Pies hungry to smash AFL memberships records ahead of 2023 seasons

With a new blockbuster footy season just days away, Collingwood has set its sights on more than just the 2023 premiership cup.

Collingwood has set its sights on a new AFL membership record as Pies fans full of hope prepare to pack the stands this season.

Buoyed by a stunning 2022 season, Collingwood hopes to exceed the unprecedented 100,384 members it signed last year.

And — sticking to the “side-by-side” mantra of its iconic anthem, the Pies intend to enlist the combined forces of its footy and netball teams to advance the march of the black and white army.

Collingwood’s footy and Super Netball teams both launch their season’s this weekend, with the man taking on reigning premier Geelong at the MCG Friday and the girls the NSW Swifts on Saturday.

AFL player Taylor Adams and Magpies netballer Sophie Garbin are gearing up for a massive 2023 season. Picture: Michael Klein

Pies vice-captain Taylor Adams told Herald Sun he hoped an anticipated crowd of 85,000 plus on Friday night was just the start of a crowd crush this season.

“We’re expecting a really big crowd Friday night against the Cats,’’ he said.

“I reckon people have been a little bit starved of footy and 85,000 would be unreal.

“It wouldn’t surprise me because both clubs have got pretty big supporter bases and knowing Collingwood, we will show up.’’

Collingwood became the third club in history to surpass 100,000 members last year, behind West Coast and Richmond.

Collingwood has set its sights on a new AFL membership record. Picture: Michael Klein

The Pies were tight lipped about their actual membership tally so far but insisted they were “on track’’ to match or beat their record mark.

“We know that we are going to be one of the most supported football clubs in the land,’’ Adams said.

“Our fans turned up last year, in one of the most incredible years that I can remember.

“We’re just so lucky that our fans have stuck by us and hopefully we can give them some reward for that.’’

Second year Collingwood netballer Sophie Garbin will take on her former team when the Pies clash with the Swifts at John Cain Arena from 5pm Saturday.

The Pies will be eyeing off a finals stint as they prepare for their frrst game of the year at the weekend. Picture: Mark Stewart.

“There is a bit of a buzz around the club because we are both starting the same week and both home games, which is really cool,’’ she said.

“Hopefully we get a good crowd as well.’’

With an Anzac Day netball match to be played for the first time this year – and a large contingent of Pies footy stars at games, she said support for the club’s Super netball squad was growing.

“There are also a few die hard Collingwood football supporters who also support the netballers now too, which is really nice,’’ she said.

“And we’ve got a few games this year that run alongside the boys, on Fridays and Saturdays.’’

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Originally published as Pies hungry to smash AFL memberships records ahead of 2023 seasons