Magpies ‘Rat Pack’ reunites for Malthouse milestone

Collingwood’s infamous “Rat Pack” reunited to celebrate their former coach’s 70th birthday yesterday – but one former player nearly got left off the invite list.

Former Magpies Chris Tarrant, Dane Swan and Ben Johnson were among the members of the ‘Rat Pack’. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Collingwood’s infamous “Rat Pack” reunited on Thursday to celebrate the 70th birthday of former coach Mick Malthouse.

The notorious group’s members – Dale Thomas, Heath Shaw, Dane Swan, Alan Didak and Ben Johnson – came together after Paul Licuria organised a gathering to mark the milestone.

Nick Maxwell, 2010 Premiership captain, was also invited to Paul Dimattina’s venue Lamaros in South Melbourne.

“There’s a few scaly human beings rolling up to this lunch,” Shaw said.

“Then we forgot about Maxy so we probably should invite the Premiership captain.”

Collingwood's infamous ‘Rat Pack’ has reunited for Mick Malthouse's 70th birthday.

Thomas added that Licuria, a current Magpies board member, was “there to make sure that the candles get blown out.”

In a video posted to social media Malthouse didn’t look too excited seeing one candle in a bowl of dessert.

Malthouse putting Swan through his paces during training in 2006.

Swan posted a picture of the group with the caption: “Happy birthday coach. You a real one.”

Thomas also posted his affection.

“Dad’s 70th birthday, celebrated with the extended fam!”

Thomas also said on the Footy Talk podcast with Shaw that he asked the group if they were getting a present.

“Heath Shaw wrote ‘I’ve got a 2010 signed Premiership jumper’ and Chris Tarrant wrote ‘I’ve got a signed 2007 Freo jumper after he traded me’,” Thomas said.

“Thought I’d round it out with I’ve got two wooden spoons that we won together.”

Malthouse coached the Magpies from 2000-2011 after two flags with West Coast.