THIS IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: Collingwood fans and entire football league (NFL) reacts in shock (Overjoyed) as Former Coach Mick Malthouse returns to Former team as Chief of…
In a move that has sent seismic waves through the AFL world and left the Collingwood faithful positively stunned, legendary former coach **Mick Malthouse** is making a sensational return to the club—this time as **Chief of Football**.
Yes, you read that right. The man who led the Magpies to premiership glory in 2010 and became one of the most respected and controversial figures in the modern game is back at the Holden Centre. And the reaction? A combination of *shock, jubilation*, and a feeling among many Collingwood supporters that “the soul of the club” has returned home.
## A Homecoming No One Saw Coming
Rumours had swirled in recent weeks that the Collingwood board was looking to strengthen its football department with a figure of stature and experience, but few could have predicted this bombshell.
In a press conference held this morning, Collingwood President Mark Korda announced:
> “This is a defining moment for our football club. Mick brings with him not just an extraordinary football mind, but a deep and enduring connection to what Collingwood stands for. He’s the right person to lead our football program into a bold new era.”
## Malthouse Speaks: “It Feels Like Coming Home”
Appearing surprisingly emotional, the 70-year-old Malthouse addressed the media with characteristic candour:
> “It’s been a long journey, and I never thought this day would come. But the stars have aligned. Collingwood is in my blood. I’m not here to coach—I’m here to guide, to support, to help create a culture of sustained success.”
> “This is not about looking back. It’s about building something great again.”
## Reactions Pour In: “This Is the Best News We Could Hope For”
Within minutes of the announcement, social media exploded.
* **Former players**, including Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury, tweeted their support, calling it “massive” and “a masterstroke.”
* **Fans** flooded online forums with euphoric messages: “Mick’s back? I’m crying tears of joy. This is the BEST news we could hope for!”
* Even **rival clubs** expressed admiration, with one unnamed senior coach admitting: “Love him or hate him, Malthouse knows how to win. This changes everything.”
## What It Means for the Club
Malthouse’s return comes at a critical time. Collingwood, fresh off a challenging finals campaign, is looking to recalibrate. Coach Craig McRae, who has earned high praise for his leadership, is reportedly “thrilled” to have the AFL’s most experienced coach back in the fold in a senior executive role.
> “It’s like having a living library of football knowledge just down the hallway,” McRae said. “Mick’s insight will be invaluable.”
Of course, this comeback wasn’t always a given. Malthouse’s 2011 exit from Collingwood—following internal tensions and a controversial succession plan—was one of the most dramatic in AFL history. His subsequent stint at Carlton only added to the complexity of his relationship with the Magpie faithful.
But time heals all wounds, and today, Malthouse was greeted not with skepticism—but with open arms.
As the 2026 season looms, Collingwood now boasts a unique combination: a fresh coaching group infused with modern energy, and a wise, battle-hardened football general watching over from above.
The Magpies may have just pulled off the biggest off-field signing of the year.
And for their fans, it’s nothing short of a dream come true.
