Collingwood's banner becomes the talk of the AFL world as the team gears up to face Port Adelaide on March 15, 2025. Following their disastrous opening match against the GWS Giants, which left their season hanging by a thread, the Collingwood cheer squad faced yet another hiccup just as the players were about to make their entrance onto the field at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Fans couldn't help but laugh as they witnessed the cheer squad's banner tear away from one of the poles, leading to chaotic scenes with the group scrambling to keep it upright. The team's once-proud display had become embarrassingly out of shape, and viewers across social media chimed in with witty remarks, poking fun at the lopsided look of the banner. Comments ranged from, "Good ol’ Collingwood forever … they know how to make a banner," to others observing, "Collingwood's banner is in shambles. A botched banner is always good omen."
Despite the grim start, the Pies came out strong after conceding the first goal to Port Adelaide, swiftly responding with four goals to give hope to their restless fanbase. The unexpected strategic call from Collingwood prior to the match was the decision to place 405-game veteran Scott Pendlebury as their starting substitute—an announcement met with surprise from the fans, especially with the stakes so high for this match.
The match kicked off with intensity, and soon enough, Collingwood showcased skill and determination. They kept the pressure on the Power, and by the end of the game, they emerged victorious with an impressive score of 21.10 (136) to 6.9 (45), marking their first win of the season and providing much-needed momentum.
Collingwood's impressive win came after they had dropped their prior match on March 9, 2025, to the GWS Giants with a crippling score of 104 - 52. The shadow of this loss loomed over their season, and fans feared the prospects of another disappointing campaign.
The Pies' strategy appeared to click against Port Adelaide, though questions around their previous performances lingered. From their past five matches, the team managed only one win against Melbourne and had faced difficult defeats against GWS, Sydney, and Geelong. On the other hand, Port Adelaide's recent form included losses and victories, with their last game seeing them beaten by Sydney.
Though the Collingwood cheer squad’s banner might have faltered at the beginning, their on-field execution proved otherwise. Notably, with players like Brayden Maynard and Josh Daicos showing remarkable efforts throughout the game, the Pies stormed through the contest. Young talents like Nick Daicos stood out as he notched 19 kicks and seven handballs to contribute significantly to the scoreboard.
Other noteworthy performances came from Steele Sidebottom, who accumulated 31 disposals, and Dan Houston with 27, showcasing their contributions to this pivotal match. The blend of experienced talent and rising players ignited the fans' hopes for the future.
This win against Port Adelaide was not just about points; it served as a morale booster for the players and the fans alike, reaffirming their commitment to the season's goals. Team morale, shaken by their prior loss, emerged restored post-match, and the players took the time to show appreciation to their loyal supporters who endured the rollercoaster of emotions.
Fans flooded social media to express their relief and joy, stating things like, "Finally! A win to build upon," and affirming hopes for continued success as the season progresses. It's clear—the performance may have begun with comedic mishaps, but it ended with purpose and triumph on the field.
Going forward, Collingwood's last-minute decision-making, especially surrounding experienced players like Pendlebury, will be under scrutiny. Coach's tactics and player management will be key to maintaining the upward momentum as they forge through the challenges placed before them this season. After the cheer squad's unceremonious beginning, it was the players—and certainly their victory—that turned the narrative from comical to commendable.