Welcome to The Magpie Nest, where we dive deep into the culture of the Collingwood Football Club. Few things are more sacred in football than a good nickname. They’re a sign of respect, a mark of character, and a piece of club folklore. For the Magpies, nicknames are a language of their own, weaving together history, personality, and iconic moments. This glossary decodes the monikers of some famous Pies, past and present, and the stories behind them.
The Fly
This is the affectionate nickname for senior coach Craig McRae. It’s a direct reference to his brilliant playing career, where he was a clever, crumbing small forward known for his ability to ‘fly’ for spectacular marks and kick crucial goals, particularly during his time with the Brisbane Lions. The name has stuck seamlessly into his coaching career, embodying the energetic and fearless brand of football he encourages from his team.
Pendles
The universal shorthand for club legend Scott Pendlebury. It’s a classic Australian diminutive, born from familiarity and immense respect. The nickname reflects his central, enduring role at the club for over a decade, where his cool, composed, and time-slowing style of play in the midfield made him one of the most revered figures in the modern era.
Bucks
The iconic nickname of Nathan Buckley, one of the club's greatest ever players and a former senior coach. It’s simply a common shortening of his surname. However, to the Magpie Army, "Bucks" signifies sheer brilliance, fierce competitiveness, and a legacy that includes a Norm Smith Medal, a Brownlow, and captaining the side to a grand final.
Harry
A historic and revered nickname belonging to the late, great Lou Richards. As a cheeky champion rover and later a legendary media personality, "Harry" was a name synonymous with Collingwood spirit. The origin is charmingly simple: his grandfather couldn't pronounce "Louie," so he called him "Harry" instead, and it stayed with him for life.
The Kid
This was the early-career nickname for Nick Daicos, bestowed upon him almost from the moment he was drafted as a father-son selection. It acknowledged his youth and famous lineage while also hinting at the prodigious talent that was immediately obvious. As he’s matured into one of the AFL's elite players, its usage has naturally faded in favour of just "Nick" or "Daics."
Swanny
The beloved moniker for 2011 Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan. It epitomised his no-fuss, larrikin personality and his unique, powerful playing style. Swanny was a cult hero, known for his incredible endurance, straight-talking attitude, and a career that is forever celebrated by the black and white army.
Daisy
The nickname of livewire forward Dale Thomas during his time at Collingwood. It was a playful rhyme on his first name and perfectly matched his flamboyant, crowd-pleasing style of play. Daisy’s high-flying marks and exuberant energy made him a huge fan favourite, especially during the run to the 2010 flag.
Jock
A nickname with real old-school Collingwood pedigree, belonging to 1958 premiership player and later chairman, Allan McAlister. It’s a traditional Scottish diminutive for the name John, often used for someone of Scottish heritage, which fit his background. "Jock" McAlister was a formidable figure in the club's administration for many years.
The G-Train
The powerful nickname of key forward Fraser Gehrig, though he earned greater fame at St Kilda. During his earlier stint with the Pies, his sheer size, strength, and ability to bulldoze through contests saw this intimidating moniker begin to take hold, forecasting the dominant force he would later become.
Licca
The nickname of tough, loyal defender Paul Licuria. A straightforward shortening of his surname, it was a name that came to represent relentless grit and courage. Licca was a two-time Copeland Trophy winner, famous for his shut-down roles and his integral part in the club's fierce midfield of the early 2000s.
Mighty Mouse
The delightful nickname of 1990 premiership hero Peter Daicos, father of Nick and Josh. It celebrated his small stature but gigantic talent. Daicos was a magician with the football, capable of the impossible. His balance, skill, and goal-sense made him a giant of the game, proving that mighty things do come in small packages.
Rat
The nickname of 1990 premiership captain Tony Shaw. It was a term of endearment that spoke to his tenacious, in-and-under style of play. Shaw was the ultimate competitor, a fearless leader who would do anything for his teammates, embodying the ruthless Collingwood spirit of that era.
Sav
The common abbreviation for key position player Saverio Rocca, one of the most prodigious long-range goalkickers in the game's history. When Sav lined up for a set shot from beyond 60 metres, the crowd would rise in anticipation, knowing he had the sheer power to send the ball sailing through.
The Wizard
A magical nickname for the mercurial Alan Didak. It was the perfect description for a player who could do things with a football that defied logic. The Wizard was an artist, known for his sublime skills, pinpoint passes, and a knack for kicking miraculous goals that left fans and opponents in awe.
Leon the Lip
The colourful nickname of Leon Davis, a brilliantly talented small forward and defender. It playfully referenced his confident, outspoken nature on the field. Davis let his football do most of the talking, however, with his spectacular marking and electrifying pace.
Tooves
The affectionate nickname for hard-nosed midfielder and 1990 premiership player Shane O’Bree. It’s a classic Aussie "-o" or "-ey" suffix added to a shortened version of his surname. Tooves was a dependable and tough inside midfielder throughout his long career with the Pies.
Presti
The nickname of defensive stalwart Simon Prestigiacomo. It’s a simple shortening of a long surname, but to Collingwood supporters, "Presti" means selfless dedication. He was a brilliant full-back who famously made way for a returning teammate in the 2010 grand final replay, an act of team-first sacrifice that has become part of club legend.
Dick
A historical nickname belonging to Collingwood icon Bob Rose, a four-time Copeland Trophy winner. It’s a standard shortening of the surname "Richard," from his full name, Robert Richard Rose. A magnificent player and later coach, "Dick" Rose is remembered as one of the club's purest talents and a man who embodied its heart and soul.
The Ox
The fitting nickname for ruckman Damian Monkhorst. It referred to his immense strength and workmanlike presence in the ruck. The Ox was a crucial part of the 1990 premiership team, using his bulk to great effect and forming a formidable tandem with fellow ruckman James Manson.
Daisy (2)
To avoid confusion, this entry is for the original "Daisy" – 1950s player and character Thorold Merrett. His nickname reportedly came from a teammate who thought he had "daisy roots," or nice hair. A wingman in the 1953 premiership team, Merrett was known for his speed and skill.
Licky
The nickname of 1970s player Phil "Licky" Manassa. While the exact origin is fuzzy, it’s believed to be a childhood family nickname. Licky etched his name into Collingwood folklore with his famous, breathtaking run down the wing of the MCG in the 1977 grand final replay, a moment forever replayed in highlight reels.
The Mechanic
The nickname of 2010 premiership defender Nick Maxwell. It described his role as the organiser and fixer in the backline. The Mechanic wasn't the flashiest player, but he was the glue that held the defence together, a brilliant reader of the play and an inspirational captain who led from the front.
Nuts
An old-school nickname for 1920s-30s player Albert "Nuts" Collier. The origin is unclear but may relate to toughness. Collier was a champion centre half-back, a Collingwood Team of the Century member, and a key figure in multiple premierships, known for his rugged, uncompromising style.
The Smiling Assassin
The brilliant nickname for Gavin Brown, a former captain and club great. It captured his dual nature perfectly: a fiercely competitive and tough player who always had a warm, cheerful demeanour off the field. Brown was the heart of the club for over a decade, leading the side to the 1990 flag.
The President
A nickname for Darcy Moore, the club's current captain. It emerged during his early days, a tongue-in-cheek reference to his articulate, thoughtful, and somewhat statesmanlike manner, as well as being the son of former club president Peter Moore. He has since grown into the role with immense distinction, both as a leader and a dominant defender.
From the legendary Harry to the current leader The President, Collingwood nicknames are more than just shorthand. They are badges of honour, stories in a single word, and a living connection between the players, the club's rich history, and the passionate Magpie Army. They remind us that behind the black and white stripes are characters who become legends, and every legend has a name.
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