So, you’re settling into the Magpie Nest and hearing a lot of passionate chatter about "the old enemy," "the Anzac Day clash," or what it means to "do a Collingwood." The world of the black and white army comes with its own rich language and history, especially when it comes to our storied rivalries. This glossary is your guide to understanding the key terms, matches, and figures that define these epic contests.
The Carlton Rivalry
The longest and most bitter rivalry in the AFL, dating back to 1897. Matches against Carlton are more than just games; they're battles for bragging rights in Melbourne, often with finals implications. The sheer hatred and passion from both sets of supporters make every clash, whether at the 'G or elsewhere, an unmissable event.
The Essendon Rivalry
A fierce and modern rivalry, famously crystallised by the annual Anzac Day match. While historical tensions exist, this clash has become a blockbuster event that often shapes the season for both clubs. The intensity is amplified by the huge crowds and the prestige of winning on such a sacred day.
The Anzac Day Clash
The annual match held on April 25th against Essendon at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. It’s one of the home-and-away season's most prestigious games, honouring the ANZAC spirit. Winning this match is a huge point of pride for the Magpie Army and is often seen as a season-defining moment.
The Old Enemy
A term used almost exclusively by Collingwood supporters to refer to Carlton. It encapsulates the deep-seated, generational nature of the rivalry, born from countless on-field battles and off-field competition for success and supporters throughout history.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground
Collingwood's spiritual home ground and the venue for many of its greatest rivalry triumphs. Known affectionately as the 'G, it's where countless finals and grand finals against Carlton, Essendon, and others have been decided. The roar of the black and white army here is iconic.
Victoria Park
The club's former home ground, known as Vic Park. This fortress was where many rivalries were forged in a cauldron of intense, partisan support. The memories of battles here against teams like Carlton and Essendon are etched into club folklore.
The Magpie Army
The passionate and vast legion of Collingwood supporters. They are the heartbeat of the club's rivalries, creating an intimidating atmosphere for opposition teams. Their unwavering loyalty, whether at home or travelling, is a key weapon in any big clash.
Black and White Stripes
The iconic Collingwood guernsey. These vertical stripes are a symbol of pride and identity, instantly recognisable on the field. In rivalry games, seeing the stripes surge forward is a sight that stirs the soul of every supporter.
Premiership
The ultimate goal: winning the AFL Grand Final to secure the flag. Rivalries are often measured by who has more premierships, with Carlton being a constant benchmark. The 2023 grand final win was a recent, glorious addition to the Collingwood tally.
Grand Final Win
The victorious match on the last Saturday in September that secures the premiership. Wins over rivals in grand finals, like the 1990 replay against Essendon or the 2010 draw and replay against St Kilda, are among the most cherished moments in club history.
Flag
Collongwood slang for the premiership. You'll hear supporters talk about "going for flag number 16" or reminiscing about past flags won at the expense of old foes. It’s the pinnacle of success in the AFL.
Craig McRae
The current senior coach, affectionately known as 'Fly'. Since taking over, he has instilled a resilient and fearless brand of football that has seen Collingwood thrive in high-pressure rivalry games. His modern approach is writing a new chapter in these historic contests.
Nick Daicos
The young superstar whose brilliance has already lit up many a big game. Daicos seems born for the big stage, and his performances in marquee matches like the Anzac Day clash have quickly made him a central figure in the club's ongoing rivalry narratives.
Scott Pendlebury
The former captain and club legend, known as 'Pendles'. His cool, composed demeanour in the heat of battle against rivals, particularly on Anzac Day where he has won multiple medals, defined an era. He is the epitome of big-game player.
Darcy Moore
The current captain and defensive stalwart. Moore leads from the front in rivalry games, often taking on the opposition's best key forward. His leadership and intercept marking are crucial in setting the tone in these high-stakes encounters.
Copeland Trophy
The award for Collingwood's best and fairest player each season. Winning the Copeland is a huge honour, and many club legends who have starred in rivalry games, like Scott Pendlebury, have their name on the trophy multiple times.
Do a Collingwood
An outdated and derogatory phrase used by opposition supporters to imply choking in a big game. In the modern era, especially under Craig McRae, the phrase has been well and truly retired, replaced by a reputation for winning close, clutch finals.
1970 Grand Final
A seminal, though painful, moment in the rivalry with Carlton. Collingwood's loss after leading by 44 points at half-time is a historical reference point that fuelled the fire of the rivalry for generations and is still discussed today.
1990 Premiership
A legendary flag win, famous for the "Colliwobbles" being broken. This victory, which included a brutal grand final replay against Essendon, is a sacred piece of club lore and a defining triumph over a key rival.
2002 Grand Final
The infamous loss to Brisbane by 9 points. While not against a traditional rival, the sheer heartbreak of this match is a shared memory for the Magpie Army and represents the kind of agonising defeat that makes eventual success, like 2023, so sweet.
2010 Drawn Grand Final
The incredible draw and subsequent replay victory against St Kilda. This epic saga created a new, intense modern rivalry and showcased the never-say-die spirit of the black and white stripes, ending in the club's 15th premiership.
2023 Premiership
The most recent grand final win, a nail-biting victory over Brisbane. This flag, secured by a new generation led by Darcy Moore and Nick Daicos, cemented a new era of success and added a fresh chapter to the club's rivalry with Brisbane.
The Rivalry Round
While not an official AFL round anymore, the concept refers to rounds where historic rivalries are scheduled. For Collingwood, these are the must-watch games against Carlton and Essendon, where season momentum can be won or lost.
The Michael Voss Incident
A famous moment from the early 2000s rivalry with Brisbane, involving then-Lion Voss and Collingwood's Rupert Betheras. It symbolised the fierce physical and competitive nature of that period, where the two teams battled for supremacy.
The Lexus Center
The club's current training and administrative base. While not a match venue, it's where the game plans to tackle rivals are forged. It represents the modern, professional face of the club as it prepares for these historic clashes.
Understanding these terms gives you a deeper appreciation for the passion that fuels every Collingwood match. These rivalries are the fabric of the club's history, a blend of pain and glory that every generation of the black and white army experiences. It’s what makes being a Pie so uniquely thrilling. Want to see how these rivalries shape the current team? Check out our 2024 season preview for the latest insights.
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