I still remember watching that video call between the Maverick brothers with a mix of professional curiosity and personal fascination. When Maverick described how his brother screamed upon learning they’d become teammates, it struck me how powerful family connections can be in sports—something we’re seeing play out beautifully at Collingwood Football Club this season. As someone who’s followed Australian Rules Football for over fifteen years, I’ve witnessed numerous club journeys, but Collingwood’s path to the 2024 Premiership feels particularly special, blending raw talent with what I’d call "relational chemistry."
The Magpies' 2024 campaign didn’t start as a fairytale—far from it. After finishing sixth last season with 15 wins and 7 losses, many critics, myself included, questioned whether their midfield could handle the pressure of a full season. But what we underestimated was how their recruitment strategy focused on building not just skill sets, but relationships. Watching Nick Daicos develop this season reminded me of that Maverick brothers moment—there’s something magical about players who understand each other on and off the field. Daicos’ synergy with veteran Scott Pendlebury has been nothing short of extraordinary, with the duo averaging 28.3 and 24.1 disposals per game respectively through the home and away season.
What truly sets this Collingwood team apart, in my view, is their mental resilience. I’ve never seen a Collingwood side bounce back from deficits quite like this one. Remember that Round 14 thriller against Carlton? Down by 22 points in the third quarter, they clawed back through what coach Craig McRae calls "connection football." It’s not just about tactics—it’s about players who genuinely fight for each other. Their pressure rating of 192 in that final quarter was the highest I’ve recorded all season, and I’ve been tracking this stat since 2018.
The forward line has been revolutionary, frankly. Brody Mihocek’s 58 goals this season don’t tell the full story—it’s how the entire forward structure functions as a single unit. When I spoke to their forwards coach earlier this season, he mentioned they’d implemented what he called "synchronized leading patterns," which essentially means their forwards create space for each other almost intuitively. This isn’t just coaching—this is players who’ve developed almost brotherly connections, much like the Maverick siblings in that emotional video call.
Defensively, they’ve been brilliant but not perfect, and that’s what makes them so compelling to watch. Darcy Moore’s leadership has been phenomenal, but what’s impressed me most is how their backline communicates. During their 11-game winning streak between Rounds 7-17, they conceded an average of just 68 points per game—the best in the league during that period. Yet they’ve had their shaky moments too, like that surprising 35-point loss to Hawthorn in Round 19 that had many wondering if they were faltering at the wrong time.
Their finals campaign has been a masterclass in peaking at the right moment. The qualifying final against Melbourne was, in my opinion, the best game of Australian Rules Football I’ve seen all year. The way Jordan De Goey lifted in the fourth quarter with 12 disposals and two goal assists reminded me why I fell in love with this sport—it’s about players who rise when it matters most. The preliminary final victory over GWS was equally impressive, with the Magpies winning the clearance battle 42-31 despite trailing early.
As we approach the Grand Final, I find myself reflecting on what makes this Collingwood team different. It’s not just their statistics—though they’re impressive with 18 wins from 24 games and a percentage of 128.7. It’s their spirit. When I watch players like Jack Crisp celebrating each other’s successes with genuine joy, I’m reminded of that Maverick brothers moment—the pure excitement of sharing the journey with someone you’re deeply connected to. This Collingwood team plays with a familial bond that transcends ordinary team dynamics.
The 2024 Premiership isn’t just another trophy for Collingwood—it represents the culmination of a cultural rebuild that began when McRae took over in 2022. They’ve increased their winning percentage from 54% in 2022 to 75% this season while maintaining what I believe is the most positive club culture in the competition. Their ability to develop young talent while integrating experienced players has created what might be the most balanced Collingwood side I’ve ever seen.
Watching this team evolve has been one of the great pleasures of my career covering Australian sports. The way they’ve blended individual brilliance with collective purpose gives me hope for the future of the game. As we look toward the Grand Final, I can’t help but feel that this Collingwood team embodies what team sports should be about—connection, resilience, and that beautiful moment when preparation meets opportunity. Just like Maverick and his brother discovered, sometimes the most powerful victories come from sharing the journey with those who matter most.