In a moment destined for the annals of Australian sporting folklore, the Collingwood Football Club has secured back-to-back AFL Premierships, delivering a resounding statement to rivals and fans alike: the Magpies are not just contenders—they are the greatest team in AFL history.
A Dynasty Reborn
Collingwood’s latest triumph in the 2025 AFL Grand Final has elevated the club into rarefied air. With their consecutive flags in 2024 and 2025, the Magpies have become the first team in over a decade to achieve back-to-back premierships—a feat that not only highlights their dominance but underscores a culture of relentless excellence and adaptability.
The 2025 Grand Final, held at the MCG before a roaring crowd of 100,024 fans, saw the Magpies take down their fierce rivals with a display of precision, pressure, and poise. Led by coach Craig McRae, whose tactical acumen and inspirational leadership have transformed the club, Collingwood played with a blend of old-school toughness and modern flair that left spectators and pundits in awe.
Unstoppable On and Off the Field
The premiership win is the culmination of years of planning, development, and belief. The Magpies’ list management strategy, under GM Graham Wright, has struck a perfect balance between nurturing homegrown talent and bringing in seasoned performers.
Stars like Nick Daicos—already being compared to legends of the game—have shone brightest under pressure, while veterans such as Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom have continued to defy age, bringing wisdom and composure to the biggest moments.
Adding to the team’s firepower has been the rise of Jordan De Goey and Josh Daicos, whose blistering pace and creativity have torn games open. The unity across the club, from the backline to the forwards, has been their hallmark, proving that champions aren’t born—they’re built.
Statistical Supremacy
The numbers back up Collingwood’s claim to greatness. With 17 VFL/AFL premierships now to their name, the Magpies are tied with Carlton and Essendon at the top of the historical ladder. But what sets this modern Collingwood dynasty apart is their consistency in the most competitive era in AFL history.
Since 2022, Collingwood has played in three consecutive Grand Finals, winning two and narrowly losing the other in a thriller. Their winning percentage, clutch-time heroics, and finals dominance over the past three seasons stand unmatched in the league.
Legacy of Legends
For a club steeped in tradition, dating back to its formation in 1892, this new golden era resonates deeply with its passionate fanbase. The ‘Black and White Army’ has stood by through heartbreaks and near-misses, making this historic run all the more meaningful.
From the Colliwobbles of the late 20th century to the drought-breaking 2010 flag and now the back-to-back glories of the mid-2020s, the Magpies have completed one of the most remarkable narrative arcs in sports.
The Greatest Team in AFL History?
It’s a bold claim—but few can now argue against it. With their combination of historical weight, recent dominance, and visionary leadership, Collingwood has a legitimate case as the greatest team the AFL has ever seen.
Whether it’s the tactical brilliance of McRae, the generational talent of Nick Daicos, or the undying loyalty of the club’s millions-strong fanbase, this team has redefined what it means to be elite.
And perhaps most importantly, they’re not done yet.
What Comes Next?
With a young core, a premiership-hardened group, and a club culture built on humility and hunger, the Magpies are poised to contend for years to come. Talk of a three-peat has already begun in whispers across the footy world.
For now, the streets of Collingwood are awash in celebration. Flags are flying, songs are ringing out, and the echoes of history are unmistakably black and white.
The Magpies have made history—and they’re not looking back.
