https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au The complete history of Australia's greatest sporting club Tue, 30 Jan 2024 23:13:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.0.21 https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/jarryd-blair/ Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:03:02 +0000 http://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/jarryd-blair/ https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/luke-ball/ Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:03:01 +0000 http://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/luke-ball/ When he finally made his debut in early 2003 he looked as if he had been on the League scene for years. His anticipation and vision were keynotes of his play and he had an impressive debut year apart from a couple of mid-season injuries. In 2009 he seemingly fell out of favour at St Kilda with two stints in the reserves before returning just before the finals. He was only on the ground for 54 per cent of the Grand Final, but did well in that time. messy break with St Kilda saw him request a trade to Collingwood before going into the draft and being picked at No.30. He produced a strong year and capped it off with a premiership medallion, ironically against his old side. Ball refused to claim any vindication and he was widely lauded for his humility. He had an even better year in 2011, but injured a knee in round three of 2012 and missed the rest of the year. He returned two months into 2013 and remained solid until the end, bowing out twelve months later.]]> https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/darren-jolly/ Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:03:01 +0000 http://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/darren-jolly/ Originally from Lexton via the North Ballarat Rebels, Jolly had been out of the under-18 system for a year when chosen as a rookie by Melbourne and spent 2000 playing in the VFL alongside former Essendon ruckman Peter Somerville. A developing ruckman, he was already quite solid in the upper body which put him at an advantage compared to other young ruckmen. He was elevated to the senior list at the start of 2001 but sought a move elsewhere and was traded to the Swans at the end of 2004. Playing as second ruck to Jason Ball, he had a fine first year which was capped by a premiership medal in Sydney’s first flag since 1933. With Ball retiring after the premiership win, Jolly shouldered the ruck work and grew into one of the AFL’s best rucks. At the end of 2009, he signalled his intentions to return to Victoria and was eventually traded to Collingwood in exchange for draft selections No. 14 and No. 46. In his first year in the Black and White, Jolly became the big-bodied ruckman Collingwood fans had been pining for since the halcyon days of Damien Monkhorst. He began the year slowly, but by mid-year was starting to hit his straps, dominating against West Coast’s Dean Cox in round 14 (20 disposals, four goals and three Brownlow votes) and regularly pushing forward with great success, kicking 24.10 for the year. Jolly won 579 hitouts in total and rose to the fore in the Grand Final Replay against St Kilda when he won 35 hitouts, took six crucial marks (including one deep in defence in the shadows of half time) and pushed forward to add his name to the scoreboard. He ended the season with his second premiership medallion in a near best on ground display, and was 10th in the Copeland Trophy. It was business as usual in the early rounds of the following year, featuring in his first pre-season premiership and winning his share of 68 hitouts in the opening three rounds. Jolly missed his first match since round seven, 2005, in round four but returned on ANZAC Day to win 34 hitouts. He was then sidelined for nine weeks with a knee complaint and spent a fortnight in Arizona along with Dane Swan, Nathan Brown and Brent Macaffer mid-year to fast track his recovery. He marked his return in round 15 against the Hawks with two goals, but while steady, did not reach the heights of previous seasons. Jolly payed his 200th league game against Essendon in round 19, and nullified Eagles ruck duo Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui after they made a hot start in the Qualifying Final. He strained his groin in the Preliminary Final, but bravely soldiered on in the Grand Final loss where he managed 34 hitouts but only nine disposals. Now in the veteran class, Jolly was effectively managed throughout 2012 missing rounds six and seven with Achilles soreness and then rounds 10, 18 and 22 to keep him fresh, and was influential in round 20 against the Swans and in the Qualifying Final against Hawthorn. Unfortunately, Jolly’s fourth and final season at Collingwood did not end the way he would have hoped. It was a difficult season for the dual premiership veteran, starting it as the club’s number one ruckman but finishing without a place on the list as the Magpies turned to youth. Jolly kicked off the year with 22 hitouts against the Kangaroos in the first round but was substituted out of the clash with Carlton seven days later after hurting his ribs and didn’t reappear until round six. He then put together seven weeks of consistent football highlighted by his 40 hitouts, a goal and 18 possessions against the Lions at the Gabba. t was enough to earn him two Brownlow votes, so few would have predicted that the twilight fixture at Docklands against the Western Bulldogs a fortnight later would be his last in Black and White. Jolly’s knee required minor surgery following the mid-season break, an injury that eventually paved the way for the debut of South Australian wunderkind Brodie Grundy. Despite returning for four VFL games late in the year, Jolly couldn’t edge out the youngster as Collingwood settled its line up ahead of September. Jolly’s four-year tenure at the Westpac Centre ended with 43 hitouts in the VFL Elimination Final against the Borough at North Port Oval. After a quiet start, Jolly was a key factor in his side’s ability to close within seven points midway through the final quarter. Sadly, Port ran away with a 25-point win and Jolly was not offered a new contract in the weeks that followed. While his departure did not follow the script, Jolly will always hold a place alongside Luke Ball as the experienced men who delivered Collingwood’s 15th premiership cup within months of their arrivals.]]> https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/steele-sidebottom/ Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:03:00 +0000 http://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/steele-sidebottom/ https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/brent-macaffer/ Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:02:59 +0000 http://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/brent-macaffer/ https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/dayne-beams/ Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:02:58 +0000 http://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/dayne-beams/ https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/leigh-brown/ Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:02:58 +0000 http://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/leigh-brown/ Collingwood website forums were sceptical when Brown’s name was called out as pick No. 73 in the 2008 National Draft after being delisted by the Kangaroos following an extended stint in their VFL side. Even in his infancy in Black and White, when the issue of tanking was raging, a throw-away line from AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou – “Leigh Brown played on Jonathan Brown the other night … was that tanking?’ – questioned his position in the team. Fast forward to the end of the 2010 season, and Brown had not only cemented his place in the team, he had enshrined it in Collingwood’s history. And the icing on top of a premiership cakewalk was that he had also played a unique part in establishing a template for the rest of the AFL competition. In playing that role, as an undersized but physically strong forward/back-up ruckman to Darren Jolly, he also become a cult figure of sorts to the black and white army, and remains one now well into his retirement. Mick Malthouse saw the competitive streak that coursed through Brown’s veins, and crafted a role for him. He explained: “I thought, ‘this bloke’s still going around and can play league football? He can take a nice catch; he kicks the ball OK; he plays at either end of the ground.’ I couldn’t really work out why he would be discounted in the ranks of perhaps being able to play a role within any organisation.” Originally from the timber and dairy farming hamlet of Heyfield, a community of less than 2000 residents, Brown had come to prominence with Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup. He was drafted by Fremantle as pick No. 5 in the 1999 National Draft. He won a Rising Star nomination in his debut year of 2000, missing only one game for the year. But after three years and 63 games, he was traded to North Melbourne where he became a defender who could go forward, or vice versa, across six seasons and 118 more matches. That could well have been the end of the Leigh Brown story. But when he was delisted by the Kangaroos, Malthouse figured he was worth a late draft punt after impressing in some pre-season training with the Pies. Brown only required a chance: “A journeyman is how everyone describes it, but to me it’s more about having a new opportunity and playing at the best level you can.” Most assumed he would take up a defensive role, given the retirement of Shane Wakelin. He did, for a time. But Malthouse began to use Brown more in attack, as well as offering some coverage as a back-up ruck option. Brown reached his 200-game milestone in round 20, 2009, and finished the season with 10.17, with his goal-kicking accuracy at times causing fans some concern. Still, he played in all three finals that season, including kicking a towering 50m goal in the club’s Semi-Final win over Adelaide. Brown played on the edge, never feeling secure about his position within the team. Just to emphasise this, after playing the first four games of 2010 without registering a goal, he was dropped back to the Pies’ VFL side. It wasn’t until the round 11 clash with the Western Bulldogs that he won his spot back again, but other than a short suspension served near the end of the home and away season, he wouldn’t look back again. Neither did the Magpies. He played in only one loss (round three) from his 19 games that memorable season, courtesy of his redefined role. He played the role so well that it kept Josh Fraser out of the senior team for all but game in the second half of the season. Malthouse preferred the combative Brown over Fraser when it mattered. It worked so well that the one-time unfashionable footballer quickly became a versatile trailblazer for the rest of the competition. Some people dubbed it as “the Leigh Brown role.” He had almost 100 hit-outs that season and his pressure, tackling and pack-crashing in the Magpies’ front half proved crucial in many instances. He hit the scoreboard, kicking 21 goals to silence those worried about his accuracy. Two came in the Qualifying Final win over the Bulldogs, and few will ever forget his booming goal against Geelong in the Preliminary Final. Brown thrived in the role, saying: “I’m not sure we can classify it as a Leigh Brown role, but I guess everyone’s got to be more versatile.” Nick Maxwell explained: “He (Malthouse) copped a lot of flak for backing in ‘Leroy’. Mick made people eat their words. Now all clubs seem to be talking about needing a Leigh Brown-type as a second ruck.” Never mind the fact that Brown didn’t kick a goal in either Grand Final in 2010 against St Kilda – the thrilling draw or the one-sided replay. In the drawn game he took an important mark in the last quarter, had 13 touches and laid five tackles. In the rooms after the game, complete with swollen eye and ice packs applied to both legs, he described the feeling was “surreal … it would have been great to win, but it wasn’t to be. We’ll saddle up next week.” Brown had the first kick of the replay the following week, driving the ball long into attack. Once more, he had 13 disposals, but as was always the case with Brown, he contributed far more than pure statistics can measure. He was rewarded with a premiership medal that looked so unlikely only a few years earlier, and with it came the admiration from a grateful Collingwood army who had taken him to their collective hearts. Yet he wasn’t satisfied with that. Brown took his game – and his role – even further in 2011, as rival clubs looked to mirror Collingwood’s second-ruck strategy, particularly with the introduction of the sub rule that year. He kicked 23 goals for the season – his most in an individual year – with four goals against the Western Bulldogs in round six his best display in what was a blistering start to the season for the club. On the eve of the 2011 finals, Brown dropped a bombshell, announcing he would retire at the end of the season. He was only 29, and still a crucial member of the team. Malthouse was “staggered” by the decision. But Brown resolved to give it everything he had during the finals. He kicked a goal against West Coast in the Qualifying Final and another major halfway through the third quarter of the Grand Final against Geelong, which regained the lead for the Magpies. But the fairytale ending was not meant to be. The Cats ran away with the match in the final half hour. That closed out his 246-game, 138-goal AFL career. Sixty-five games and 54 goals came in a black and white jumper. This journeyman had finally found a home – and a role that he relished. Such was the esteem in which he was held that he was presented with the Darren Millane Memorial Trophy as best clubman as a farewell gift. With that also came life membership, a reward for Collingwood premiership players. Brown embarked on a coaching pathway after retiring, spending two years as an assistant at Melbourne before seeing his career return full circle when he took over as coach of Gippsland Power. The Magpies struggled for a time afterwards in getting the right balance for their second ruck option. Sometimes you don’t truly appreciate something until it is gone.]]> https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/chris-dawes/ Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:02:57 +0000 http://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/chris-dawes/ In 2006, his final year of schooling, he played for Sandringham in the TAC Cup U18 competition, as well as for Brighton Grammar, but injured a knee during the season. He required a full reconstruction that meant he slipped down the order in the National Draft. He was selected by Collingwood with pick No. 28. Dawes was forced to sit out the majority of the 2007 season due to his knee construction. He recovered in time to return via the Williamstown reserves mid-season, kicking seven against Bendigo in his second reserves match. He kicked four goals in his VFL debut for Williamstown against Port Melbourne late in the home and away season in Nathan Buckley’s comeback match and ended the year on a bright note, playing two VFL finals. He started 2008 in the VFL, playing in each of the first 16 matches of the season. He struck a purple patch midway through the season when he kicked 11 goals in five matches. As luck would have it, he timed his run superbly, kicking five goals in wet conditions at Kardinia Park only days before senior teammates Alan Didak and Heath Shaw were suspended for the season. It resulted in Dawes’ debut alongside John McCarthy against St Kilda the following week. He did his reputation no harm, kicking two goals (including the first of the match with his first kick). He was quiet until the Elimination Final against Adelaide at Football Park when he kicked three goals in only his sixth match. Had played in two finals by year’s end, providing an excellent launching pad for 2009. Dawes played in two pre-season matches but was forced to wait until round 13 before he returned to the senior side. He could manage only three more games and despite impressing against the Crows in round 19 (15 disposals, two goals, seven hitouts) he was omitted before the finals. He continued to work hard in the VFL, kicking 28 goals and earning plaudits for his performances in the finals. In 2010, a year that loomed as make-or-break in Dawes’ career, the power forward established himself as a fixture in the senior side and was a key figure in the premiership win. Promoted to the team for Anzac Day in round five, Dawes kicked seven goals in his next three games. He was demoted to the VFL team for a fortnight (kicking five goals in a losing side against the Northern Bullants at Victoria Park) but was quickly recalled and never looked back. His season output peaked in round 14 (four goals against West Coast) and round 20 (20 possessions and two goals against Essendon) and he earned his first Brownlow vote with three goals against Port Adelaide. A steady performer in the finals, Dawes went goalless in the drawn Grand Final but fired up with two second half goals to end his breakout season with 30 majors. He made a brilliant start to 2011, playing in the pre-season premiership, while an increased fitness base meant that he was able to make a greater contribution around the ground illustrated by his 26 disposal, two goal game against North Melbourne in round two. He remained a weekly contributor until breaking his knuckle in round 15. Calf issues further compounded his rehab, and it meant he was forced to wait until round 23 to make a return. He helped keep Collingwood in the game in the famous Preliminary Final against Hawthorn, kicking three goals including the all-important first of the last quarter. But Dawes subdued on Grand Final day and did not look like his normal self. Ahead of 2012, Dawes was earmarked to spend more time as a relief ruckman following the retirement of Leigh Brown. While he fought admirably, at 193cm, he was unable to have the impact he and new coach Nathan Buckley would have been aiming for. He had a quiet season in front of goal, kicking just 16 from 23 games, but lifted in the Qualifying Final when he collected 20 disposals. He hurt his knee against West Coast the following week and underwent an extensive rehabilitation program to ensure he was fit to take on Sydney in the Preliminary Final. Sadly, that night proved Dawes’ last in a Black and White jumper, ending his 71-game stint with a goal from 11 disposals. At season’s end he was traded to Melbourne. Collingwood received selection No. 20 (Tim Broomhead) as compensation. Dawes battled injuries in his first year with the Demons but notched his 100th career game in 2014.]]> https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/sharrod-wellingham/ Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:02:56 +0000 http://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/sharrod-wellingham/ Wellingham’s career began to take off in the Colts for South Perth in the WAFL, playing three reserves games in 2006. He was named on the wing in the Western Australia Colts Team of the Year and his speed and agility shone through at the state screening. Arrived at Collingwood with the 10th selection in the 2006 rookie draft, on the same day as Brent Macaffer. Within four years, the two would be premiership teammates. Wearing the No. 41, Wellingham played 15 senior games (and five in the reserves) for Williamstown at VFL level in his first season. He kicked five goals in the seniors, and was named in the best twice, doing enough to be retained on the rookie list for 2008. He began 2008 disastrously when he was caught drink-driving in January. It resulted in the club losing its partnership with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), but he bounced back quickly when he was promoted off the rookie list after Brad Dick was sidelined for the season in March. Wellingham played in the VFL for the first five rounds but was a late inclusion on ANZAC Day where he looked every inch a league footballer on the way to winning 17 possessions. He was omitted but returned the following week, starting an unbroken six week stint in the seniors. His season peaked in the round eight demolition of Geelong when he won 19 disposals and set a cracking pace in the first quarter with his tackling. Played a total of 12 senior games, but none after round 21 when he was absent with a groin injury, and was an emergency for three other games. Wellingham took some big strides in 2009, particularly in the second half of the season. He didn’t get a senior look in until round six when he was a late replacement for Heath Shaw against North Melbourne but only missed four games from there on, and was an emergency for three of them. Omitted for the Qualifying Final, he was recalled immediately for the Semi-Final where he made an impact with an important goal right on half time. He 20 or more possessions in five games, but never looked completely sure of his place in the senior line up. Season 2010 loomed as a make or break season for Wellingham, but the slippery midfielder ended the year as a fixture in the team and, more importantly, a premiership player. He developed into a low profile but highly effective fifth string midfielder, with bigger names such as Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Luke Ball and Dale Thomas stealing the limelight. He missed only two games (due to a calf injury), averaged 19.5 disposals, and 4.0 tackles, and became increasingly important around the stoppages, where he averaged 3.6 clearances. Wellingham was dangerous around goal, kicking 15.18 for the year and slotting two goals on six occasions. Had at least 20 possessions in each of his first seven games, dominating against Carlton in round six with 23 disposals, two goals and seven tackles. He broke through for three well deserved Brownlow votes in round 19 against the Cats. His premiership chances looked in danger when he injured his ankle in the Qualifying Final win over the Bulldogs, but he was fit to play in the Preliminary Final where his pressure and ability to find space in attack hurt Geelong dearly. Like many of his teammates he had a quiet first Grand Final, but returned to form in the Replay with 20 disposals and two second half goals, including one at the start of the third quarter that sparked a five goal rampage. By now an established figure on the AFL scene, Wellingham was a member of Collingwood’s 2011 pre-season premiership and continued to build his reputation in the regular season. He gathered 26 possessions against the Western Bulldogs in round six and kicked three in the win over Adelaide in round nine. He saved his finest performance for the Queen’s Birthday when he stepped up in the absence of Swan and Thomas to find a career-high 37 disposals against Melbourne. His form remained steady for the next month until he strained his groin, meaning he played only one of the next five matches. Was critical to the win over the Eagles in the Qualifying Final with three important goals but struggled to find his best in the two other finals. His form ebbed and flowed during 2012, a season he began on the sidelines after receiving a two-week club suspension for breaking team rules. He averaged 19.2 disposals from there on, peaking with 24 disposals, 11 tackles and a goal in the thrilling win over Sydney in round 20. Wellingham kicked two goals in the Qualifying Final loss to Hawthorn and was one of several Pies to play his heart out in the emotional Semi-Final against the Eagles, laying eight tackles. Wellingham’s time as a Magpie came to an end in the Preliminary Final loss to Sydney, requesting a trade back to his old home state, and he became a West Coast Eagle in exchange for selection No. 18 (Brodie Grundy) in the 2012 National Draft. His first two years at West Coast were marred by injury and prevented him from showcasing the form that made him one of the most underrated players in the competition from 2010-2011.]]> https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/nathan-j-brown/ Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:02:55 +0000 http://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/nathan-j-brown/