Machine named among world’s best ever sporting teams

Michael Roberts — Sun, 21 May 2017 01:24:44 +0000

Collingwood’s fabled Machine teams of the late 1920s have been chosen among an elite group of the greatest teams in the history of sport worldwide. Only two Australian teams made the final list of 16, with the Hockeyroos of 1993-2000 being the other. The teams were chosen by American journalist and author Sam Walker in a new book called The Captain Class, to be released next week. In choosing the greatest sporting teams the world has ever seen, Walker considered a range of factors, including the length and extent of their reigns of domination, and the qualities of their captains and coaches. That wasn’t enough to get Don Bradman’s Invincibles into the list, or the Australian cricket teams of the 1990s and 00s. No rugby league or rugby union teams made it either. But remarkably, given the book’s US focus, Collingwood’s mighty Machine team that won four successive VFL flags between 1927 and 1930 did make it onto the final list of 16. The author credited much of the Machine’s success to coach Jock McHale – whom he likened to legendary NFL coach Vince Lombardi – and captain Syd Coventry. Those magnificent Pies’ teams not only won four straight flags, but did so with a winning percentage of around 86% across the four seasons, and an average winning margin of about five goals. In 1929 they also became the only team in history to go through a home-and-away season undefeated. Club historian Michael Roberts said the inclusion of the Machine team was justified. “They were an awesome quartet of teams, and they simply steamrolled everyone they played against,” he said. “Of course we’re biased here at Collingwood, so it’s wonderful to have some independent ratification of the teams’ greatness. And it’s even better that it’s come from a highly respected sports media figure in the United States. “The Machine ranked as one of the two greatest Australian sports teams of all time? Yes, we’ll take that.” Other great sporting dynasties chosen by Walker included the New York Yankees baseball teams of 1949-53, the Boston Celtics basketball teams 1956-69, Barcelona’s football from 2008-13 and the New Zealand All Blacks from 1986-90.

Machine Medals Donated

Michael Roberts — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 00:05:20 +0000

The four Premiership medals won by ruckman/forward Bob Makeham in the famous Machine team triumphs of 1927-30 have been donated back to the club. The four medals, together with Makeham’s Collingwood Life Membership medallions, were given to the club by Bob’s descendants. Bob’s great nephew, Paul Makeham, said: “We’re proud of Bob and everything he achieved at Collingwood. And we’re thrilled that his Premiership medals are now back at the club where they belong, so everyone can enjoy them and remember him as the great player he was.” Collingwood’s History and Archives Manager, Michael Roberts, said it was an extremely rare collection of medals. “Only 12 players took part in all of the legendary four-in-a-row Premierships, so it’s an amazing opportunity to get all four belonging to the one player,” he said. “We can’t thank the Makeham family enough for this wonderful donation. The medals will be a prized part of our collection.”

Bob Makeham snaps a goal during the 1928 second semi-final against Melbourne.

Makeham was one of the unsung heroes of the Machine team era. Although not enjoying the profile of players like the Coventrys and Colliers, he was a vital cog and ever-present member of the line-up. He missed only two games across the four years (other than when he was playing for Victoria), was among the best players in 1927 and just about best-on-ground in 1930’s miraculous come-from-behind victory. He also played in the losing grand finals of 1925 and 1926. If you have any items you’d like to donate to the Collingwood Archives, email archives@collingwoodfc.com.au or phone 03 9415 9250

Machine – Collingwood Forever

Machine named among world’s best ever sporting teams

Machine Medals Donated