The draw, the brawl and the buried curse: The wild story behind Collingwood’s 1990 flag

Collingwood's 1990 Australian Football League (AFL) premiership marked the end of a 32-year drought, ending a period during which the club was plagued by the so-called "Colliwobbles", a mythical curse believed to prevent them from winning major trophies. The victory over Essendon in the grand final was historic, not just for its significance in breaking the streak, but for the chaotic circumstances surrounding the tournament itself. The 1990 season saw Collingwood face a series of logistical and emotional hurdles. Despite not being the strongest team in the competition, Essendon, led by coach Kevin Sheedy, finished with a 17–5 record and was considered the favorites, the Magpies' performance in crucial moments proved decisive. The finals system, which allowed teams to rest before the first round, inadvertently created delays that disrupted Essendon's rhythm. A drawn qualifying final between Collingwood and West Coast forced a replay, pushing back the schedule and leaving Essendon waiting nearly three weeks before facing Collingwood in the semi-finals. The semi-final clash against Essendon was a turning point. Collingwood, having endured years of near-misses, showed resilience and determination. They defeated the Bombers, securing a direct path to the grand final. This result was particularly notable given the historical context: Collingwood had reached nine grand finals since 1958 without claiming a single title, a record that had become synonymous with their struggles. In the lead-up to the grand final, Collingwood's coaching staff and players faced the psychological burden of the Colliwobbles. Coach Leigh Matthews, in his first stint as a head coach, sought to instill composure and focus. His approach was reflected in the absence of traditional pre-match rituals, such as streamers or balloons, in the dressing room. Matthews believed that the players already understood the importance of the moment and did not need additional stimulation. Tony Shaw, the club's captain, carried the weight of history. As a gardener by trade and the younger brother of a former Collingwood captain, Ray Shaw, he had witnessed firsthand the frustration of repeated near misses. Shaw's leadership was instrumental in rallying the team. He reminded his players of past failures and emphasized the urgency of the current opportunity. His message resonated deeply, reinforcing the collective resolve of the squad. The grand final itself was a spectacle of emotion and intensity. The match took place under the watchful eyes of fans who had long awaited a breakthrough. Collingwood's victory was not just a sporting achievement but a symbolic end to a long-standing narrative of misfortune. The win was celebrated not only within the club but across the broader community, marking a new chapter for Collingwood. The aftermath of the 1990 premiership included changes to the finals structure, aimed at preventing similar scheduling issues in future seasons. Extra time was introduced for finals matches starting in 1991, although it would not be applied to grand finals until 2016. These adjustments were a direct response to the chaos that had unfolded during the 1990 campaign. As the dust settled on the 1990 season, Collingwood's triumph stood as a testament to perseverance and strategic adaptability. The club's journey from a team haunted by the Colliwobbles to a champion underscored the unpredictable nature of sports and the power of overcoming adversity. The legacy of the 1990 premiership continues to be remembered as a defining moment in the club's storied history.