Value Proposition 2011

“Nothing fails like success…”

– Gerald Nachman, US author & columnist.

The challenge is clear. Do we contentedly rest on our laurels, or do we maintain the hunger, spirit and commitment that earned us the 2010 Premiership?

That question was put to the Collingwood playing list at the beginning of their 2011 pre-season campaign, and it’s a choice that we as BLACK AND WHITE coterie members face as well. Is one premiership enough to satisfy you or would you like to see the Collingwood Football Club build a dynasty of success?

BLACK AND WHITE’s answer is clear – the Club’s 2010 triumph was as magnificent as it was sweet, but a new year brings a new opportunity to triumph again. When you build an organisation and a playing list capable of winning a premiership, you need to commit doubly hard to remain at the top and maximise the opportunity while it’s in front of you.

Of the 114 VFL/AFL premiers, just 27 have managed to win back-to-back titles – that’s less than 1 in 4. And with the competition’s modern parity, it’s harder now than ever before – evidenced by just three teams since Collingwood’s 1990 triumph managing it (the Lions’ hat-trick accounts for two of those three). As dominant as Geelong have been in the last five years, this achievement still eluded them. As good as Essendon were around the turn of the century, back-to-back flags remained beyond them.

As Gerald Nachman alludes to above, nothing jeopardises your chances of succeeding as much as success does. Our recruiting team have identified this, which is why they went out and secured ready-made performers such as the sublimely talented Andrew Krakouer and prodigal son, Chris Tarrant. Our coaching panel and playing list have identified this, which is why the team’s recent Arizona training camp was by far the most gruelling they have ever undertaken.

Come Round 1, what happened on October 2 last year will bear no relevance. The Pies will start on 0 premiership points just like everybody else.

Our work as a coterie group therefore remains every bit as important as it was last year. We can rightly be proud of our efforts to support the club in recent years, but remain every bit as committed to growing that support going forward.

In 2011, we have the chance to show our thanks to the Club for the sheer joy and excitement it provided us in October – memories that will bring a smile to our faces forever.

Go Pies!
Peter Mastos
BLACK AND WHITE Committee.