Collingwood’s AFL Grand Final banner rips before players go onto field

COLLINGWOOD cheer squad members were distraught after an MCG gust ripped their Grand Final banner to shreds before their players had a chance to see it. But Nathan Buckley saved the day.

The Collingwood banner falls apart Picture: Nicole Garmston

THERE was heartache for Collingwood’s cheer squad when their banner was ripped to shreds just moments before their men took the field in the AFL Grand Final banner.

There was a collective gasp around the MCG when the huge banner started to rip, its weight and a gust of wind then seeing it end in tatters.

Collingwood players ran onto the field and seemed unaware what to do at first as their apologetic cheer squad stood by, helpless.

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But Pies coach Nathan Buckley saved the day.

Absolute class. 🙏#AFLGF pic.twitter.com/OZ1XUKH5Qj

— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 29, 2018

Seeing the heartache and sorrow of his club’s cheer squad, the club legend ran to members and offered some consoling words — and even a hug for one desolate fan.

Some might have seen it as a bad omen before the first bounce.

The Pies raced out of the blocks however, kicking the first five goals of the match.

But it wasn’t to be the Pies’ day, the Eagles storming home to win a famous grand final.

All heart ❤️ #AFLGF pic.twitter.com/g3vKUP6yre

— AFL (@AFL) September 29, 2018

The Collingwood banner before it ripped. Picture. Phil Hillyard

The Collingwood banner falls apart Picture: Nicole Garmston

Collingwood have a banner disaster. Picture: Mark Stewart