As part of a national tour, the Magpies will parade the 2023 AFL premiership cup in Shepparton and Euroa on Sunday.
First, the hallowed bit of silverware will stop off at Deakin Reserve from noon-2pm before being loaded up for a visit to Euroa’s Memorial Oval from 3pm-5pm.
Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly said this was one opportunity local Pies fans would not want to let slip through their fingers.
“We’re really just opening it up to our wonderful supporters and fans, they can get their hands on the cup, get their fingerprints on it, and take some photos and get some iconic images that are well deserved,” he said.
“Because they’re as much a part of this as the players and the coaches and the club. So (we’re) really keen to make sure everyone gets that opportunity.”
Fans will undoubtedly get their kicks from touching the AFL premiership cup, Collingwood’s first in 13 years, but what about the players?
For two in particular, Sunday will be beyond memorable.
Tallygaroopna’s Steele Sidebottom and Euroa’s Jamie Elliott will have the chance to show off the fruits of their labour to family and friends when dropping into Deakin and Memorial Oval respectively.
“It’s a great facility, a great culture that Shepp’s got and the whole footy environment there, so for him (Sidebottom) to get there is enormous,” Kelly said.
“I’ve got amazing memories of Euroa, so for Jamie to be able to take it back there I think is pretty special. That’s one of the most iconic, beautiful grounds in Australia.”
Kelly is no stranger to the region himself.
He coached Mansfield to its most recent Goulburn Valley League premiership in 2009, long after his playing days at Collingwood had finished.
Kelly, a hard-nosed defender, won the flag in 1990 and lamented the fact his own premiership trophy wasn’t taken on tour.
So he can appreciate how vital Sunday will be for fans and players alike.
“Having also spent some time in that Goulburn Valley area when I was at Mansfield, I know how important footy and netball clubs are for those areas,” he said.
“Hopefully we’ve shown the fan base, the membership base, that we do acknowledge them and they’re such an important part of this success.
“We lent on them a lot this year to get across the line on a few games, so it’s only fitting that they get to hold the cup.
“It is a pretty amazing thing when people get to hold it too; if you’ve done it, people should get down and do it.
“To be able to do it with this cup is capturing something that people I think will cherish for a long while.”
Sunday’s event will be free, with all welcome to attend the tour.
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