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

The Collingwood Magpies’ 1990 Australian Football League (AFL) flag win was a remarkable achievement, not just for its upset nature but also for the unique circumstances that contributed to it. For years, Collingwood had been plagued by their inability to secure a premiership despite reaching multiple grand finals, earning them the unflattering nickname “the team that couldn’t win.”

The drought-breaking flag came at a time when the AFL was still adjusting its system for determining the best teams. In 1990, Essendon dominated the season, finishing with an impressive 17-5 record and a clear game lead on top of the ladder. However, due to a quirk in the finals format, they had to wait three weeks after their last regular-season game before competing again. This delay allowed Collingwood and West Coast to draw in the qualifying final, forcing a replay that pushed back the start of the finals.

The extra time off proved disastrous for Essendon. When they finally played Collingwood in a semi-final, the Magpies were match-hardened and ran away with an impressive victory. Their ability to perform under pressure was evident from the start as Leigh Matthews’ team exploited Essendon’s ill-discipline and momentum-killing layovers.

The 1990 grand final itself was a wild ride, marked by controversy and emotion. A ferocious brawl erupted in the first quarter involving several players from both teams. While this outburst seemed to energize Collingwood, it ultimately had little impact on the game’s outcome.

What made the Magpies’ victory so significant was their ability to overcome not just Essendon’s strengths but also their own weaknesses. Missing a legitimate tall forward due to injury, they adapted by deploying Gavin Crosisca out of position, who thrived in his new role. Meanwhile, Leigh Matthews and Tony Shaw instilled a sense of calm and focus within the team, encouraging them to stay disciplined and maintain their concentration.

The aftermath of the game has been extensively documented, with many players and coaches sharing their recollections. However, what’s less discussed is the broader implications of this event for the AFL. The 1990 flag highlighted the need for a more efficient finals system, one that allows teams to compete without unnecessary delays or layovers.

The story of Collingwood’s 1990 flag serves as a reminder that success in professional sports is not solely determined by individual talent or coaching but also by the intricate web of systems and circumstances surrounding them. The Magpies’ drought-breaking victory continues to be studied by coaches, players, and fans alike for its insights into human nature and team performance under pressure.