14 Years Ago Today: Collingwood Football Club’s Historic 2010 Premiership Victory – Reliving the Glory
It has been exactly 14 years since the Collingwood Football Club secured one of the most memorable premiership victories in AFL history, defeating St Kilda in a thrilling Grand Final replay on October 2, 2010. For Collingwood fans, this day remains etched in their memories as the culmination of years of hard work and a testament to the club’s resilience.
The 2010 Grand Final is still widely remembered for its dramatic turn of events. The first encounter between Collingwood and St Kilda, held on September 25, ended in a thrilling draw, 68-68, marking the third time in VFL/AFL history that a Grand Final had ended without a winner. It set the stage for an epic replay, where Collingwood ultimately claimed their 15th premiership title with a decisive 16.12 (108) to 7.10 (52) victory over the Saints at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Key Moments from the 2010 Grand Final Replay:
- Dominant Start: From the first bounce, Collingwood set the tone with their aggressive pressure and physicality. Key players like Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, and Luke Ball were instrumental in the midfield, giving Collingwood an early advantage.
- Heath Shaw’s Smother: One of the most iconic moments of the match was Heath Shaw’s famous smother on St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt. Shaw came out of nowhere to prevent what looked like a certain goal, a moment that has since been dubbed “The Smother of the Century.”
- Dale Thomas’ Heroics: Dale Thomas was a standout performer for Collingwood, showcasing his skill and endurance. His relentless work rate earned him high praise, helping the Magpies to a commanding lead.
- Cloke and Dawes Up Front: The forward duo of Travis Cloke and Chris Dawes were crucial, combining for four goals in the replay and providing the firepower needed to break St Kilda’s defense.
- Nathan Buckley’s Redemption: The victory also marked a significant moment for assistant coach Nathan Buckley, who had retired without a premiership as a player. For Buckley and long-time supporters, this triumph represented a long-awaited reward after years of heartbreak.
What Are Your Favorite Memories from This Day? For many Collingwood supporters, the 2010 Grand Final replay is remembered as the ultimate moment of glory, erasing the pain of previous near misses. Whether it was Shaw’s breathtaking smother, the dominance of the midfield, or the roar of the MCG as the final siren sounded, this day was one to be cherished by the black-and-white faithful.
The victory not only sealed the club’s place in AFL history but also ushered in a new era of success under head coach Mick Malthouse. For Collingwood fans, it remains a moment of pride, celebration, and shared memories that will continue to resonate for generations to come.
What are your favorite memories from this unforgettable day? Was it the hard-fought win, the thrilling moments, or the camaraderie of being with fellow Magpies fans? Today, 14 years later, it’s a perfect time to reflect on that glorious day in 2010.
