Collingwood Captains

Collingwood News

The captaincy of the Collingwood Football Club is an honour bestowed on only 45 of the 1099 players to wear the black and white stripes since 1897.
When deciding upon the club's captain in 2009, then-coach Mick Malthouse believed that the traits required to lead the club included selflessness, the ability to motivate others, credibility (meaning players trust him on and off the field), and whether he lives the club (meaning he requires a sense of its history and current operations). The player chosen was Nick Maxwell, who went on to lead Collingwood to its 15th premiership in 2010.
The list does not include vice-captains and deputy vice-captains who filled in on match day for an unavailable captain.

1. Bill Strickland 1897
Played 1897; 16 games, 0 Goals; DOB: 17 August 1864
Collingwood's first ever captain in the VFL was one of the club's shining lights in the VFA in 1890s.
2. Bill Proudfoot 1898-99, 1901
Played 1897-1906; 108 games, 0 goals; DOB: 11 June 1868
A giant in Collingwood's early years, Proudfoot was a powerful, vigorous key defender who played in the 1902 and 1903 premiership teams.
3. Dick Condon 1899-1900
Played 1897-1900 & 1902-06; 148 games, 104 goals; DOB 19 March 1876; Ht 180 cm, Wt 72 kg
One of the greatest players of his era, Condon possessed rare flair and outstanding skills, and was rover in the 1902 and 1903 premiership teams. A unique character who clashed with team mates and club officials, he also served as playing coach in 1905-06.
4. Lardie Tulloch 1902-04
Played 1897-1904; 132 games, 67 goals; DOB: 15 April 1871
Captain of the 1902 and 1903 premiership teams, Tulloch is the only man to have captained a league premiership and to have umpired a grand final (1907). A greatly respected, robust player who could play at either end of the ground.
5. Charlie H. Pannam 1905
Played 1897-1907; 179 games, 111 goals; DOB 2 Oct 1874; Ht 173 cm, Wt 79 kg
A famous flying wingman who was one of the great players of the Magpies' early days and a member of the 1902 and 1903 premiership teams. Pannam was quick, clever and had excellent skills, and was the first man to play 100 VFL games. Noted for his consistency and ability to play well in finals, he was rated the Magpies' best afield in the 1903 flag success and second best in 1902. A six-time Victorian representative, Pannam went forward late in his career and topped the league goal kicking in 1905 with 38, the same year he captained Collingwood. The grand father of Magpie great Lou Richards.
6. Alf Dummett 1906
Played 1901-1910; 118 games, 10 goals; DOB 8 December 1880
A star defender who played in the 1902 and 1903 premiership teams. Later served Collingwood for many years in a number of capacities, including vice-president. Dummett was Victoria chairman of selectors from 1936-52.
7. Arthur Leach 1906-08
Played 1898-1908; 173 games, 92 goals
Recruited to Collingwood after one season with Essendon, Leach had great worth ethic, strength and endurance, and was part of the 1902 and 1903 premiership teams. Reliable and versatile, Leach could play a variety of positions, and was named in the forward pocket in both flag successes. Also played in losing grand final sides of 1901 and 1905.
8. Eddie Drohan 1908
Played 1903-1908; 96 games, 54 goals
Played in a premiership in his first year at Collingwood after crossing from Fitzroy, where he'd played in two flags. Took a while to find his feet in black and white but at his best was a dashing wingman and his class shone through as his career wore on at Collingwood.
9. Bob Nash 1908-09
Played 1904-09; 88 games, 14 goals
A splendid high mark who developed into a fine player and was regarded as a good tactician. Had a strong kick and represented Victoria in 1908.
10. George Angus 1910-11
Played 1902-11; 157 games, 64 goals; DOB 15 April 1975
A triple premiership player (1902, 1903, 1910), Angus was a follower or half forward who didn't make his league debut until he was 27. Was also playing coach in 1909 before taking over as captain-coach for 1910-11.
11. Jock McHale 1912-13
Played 1903-1918 & 1920; 261 games; DOB: 12 December 1882
After initially being rejected by Collingwood, McHale developed into one of the most durable players of all time, stringing together 191 consecutive games between 1906 and 1917. Began as a half back but eventually moved into the centre where he built his fine reputation. A member of Collingwood's premiership sides of 1910 and 1917, and also played in the losing grand final sides of 1905, 1911 and 1915, and went on to forge the most successful coaching career in league history. McHale was captain-coach in 1912-13, playing coach from 1914-17 and non-playing coach from 1918-49. Coached Collingwood for a total of 714 matches for 467 wins and eight premierships. A member of Collingwood's team of the century (interchange), and an Australian Football Hall of Fame legend.
12. Dan Minogue 1914-16
Played 1911-16; 85 games, 37 goals; DOB 4 September 1891; Ht 183 cm, Wt 92 kg
Minogue could play anywhere as was used as a half back, half forward or ruckman. Had enormous strength and durability and limitless courage. Famously played out the 1911 grand final after breaking his collarbone in the first minute. Went on to play another 96 games with Richmond and Hawthorn between 1920-26 after returning from the war.
13. Percy Wilson 1917-18
Played 1909-20; 183 games, 71 goals; DOB 31 March 1889
Wilson was a star rover and forward from the moment he arrived at Victoria Park. Had a bad run with injury, but was a clever, tricky rover who was a beautiful pass on the run. Captain of the 1917 premiership, he missed the 1910 and 1919 flags through injury.
14. Con McCarthy 1919
Played 1915-21; 101 games, 22 goals; DOB 19 February 1893
McCarthy had enormous physical strength and was a fitness fanatic who enjoyed training in an era where it was unusual to do so. Played in the premiership team in 1917 and then captain the flag side in 1919, in between playing in the losing grand final team of 1918. McCarthy was a fine shepherder, mark and kick, and represented Victoria five times.
15. Dick Lee 1920-21
Played 1906-22; 230 games, 707 goals; DOB 19 March 1889; Ht 175 cm, Wt 70 kg
One of the first of football's great forwards, and raised standards of forward play. He was a wonderful ground player and deadly kick for goal who had the ability to soar for marks. Lee headed the VFL goal kicking from 1907 to 1910, 1914, shared the lead in 1915 and won again in 1916, 1917, 1919 and 1921. His tally of 66 in 1915 was the highest in the first 25 years of VFL football. A member of three premiership teams (1910, 1917 and 1919), Lee represented Victoria an astonishing 17 times and his 11-goal haul in 1914 created a VFL record. Sustained many injuries but was extremely courageous and often played through them. Made the number 13 famous.
16. Tom Drummond 1922
Played 1916-22; 94 games, 6 goals; Ht 170 cm, Wt 68 kg
A clever wingman who was a fine ball-handler and excellent mark for his size. A member of the 1917 and 1919 premiership sides, Drummond also represented Victoria in 1921 and 1922.
17. Harry Curtis 1923
Played 1914-23; 122 games, 149 goals; DOB 3 October 1892; Ht 189 cm, Wt 79 kg
Tall and lean, Curtis was dumped after one season at Carlton, but crossed to Collingwood where he established himself as a fine centre-half forward for a decade. A key player in the 1917 and 1919 grand final wins, Curtis went on to serve as president for a record 25 years.
18. Charlie Tyson 1924-26
Played 1920-26; 106 games, 42 goals; DOB 14 November 1897
One of Collingwood's earliest greats, Tyson became a tremendously reliable half back flanker. Strong and courageous, he represented Victoria three times.
19. Syd Coventry 1927-34
Played 1922-34; 227 games, 62 goals; DOB 13 June 1899; Ht 182 cm, Wt 85 kg
One of Collingwood's greatest ever captains, Coventry led the Magpies to four successive premierships from 1927-1930. Also won the Brownlow Medal in 1927 with seven best-on-ground performances, and won Collingwood's best and fairest in 1927 and 1932. Despite standing just 182 centimetres, Coventry was extremely vigorous and ideally suited to ruck work. Showed outstanding leadership qualities, and a fearless protector of smaller team mates. The older brother of goal-kicking legend Gordon, Syd represented Victoria 27 times from 1922-33.
20. Harry Collier 1935-39
Played 1926-40; 253 games, 299 goals; DOB 1 October 1907; Ht 173 cm, Wt 74 kg
A brilliant rover with great goal sense and uncanny ball skills, the incredibly courageous Collier's career was one of the greatest of any at Victoria Park as he won two best and fairests (1928 and 1930) and played in six premiership teams. The Colliers are the only brothers to have won Brownlow Medals, after Harry's younger brother Albert won the award in 1929, and Harry was retrospectively awarded the medal for 1930.
21. Jack Regan 1940-41, 1943
Played 1930-41, 1943 and 1946; 196 games, 3 goals; DOB 12 September 1912; Ht 187 cm, 81 kg
Regan was the prince of full backs in an era of champion full forwards. Many good judges regard Regan as the greatest full back the game has even seen. His duels with South Melbourne great Bob Pratt were legendary. Best and fairest in 1936 and third in the Brownlow in 1934, Regan was fast, dashing and a long kick and a regular Victoria representative, captain the state in 1941. He played in the Magpie premierships of 1935 and 36, and served the club tremendously as secretary from 1969-77.
22. Phonse Kyne 1942, 1946-49
Played 1934-44 and 1946-50; 245 games, 237 goals; DOB 29 August 1915; Ht 188 cm, Wt 86 kg
One of Collingwood's greatest ever servants, Kyne began with the Magpies as a centre half-forward and played there in the 1935 and 1936 premiership sides. After that he was utilised as a ruckman, and was mobile and a clever palmer of the ball. Unlike many players he returned from World War 2 to be a dominant player winning the famed Copeland Trophy three times from 1946. Represented Victoria nine times, and later went on to coach the Magpies to two premierships between 1950 and 1963.
23. Pat Fricker 1944
Played 1935-41 & 44; 71 games; DOB 9 March 1916; Ht 178 cm, Wt 70 kg
A handy utility who captained the club for one season and played on the wing in the losing 1939 grand final side.
24. Alby Pannam 1945
Played 1933-43 & 1945; 181 games, 453 goals; DOB 19 April 1914; Ht 168 cm, Wt 63 kg
The son of another Magpie captain Charles H Pannam (1905), Alby established a reputation as one of the trickiest and most deadly rover/forwards in league football. Small and light, he could kick goals from anywhere and could doge and baulk brilliantly. He played in the premiership teams of 1935 and 1936 and was rated Collingwood's best in '36. Won the club best and fairest in 1942 having represented Victoria the previous year..
25. Gordon Hocking 1950-51
Played 1938-41 & 1943-52; 171 games, 78 goals; DOB 12 August 1919; Ht 178 cm, Wt 81 kg
Despite standing on 178 centimetres, he was Collingwood ruckman for the best part of 15 years. Hocking relished hard work and was extremely determined. He played in losing grand final sides in his first two seasons and went on to captain Victoria.
26. Lou Richards 1952-55
Played 1941-55; 250 games, 423 goals; DOB 15 March 1923; Ht 170 cm, Wt 72 kg
Richards became a legend on and off the field. The nephew of Magpie hero Alby Pannam, Richards was an immensely courageous rover and became a favourite of the Magpie faithful. His greatest on-field achievement was leading the Magpies to the 1953 premiership. Twice and runner-up in the best-and-fairest and three times the club's leading goal kicker (1944, 48, 50), Richards was also a Victorian representative. Upon retiring he became one of the most-loved media personalities and commentators.
27. Neil Mann 1955-56
Played 1945-56; 179 games, 155 goals; DOB 12 August 1924; Ht 188 cm, Wt 82 kg
Famous for having the biggest pair of hands in the game, Mann was a great mark. In the early stages of his career alternated between full-forward and centre half-forward, but really began to make his mark when switched to centre half-back. In 1953 he was one of the best in the premiership win and ran third in the Brownlow and the following year ran second in the Brownlow and won the Copeland Trophy. Mann captained two losing grand final teams in 1955 and 56, represented Victoria 10 times and went on to coach the Magpies from 1972-74.
28. Bill Twomey 1957
Played 1945-58; 189 games, 154 goals; DOB 28 September 1927; Ht 179 cm, Wt 76 kg
A gifted and spectacular player, Twomey had the strength of a big man and pace of a small player. He played in a variety of positions and starred in them all. He even excelled at full forward, kicking eight in one dazzling final against Footscray and also bagged 11 in one home-and-away game. Twomey oozed talent, however was dropped in 1951, but fought back to play in the 1953 premiership team and won the Copeland Trophy in 1956. Represented Victoria seven times.
29. Frank Tuck 1958-59
Played 1950-59; 131 games, 34 goals; DOB 24 July 1931; Ht 183 cm 78 kg
A strong and fearless half back who possessed a good mark and long kick. He was one of the game's unluckiest players, missing the 1953 flag through suspension and being forced out of the 1958 premiership with a torn thigh, his first year as captain.
30. Murray Weideman 1960-63
Played 1953-63; 180 games, 262 goals; DOB 16 February 1936; Ht 187 cm, 96 kg
One of the toughest and most uncompromising Magpies ever. In 1952 he trained with Collingwood and wasn't considered good enough for the thirds. By the end of the following year he was 20th man in a premiership side. Once he became captain, he developed a reputation as an enforcer, playing as a high-flying, aggressive centre half-forward. Led Collingwood to the 1958 flag in place of the injured Frank Tuck. A three-time Copeland Trophy winner (1957, 61 & 62) and five-time Victorian representative, Weideman retired at just 27. Later coached Collingwood in 1975-76.
31. Ray Gabelich 1964-65
Played 1955-60 & 1962-66; 160 games, 43 goals; DOB 3 July 1934; Ht 193 cm, Wt 109 kg
A massive ruckman whose huge frame made him virtually unbeatable at throw-ins. He was a safe mark and penetrating kick, and won the Copeland Trophy in 1960. Shocked the football world by returning to his native Western Australia in 1961, but by 1962 was back at Victoria Park and was made vice-captain. He took over from Murray Weideman as captain in 1964 and led the Magpies to the grand final in that year. His final match was the losing 1966 grand final.
32. John Henderson 1965
Played 1957-66; 144 games, 28 goals; DOB 31 August 1938; Ht 187 cm, Wt 91 kg
A highly skilled player who started out as a half back flanker before moving into the centre. A quick, daring player who was a member of the 1958 premiership team and ran third in the 1963 Brownlow Medal, and starred in each week of the 1964 finals campaign.
33. Des Tuddenham 1966-69, 1976
Played 1962-71 & 1976-77; 182 games, 251 goals; DOB 29 January 1943; Ht 180 cm, Wt 83 kg
One of the toughest Magpies ever, and certainly one of the club's greatest on-field leaders. A ferocious competitor and always one to impose himself physically, Tuddenham played his best football on the half forward flank, and embodied everything Collingwood stood for in its greatest days. Played in three losing grand finals, including being skipper of the one-point loss in 1966, and captained Victoria in 1971.
34. Terry Waters 1970-71
Played 1963-72; 163 games; DOB 14 December 1943; Ht 188 cm, Wt 85 kg
Started his career in attack and led the club's goal kicking in his first two seasons. Developed a reputation as one of the best marks in the game, and by the 1966 grand final was playing in defence, when he was rated the Magpies' best in the one-point loss, in the same season he won the Copeland Trophy. Played in two other losing grand finals in 1964 and 1970, represented Victoria eight times and was an All-Australian in 1969.
35. Wayne Richardson 1971-75
Played 1966-78; 277 games, 323 goals; DOB 12 August 1946; Ht 179 cm, Wt 76 kg
One of the finest players of his era and a true Collingwood champion, Richardson was extremely skilled at reading the play as a rover. Twice a winner of the Copeland Trophy (1971 & 1974), he was also a regular Victoria representative and served Collingwood with tremendous distinction as a player and returned to Victoria Park as a director in 1986..
36. Max Richardson 1977
Played 1969-78; 211 games, 158 goals; DOB 24 December 1948; Ht 183 cm, Wt 87 kg
The younger brother of Wayne, Max was an extremely versatile player who could play midfield and also in defence with distinction. Was runner-up to his brother in the Copeland Trophy in 1974.
37. Len Thompson 1978
Played 1965-78; 270 games, 217 goals; DOB 27 August 1947; Ht 200 cm, Wt 95 kg
One of the first giant ruckman to combine outstanding ruck play with around-the-ground mobility and skill, Thompson was a truly gifted athlete. A five-time Copeland Trophy winner and winner of the 1972 Brownlow Medal, he was vice-captain for five years before leading the club in 1978, and was twice captain of Victoria. One of his greatest disappointments was playing in four grand finals without a premiership.
38. Ray Shaw 1979-80
Played 1974-81; 146 games, 200 goals; DOB 27 April 1954; Ht 175 cm, Wt 70 kg
Shaw won himself a reputation as one of the best rovers in the competition. He won the Copeland Trophy in 1978 and represented Victoria in 1979.
39. Peter Moore 1981-82
Played 1974-82; 172 games, 193 goals; DOB 11 January 1957; Ht 198 cm, Wt 80 kg
An extremely tall, athletic ruckman, Moore's running ability made him almost impossible for opposition big men to match up on. In 1979 he took over as the club's number one ruckman when Len Thompson departed and won the Brownlow Medal, and two years later was made captain.
40. Mark Williams 1983-86
Played 1981-86; 135 games, 178 goals; DOB 21 August 1958; Ht 183 cm, 80 kg
A ferociously competitive midfielder and son of SA legend Fos Williams, he won the Copeland Trophy and represented Victoria in his first year at Collingwood. Also played in the losing grand final team of 1981. A loyal servant of the club, Williams proved to be an excellent captain and won his second Copeland Trophy in 1985.
41. Tony Shaw 1987-93
Played 1977-94; 313 games, 159 goals; DOB 23 July 1960; Ht 170 cm, Wt 80 kg
A superbly courageous centreman who famously led the Magpies to the 1990 flag, winning the Norm Smith Medal as best player on the ground. Also won the Copeland Trophy in 1990, his second best-and-fairest after his 1984 triumph. Part of one of Collingwood's most famous families, his brothers Neville and Ray also played. Later coached Collingwood in 1996.
42. Gavin Brown 1994-98
Played 1987-2000; 254 games, 195 goals; DOB 25 September 1967; Ht 184 cm, Wt 86 kg
One of Collingwood's favourite sons, Brown is remembered as an extremely courageous player who started his career on the wing and played in the 1990 premiership team. A three-time Copeland Trophy winner and two-time All-Australian, Brown also led Victoria with distinction and also proved an extremely effective forward option.
43. Nathan Buckley 1999-2007
Played 1994-2007; 260 games, 263 goals; DOB 26 July 1972; Ht 186 cm, Wt 90 kg
One of the all-time greats of the game and arguably the best ever to pull on the black and white stripes, Buckley's record speaks for itself. Six Copeland Trophies (1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003), a Brownlow Medal (2003), Norm Smith Medal (2003) and seven-time All-Australian (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003). Became the club's most capped skipper when he led the Magpies for the 154th time in the thrilling round 21 victory over Port in 2006. Came to the club in 1994 after one season with Brisbane and immediately stamped his brilliance on the club, tying with Gavin Brown for the first of his best-and-fairest awards, and setting the tone for a brilliant career with Collingwood after one season with Brisbane.
44. Scott Burns 2008
Played 1995-2008; 264 games, 149 goals; DOB 23 December 1974; Ht 181 cm, Wt 85 kg
One of the toughest and most respected Magpie midfielders of the modern era, Burns has now played 264 games in 14 seasons at Collingwood after being drafted from South Australian club Norwood. Enjoyed his finest seasons in the grand final years of 2002 and 2003 when he finished second and third respectively in the Copeland Trophy voting, while also being judged the club's best finals player in 2002. Also a recipient of the Darren Millane Memorial Trophy as best clubman in 2004, while his potential was recognised in 1995 when he was named Collingwood's best first-year player. A deserving recipient of the captaincy.
45. Nick Maxwell 2009-2012
Played 2004-2012 ; 179 games, 28 goals; DOB 3 June 1983; Ht 193 cm, Wt 92 kg
A success story of the rookie-list system, Maxwell made his debut in 2004 and has developed into one of the team's toughest, most courageous and versatile players. His durability is also one of his strengths, and he was rewared for his fine on and off field leadership by being appointed captain of the club for the 2009 season, following the retirement of Scott Burns. Maxwell became Collingwood's 11th premiership captain when he led the Magpies to their extraordinary win over St Kilda in the 2010 Grand Final replay. He was one of the side's best in both the drawn and replayed Grand Finals.