Collingwood Football Club pays tribute to inspirational supporter Murray Swinton

COLLINGWOOD players have paid tribute to inspirational supporter Murray Swinton, who passed away yesterday after a battle with motor neurone disease.

Murray Swinton was an inspiration for the Magpies. Picture: Valeriu Campan

COLLINGWOOD players have paid tribute to inspirational supporter Murray Swinton, who passed away yesterday after a battle with motor neurone disease.

Swinton spent a lot of time at the club this year, with coach Nathan Buckley donning the 30-year veteran fireman’s uniform when he went down the Big Freeze slide on Queen’s Birthday.

Later that day, Swinton joined the Collingwood players after the match for the club song following their win over Melbourne.

Vale Murray Swinton. A family man, a company man and a mad Pie. We loved sharing the journey with him. Thoughts are with Tracie, Nick and Mitch #FightMND

— Nathan Buckley (@ncb_cfc) October 12, 2018

Tributes flowed from the Magpies yesterday, with many calling Swinton the inspiration behind Collingwood’s stunning finals run.

Nathan Buckley went down the Big Freeze slide wearing Murray Swinton’s uniform. Picture: Michael Klein

“There are always people you meet in your life that change you and your path forever,” Mason Cox wrote.

“One man and his family gave me a new perspective and belief in something bigger throughout this year. Murray Swinton you will be missed by all. Rest in Peace my friend.”

In his stunning preliminary final performance against Richmond, Cox had ‘Murray’ written on tape which was wrapped around his forearm to remind him of the firefighter and his struggle.

“RIP Murray Swinton. Meant so much to so many and we as a club are better for having you in our lives for only a brief period (of) time,” skipper Scott Pendlebury wrote.

Murray Swinton with Collingwood players after Queen’s Birthday. Picture: Michael Klein

“Murray Swinton you are one of the big reasons our 2018 campaign was great. True legend RIP mate,” posted Jeremy Howe.

The Magpies released a statement last night, calling Swinton “an inspirational man and friend to many at the Holden Centre.”

“Murray gave so much to the Collingwood campaign of 2018 by ‘doing his best while he could’, a sentiment no-one who had the pleasure of meeting him will easily forget,” the statement read.

Murray Swinton with Taylor Adams. Picture: Michael Klein

“Our thoughts are with his wife Tracie, sons Mitch and Nick and all of those he gave comfort to as he fought the ravages of motor neurone disease.”

RIP Murray Swinton. A huge part of our 2018
Love to his family and friends

— Taylor Adams (@taylor_adams13) October 12, 2018

Rest In Peace Murray. It was a pleasure to have met. ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/5EHcLoUNCn

— Tyson Goldsack (@TLGold6) October 12, 2018