COLLINGWOOD officially launched its season on Monday night in a glittering function at Crown Casino that saw three Magpie legends and the 1958 premiership side inducted into the club's Hall of Fame.
More than 1000 people were in attendance to witness the 2008 team receive its guernseys, to hear Scott Burns' first official function speech as captain, and to applaud as Bob Rush, Ron Richards and Ray Shaw became members of the prestigious group.
With the exception of the injured Simon Prestigiacomo and Brad Dick, the Magpies' list was there in force, along with the newly-recruited players of the Collingwood reserves side.
President Eddie McGuire introduced the new Hall of Fame inductees and the team of 1958, with Richards delivering a memorable speech complete with reflections of his time playing alongside brother Lou.
Richards apologised for the absence of his brother, who is in mourning following the passing of his wife Edna last week.
Rush's son was on hand to accept his award, while Shaw spoke of his famous family and the dynasty his two sons, Rhyce and Heath, are continuing to carry on as Magpies.
Coach Mick Malthouse said he was currently feeling like an "expectant father", with the anticipation of the season proper rising even higher this week with the practice matches finished and only five days until the Pies' opening hit-out against Fremantle.
Burns thanked his teammates for voting him into the senior role as captain, and named it a "fantastic honour" that has "only started to sink in over the last couple of days".
2008 Hall of Fame inductees:
Bob Rush
In a career spanning more than 50 years, Bob Rush made a contribution of incredible magnitude as a player, committeeman and administrator.
As a player, he featured in 146 games, gained selection for Victoria and was twice a premiership player in 1902 and 1903. He was renowned for his pace and persistence, for his fast and determined dashes out of defence, and for being one of the fairest players in the game.
Honours
Recruited: Christian Brothers
Premiership Player: 1902,1903
Games: 146
Goals: 1
Victoria: 1902,1903,1904,1907
Treasurer: 1908-50
Assistant Secretary: 1903-50
League Delegate: 1927-46
Patron: 1960-75
ANFC President: 1935-46
Life Member
Ron Richards
Ron Richards, brother of fellow club champion Lou, debuted in 1947 and quickly earned a reputation as a tough, honest, gutsy player. He was a man who believed strongly in team play and used handball more effectively than the other players of his generation.
He was fondly remembered for his efforts in the 1953 Grand Final against Geelong, in which he played with his brother. He had a distinguished playing career at Collingwood, and after 10 years and 145 games, had won the respect of the football world.
In 1964, he was appointed coach of the under-19s and for eight years presided over the development of men such as Len Thompson, Twiggy Dunn and John Greening. He went on to coach the Reserves for another 10 years.
Richards was involved in more than 1300 games of football in 40 years at Collingwood.
Honours
Recruited: Abbotsford
First Played: v Nth Melbourne 1947
Last Played: v Melbourne, second semi-final 1956
Games: 145
Goals: 111
Premiership Player: 1953
Best Player in Finals: 1951
2nd Best Player in Finals: 1953
Reserves Coach: 1972-1981
Coach under-19s: 1964-71
Guernsey Numbers: 21 (1947) 20 (1948-56)
Ray Shaw
Ray Shaw was a tough, tenacious rover who was blessed with supreme foot skills, an uncanny ability to kick a goal and that unmistakable Shaw desperation and competitiveness.
In his first year at the club in 1974, he announced himself to the football world by climbing on the shoulders of John Nicholls and taking one of the marks of the year. He went on to win Best First Year Player and Best Player of the 1974 Finals.
In 1978, he won Most Consistent Player, Magpie of the Year, the coveted Copeland Trophy and selection for Victoria. As a natural leader, he captained the club in 1979 and 1980.
By the end of his career he had played 146 games, kicked 201 goals and become a Collingwood champion.
Honours
Games: 146 day, 9 night, 3 interstate
Goals: 201
Captain: 1979, 80
Vice Captain: 1981
Copeland Trophy: 1978
Most Consistent: 1978
Magpie of the Year: 1978
Bets First Year Player: 1974
Best Player In Finals: 1974
Interstate representative: 1978, 1979
Guernsey Number: 23
1958 Team
Coach: Phonse Kyne
B: Ron Reeves, Harry Sullivan, Ray Gabellich
HB: Kevin Rose, Mike Delanty, Peter Lucas
C: Brian Gray, John Henderson, Ken Turner
HF: Brian Beers, Murray Weideman, Bill Serong
F: Mick Twomey, Ian Brewer, Ken Bennett
R: Graeme Fellows, Barry Harrison, Thorold Merrett
Res: Ken Smale, Bob Greve
Injured: Frank Tuck and Bill Twomey
