The Barrackers are Shouting is a joint project between collingwoodfc.com.au and Michael Roberts publishing, bringing together stories about the greatest club in history, The Collingwood Football Club, as told by the fans.
Share your story.
And if your story is published on the Official Collingwood website, collingwoodfc.com.au, you will WIN a $50 voucher to the Magpies Club Shop.
The book will feature some of the best and most interesting writing about Collingwood from down the years, together with specially commissioned pieces from famous fans, former players and people such as Mick Malthouse, Nathan Buckley and Eddie McGuire. And your name and contribution could be right there alongside them.
Every person who contributes a story before the cut-off date – which has now been extended to JUNE 12 - will have their name included in the book – even if the story itself doesn’t make it onto the website or into the book.
And – best of all – every story contributed will become part of a special, one-off collection that will be bound and presented to the Collingwood Football Club, where it will become part of the official club archives – the Collingwood story, as told by its fans.
Collingwood saved my life
Rae Tsiatsias
Someone once asked me when I started barracking for Collingwood and I honestly couldn't answer. It's as if I was born with a black and white spoon in my mouth and, as far back as I can remember, I have lived the victories and disappointments of the Pies as if they were my own.
Still, if I had to pinpoint a game that has the most significance for me, I think it would be the 1977 Grand Final against North Melbourne. I know it was one of the most painful losses for the club, but to me it was a turning point in hope and inspiration. You could almost say it saved my life.
I was 14 at the time, in hospital battling cancer and was feeling down with the world. All my friends were going to the Grand Final while I was sick and stuck in a bed with drips attached to what felt like every vein in my body. Some of the nurses knew I was a Magpie supporter and thought it would be a good idea to arrange for me to see the game on TV. They even asked some of my friends and family to come in to watch with me.
It was a great atmosphere, especially as most of us there in the ward barracked for Collingwood. The whole place was decked out in black and white balloons. It wasn't the same as being there but we made the most of it and it was great just to be able to see the game. And what a game it turned out to be! The incredible tension of those few seconds before the final siren were unbearable. When the game ended in a draw you could have heard a pin drop. I was stunned and at the same time thrilled, as I'd have a chance to see it all again the following week. I forgot all about where I was and how sick I felt. I just took in all the excitement – and that was the best medicine of all.
The next week, after much pleading, I convinced everyone I was well enough to go to the Grand Final replay. Of course I was gutted when we eventually failed to win the Premiership, especially as we came so close. Nothing can ease that pain. But this Grand Final will always stay in my memory as a victory, because it gave me something to believe in at a time when I needed to have hope and strength to beat the odds. Watching the players give their all, fight to the end and, despite their loss, still look forward to winning the ultimate victory gave me strength and determination to fight over my illness. It took me five years to win my battle, and though it took a little longer for Collingwood, I made sure I was there in person when we were victorious in the 1990 Grand Final against Essendon.
It's continued to be much the same through the years. I've followed the Collingwood Football Club through all of the spectacular highs and incredible gut-wrenching lows. I was sitting metres away when I saw Mick Malthouse comforting Paul Licuria after our Grand Final Loss to Brisbane in 2002. It was emotion from the heart and I sat and cried for hours after that. It embodied the incredible pain and bitter disappointment we all felt at that moment, a feeling I never hope we experience again.
There have been nail-biting moments like the goal Chris Tarrant kicked after the siren to beat Adelaide in 2003, and courageous moments like Ben Johnson's tackle on Burgoyne in the qualifying final in Adelaide that no-one thought we could win. All memorable, all qualities that make Collingwood what it is.
While I can never single out a favourite Collingwood player – there have been so many champions throughout the years – I have to say that Nathan Buckley stands out in my mind as a true leader. His leadership and character, both on field and off, have been an inspiration to all, and while the ultimate prize is yet to be claimed, he has achieved almost every other accolade that is to be offered in Aussie Rules. He may have started at another club, but long after his retirement he will always be remembered as a true Collingwood champion.
I could go on forever about why I love the Pies, but there aren't enough hours in the day to list them all. All I know is that I'm only one of the thousands of supporters who feel this way and I suppose that's what makes Collingwood special. Through even the toughest times, we can still shout our support the loudest, defend our club the hardest and bounce back the quickest. No wonder we inspire more attention (both good and bad) than any other club.
So no, I can't remember when I started barracking for the Pies. But I know there'll be no ending to this passion - it's a lifelong commitment. Whatever happens to the club and team through the years ahead, I know I'll be there at the games screaming like a mad woman, giving my all and hoping to give them strength and determination, just like they did for me all those years ago.
HOW TO SUBMIT ENTRIES
Before submitting your piece, you’ll need to fill in a simple Waiver form that allows us to edit your item if needed, and also allows us to publish it in either or both of the books or on the website if we want. The form can be downloaded from the top of this page.
VIA WEBSITE:Complete the entry form at collingwoodfc.com.au and add your story to the form. This is by far the preferred form of entry – as we don’t have to key in your story all over again from scratch! Then please send entries, along with completed waiver form to thebarrackers@collingwoodfc.com.au.
MAIL: Complete the entry form (either from the website or the club magazine) and mail it, together with your piece, to PO Box 165 Abbotsford. Victoria, 3067.
GET YOUR ENTRIES IN NOW!
The sooner your story arrives with us, the more chances you have to be chosen as one of our weekly website winners. And the more time we have to consider your piece for inclusion in the book that will be on sale in bookstores everywhere!
Please ensure you return the Waiver form that can be downloaded from the top of this page with every submission.
Tell you friends about it! The more stories the better.
