of a once-in-a-generation talent.


6. Brodie Grundy (2013-2022): A dual Copeland Trophy winner who redefined the modern ruck role with his athleticism and ground-level prowess. His dominance in 2018-2019 was a key factor in Collingwood’s return to contention.

The Pioneers and Mid-Century Icons

The foundation of the club’s culture and success was laid by these titans of earlier eras.

1. Jock McHale (1903-1920): While immortalised as the coach of a record eight premierships, McHale was also a champion player—a tough, durable defender and captain who played in four flags. His legacy is the Collingwood ethos itself.


2. Des Fothergill (1937-1949): A phenomenal talent who won a Brownlow Medal (1940) and four consecutive best and fairest awards. His career, interrupted by war, showcased breathtaking skill and marking ability.


3. Lou Richards (1941-1955): A cheeky, brilliant rover and premiership captain (1953). “Louie the Lip” was a crowd favourite whose fame extended beyond his playing days, becoming a legendary media personality who kept the Magpies in the public eye.


4. Phonse Kyne (1934-1950): A resilient and clever rover who played in three premierships before becoming a successful coach. Kyne’s leadership and football intellect were pivotal across multiple decades.


5. Murray Weideman (1953-1963): “The Enforcer.” As captain, Weideman’s physical and inspirational leadership was central to the 1958 premiership, famously rallying his team with sheer force of will.


6. Wayne Richardson (1966-1978): “The King.” A majestic centreman with sublime skills, Richardson won three Copeland Trophy awards and was the club’s standout player through the 1970s, renowned for his graceful play.

The Heartbeat: Cult Heroes and Key Contributors

Greatness isn’t always measured in awards; sometimes it’s defined by moments and an unbreakable connection with the black and white army.

1. Mick McGuane (1987-1996): A player of explosive talent and fierce competitiveness. His 1994 season, where he won the best and fairest and almost single-handedly willed Collingwood into a Grand Final, was a display of individual brilliance few can match.


2. Peter McKenna (1965-1975): The game’s first true celebrity full-forward. With his famous kicking style and goal-a-game accuracy, “Macca” was a prolific goalkicker who captured the imagination of the entire league, topping the goalkicking twice.


3. Jack Regan (1930-1941): “The Prince of Full-Backs.” Regarded as one of the finest defenders of all time, Regan’s anticipation, strength, and skill in the last line of defence made him a legend in an era of legendary full-forwards.

Honourable Mentions and Future Legends

The depth of talent at Collingwood makes any list contentious. Figures like Darcy Moore’s father, Peter Moore (a dual Brownlow Medallist), 1990 premiership hero Craig Kelly, the relentless Gavin Crosisca, and modern stalwarts like Steele Sidebottom and Jeremy Howe narrowly miss this list but are forever cherished. The current era under Craig McRae promises more: the leadership of Scott Pendlebury, the brilliance of Nick Daicos, and the defensive mastery of Darcy Moore are writing new chapters. Is Brayden Maynard’s fierce defensive brand building a case? Could Jordan De Goey’s match-winning finals performances elevate him? Only time will tell.

Understanding the Legacy: Tips for New Supporters

For those new to the Magpie Army, understanding this legacy enriches every game you watch. When you see the number 35, think of Peter Daicos’s magic. When you see the captain’s armband, remember Syd Coventry’s iron will and Nathan Buckley’s relentless standard. Recognise that the pressure and expectation this team plays under is a legacy handed down by these 25 men. To appreciate where the club is going, one must understand where it has been. We encourage you to delve deeper into the Collingwood Magpies history timeline to explore the narratives that shaped these champions.

Conclusion

From Gordon Coventry’s record-breaking boots to Nick Daicos’s dazzling debut, the thread that connects all 25 of these greats is a profound commitment to the Collingwood Football Club. They have provided the moments of joy, skill, and triumph that have sustained one of football’s most passionate supporter bases for over a century. Their stories are not just about footballing excellence, but about defining the character of a club. This list is a tribute to their contributions and an invitation to celebrate the ongoing journey. The debate over the order will rage forever, but their status as legends is immutable.

Explore the rich tapestry of this iconic club further in our comprehensive guide to Understanding Collingwood in the AFL, and trace every key moment in our detailed Collingwood Magpies History Timeline.