‘Our strength lies not just in our numbers but in our sportsmanship, pride and respect for club’: Jeff Browne

The Magpie Army is on the march ahead of The Big Dance. Here’s everything Pies fans need to know about how and where they can support their team, and a message from the president.

Melbourne, be warned. The Magpie Army is on the march and the city will be awash in black and white all week.

Collingwood fans will savour every day of finals fervour in the countdown to the opening bounce at 2.30pm on Saturday as they seek their first flag since 2010.

Chief executive Craig Kelly said the club and its loyal supporters would transform the Olympic Park precinct into Magpie land.

“This week is all about the Collingwood community and the connection with our fans and we look forward to ­embracing the week alongside every member of the Magpie Army,” Kelly told the Sunday Herald Sun.

The club will hold open training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, followed by the Grand Final Parade on Friday, a statewide public holiday.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said the league had enjoyed “the greatest season and greatest finals series ever”.

“September may well be the greatest Grand Final week we have had,” he said.

The Magpie Army is up and about. Picture: Getty Images

“Our supporters are the best in the world bar none and to have more than eight million people attend our games this season – a record number – is a testament to everyone’s love for our game.

“To all the players, staff and supporters, have the best week ever. It is going to be epic.”

Kelly said grand final day would feature two live sites.

“The Make it Legendary grand final live site at the AIA ­Vitality Centre with food trucks, music and kids’ activities brings the Collingwood community together, while across the road another fan live site will be up and running at Grand Slam Oval,’’ he said.

Fans looking for early footy action can watch the Magpies’ women’s team on Saturday morning from 11.05am.

Club goalkicking legend Peter McKenna said the excitement would be sky high all week as the club chased its 16th AFL/VFL premiership.

“Collingwood has such a magnificent following, they’ve experienced so many disappointments over the years ­including in 2018 against West Coast, so they know how to celebrate when they win,” he said.

“I came home from the game on Friday night on the train and the Magpie Army were singing the theme song all the way. It was great. They’re ­extremely passionate, I can ­assure you.’’

Deep set loyalties also came to the fore with 1990 premiership captain Tony Shaw, a footy expert on 3AW, referring to Collingwood as “us” during a discussion on radio on Saturday.

Pies fans will be scrambling to secure tickets for the big game with many of the club’s record 106,000 membership likely to miss out.

Pies skipper Darcy Moore celebrates after the 2023 AFL First Preliminary Final match. Picture: Michael Willson

Just 34,000 tickets will be allocated to competing club members, prompting the annual calls from the AFL Fans Association for the league to provide more tickets to the competing clubs.

Magpies merchandise is expected to fly off the shelves this week, too, as fans savour their first grand final since 2018 when West Coast beat Collingwood 79-74 in a thriller.

This year’s Grand Final Parade will also feature a new live site with a 360-degree stage on Grand Slam Oval where a cube stage will have screens on each side. The parade starts at 10.30am from the live site, heads down Batman Ave, along Birrarung Marr, over William Barak Bridge into the MCG precinct and joins the AFL’s Footy Festival in Yarra Park.

The free footy fest is on from Wednesday to Saturday, with player appearances, food trucks, bars, music and viewing of the premiership cup.

Grand final week kicks off with the Brownlow Medal count at Crown Palladium on Monday night. Magpies star Nick Daicos is TAB $2.80 favourite for the league’s highest honour, suggesting a big week for the 20-year-old midfielder.

Collingwood president Jeff Browne’s message to fans

Grand Final week is upon us, and on behalf of everyone at the Collingwood Football Club, we want to thank our 19th player – the Magpie Army – for your unwavering support this season.

This week is the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice and, as we approach the biggest game of the year, it’s time for all of us to come together as one, united in our passion for the black-and-white stripes.

We are calling upon each and every member of the Magpie Army to embrace Grand Final week with the same passion and enthusiasm that you’ve shown throughout the year.

Whether you live in Collingwood, Cairns or Canberra, we ask you to wear our colours with pride, fly the flag high, and let the world know that the Magpie Army is in full force.

Collingwood president Jeff Browne. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

106,470 Magpies supporters signed up as members in 2023, a VFL/AFL record. Our strength lies not just in our numbers, but in our pride, sportsmanship and respect for our club and its history.

Collingwood supporters have stood by our club through thick and thin, demonstrating true dedication and loyalty through every season, every game, and every moment.

Our players, coaches and all of our staff have given their all, and we owe it to them to be the best supporters in the league.

So, Magpie Army, let’s come together this Grand Final week like never before.

Enjoy, make our presence felt and make our voices heard as we work towards making this season legendary in our club’s glorious history.

One more.