For any new fan tuning into the roar of the Magpie Army, the passion is unmistakable. But within the chants, banners, and rituals of the Collingwood cheer squad, there’s a whole language to learn. This glossary breaks down the key terms, chants, and traditions that fuel one of the loudest and most loyal supporter groups in the AFL.
Good Old Collingwood Forever
The club’s official anthem, sung with gusto before every match and in triumph after every win. More than just a song, it’s a sacred ritual that connects generations of the black and white army, binding them to the team’s long and storied history.
The Banner
The giant crepe paper artwork, painstakingly made by the cheer squad, which the players run through as they enter the arena. Each banner features a motivational message or pun related to the upcoming opponent, serving as a visual rallying cry for both the team and the supporters.
“Carn the Pies!”
The most fundamental and ubiquitous chant. It’s the simple, powerful call to arms you’ll hear echoing throughout the Melbourne Cricket Ground or any ground where Collingwood plays, translating to “Come on the Pies!”
“Colling-Wood!” Clap-Clap-Clap
A rhythmic, driving chant used to build momentum and pressure, especially when the team is surging forward. The three sharp claps after the club’s name make it one of the easiest and most effective chants for the whole crowd to join.
The Black and White Stripes
Refers to the iconic Collingwood guernsey. The vertical stripes are more than a uniform; they are a symbol of identity, tradition, and a “us against them” mentality that defines the club’s culture.
The Magpie Army
The collective name for Collingwood supporters as a whole. It signifies the massive, vocal, and travelling fanbase that turns any stadium into a home game, creating an intimidating wall of sound dressed in black and white stripes.
“Swooping” the Opposition
A playful term derived from the magpie bird’s aggressive behaviour. It describes when the team applies fierce defensive pressure, causing turnovers and “swooping” on the ball—a style heavily emphasised under Coach McRae.
“Pendles”
The affectionate nickname for club legend and former captain Scott Pendlebury. Used in chants like “Pendles! Pendles!”, it acknowledges his class, composure, and status as one of the Collingwood greatest players of all time.
“Daicos! Daicos!”
The explosive chant that erupts whenever young superstar Nick Daicos gets near the ball. It’s an anticipation of magic, recognising his generational talent and ability to change a game in an instant.
Vic Park
The shorthand for Victoria Park, the club’s spiritual home ground from 1892 to 1999. Mentioning it evokes deep nostalgia for the old suburban fortress where the Magpie Army was forged in its most raw and intimidating form.
The Copeland Trophy
The club’s annual best and fairest award, named after former club secretary Ern Copeland. Winning the Copeland is a huge honour, placing a player among the club’s internal legends for their season-long consistency and excellence.
The ‘G
The affectionate nickname for the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Collingwood’s modern home ground for blockbuster matches. Winning a flag at the ‘G, particularly in front of 100,000 fans, is the ultimate dream for any player or supporter.
“Flag”
The ultimate prize: an AFL Premiership. Collingwood’s quest for a flag is the central narrative of every season, with the famous 1990, 2010, and 2023 victories celebrated as iconic moments in the club’s history.
Anzac Day Clash
The annual blockbuster match against Essendon on Anzac Day (April 25th). It’s one of the biggest home-and-away games of the season, blending solemn remembrance with fierce rivalry, and is a modern Collingwood tradition.
“Mooooore”
The long, drawn-out chant for captain Darcy Moore, usually heard when he takes a courageous intercept mark in defence. It’s a vocal celebration of his leadership and game-saving abilities.
The Collingwood March
A pre-game tradition where the cheer squad, carrying flags and banners, leads a procession of supporters from a nearby pub to the stadium gates, building atmosphere and solidarity before the first bounce.
“You’re Not Singing Anymore!”
A taunting chant directed at opposition fans when Collingwood takes a commanding lead, pointing out the sudden silence from the rival cheer squad.
The Ruck Rover
While a standard football position, in Collingwood lore it carries extra weight due to legendary players like Len Thompson and Peter Moore who dominated the role. It speaks to a tradition of agile, influential big men.
The Holden Centre
The club’s state-of-the-art training and administrative headquarters at Olympic Park. It represents the modern, professional era of the club, contrasting with the nostalgic feel of Vic Park.
“Fly”
The universally adopted nickname for senior coach Craig McRae. It signifies the warm, attacking, and positive brand of football he has instilled, with fans and players alike embracing his philosophy.
The Bobby Rose Bar
A social club and bar at the Holden Centre named after the 1953 Copeland winner and club icon. It’s a popular meeting spot for members and a nod to the club’s greats.
“Side by Side”
The club’s official motto, taken from the anthem. It encapsulates the ethos of loyalty and unity—between players, and between the team and the Magpie Army.
The Enemy
A collective term for traditional rivals, most notably Carlton, Essendon, and Melbourne. These historic grudges, some dating back to the VFL era, add intense spice to the fixture.
The Prelim Final
The Preliminary Final. For Collingwood supporters, this match stage is often fraught with historic heartbreak and euphoria, being the final hurdle before the grand final.
The 2010 Replay
Refers to the unique 2010 AFL Premiership decider, which ended in a draw, leading to a full grand final replay the next week—which Collingwood won. It’s a two-part epic in club folklore.
Understanding these terms is your ticket to feeling the full force of what it means to be part of the black and white army. From the sacred words of Good Old Collingwood Forever to the explosive roar for Nick Daicos, this language of loyalty is what makes game day an unforgettable experience. It’s more than just support; it’s a shared identity, passed down through generations and as iconic as the stripes on the Magpies jumper.
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