Over more than 200 games and across three centuries, the battle between Melbourne and Collingwood has become one of the prized contests of the Australian game.  While the points may sway one way or the other for seasons on end, and personalities come and go from either club, the tradition between the two is a grand one, highlighted in a classic MCG encounter every Queen’s Birthday.

Vin Coutie – the first draw, 1909
One of the leaders of his day, Coutie was a brilliant forward from Leopold.  Typically ‘clever, quick and active’, on this day he and fellow goal kicker Jim Fitzpatrick combined forces to kick three goals each, helping Melbourne to its first draw on record against Collingwood – 10.5.65 apiece.



Bob Johnson Snr – finals tie, 1928
The second of Melbourne’s five draws to date against Collingwood came in the 1928 semi final.  While the Magpies won a week later, on this day Bob Johnson Snr kicked four goals to help Melbourne to a five goal to nil last quarter and tied scores as the final siren sounded.



Ian Ridley – shining light, 1958
In the thick of the rivalry that took Melbourne to ten premierships against Collingwood, this was an encounter for the ages.  Star rover Ian Ridley was at the forefront of the action when this Queen’s Birthday special brought a record home and away crowd of 99,346 to the MCG, treated to a brilliant contest.  While Melbourne led all day and ran out victorious by eleven points, the win was not assured until late in the game.  With many stars in the exhibition of ‘muscle-jarring tackling, scorching pace and aerial agility’, Ridley was one of our brightest, with four of his five goals coming before the final term and helping to seal victory.



Garry Lyon – bowing out, 1999
Again on the Queen’s Birthday, and again by eleven points – Melbourne emerged triumphant after a seesawing contest, with Buckley held goalless and a shared contribution of effort around the ground. Garry Lyon led in typical style, kicking two goals.  In a poignant note, this would be his last game, with the former captain retiring in the weeks that followed, courtesy of a chronic back injury.



Jeff Farmer – on fire, 2000
The Wiz was the spark to many a big occasion, and this Queen’s Birthday classic was no exception.  With a small lead at Melbourne’s disposal heading into the long break, and with Farmer taken off after just two first half possessions, something needed to change.  When Ben Beams broke his wrist, it was back into action for the Wiz, turning on a brilliant show with nine goals in half, and putting the seal on a 65 point win.



David Schwarz – 150, 2001
Not all great milestones can be highlighted with a win, and this Queen’s Birthday meeting was one such occasion.  It was David Schwarz’s 150^th game, and by rights Melbourne should have run out victorious.  Sadly, Collingwood trounced Melbourne by 77 points, with Rocca, Davis and Holland kicking goals at will, and Schwarz himself being forced off with injury.  Nonetheless, it was a grand achievement –  and a triumph against the odds - for a red and blue favourite.



Yze Rules – 2006
After a couple of seasons in the Queen’s Birthday wilderness, it was time for Melbourne to redeem the results during the mid-2000s.  This 2006 win was the pick of the victories – a 47 point win that built steadily to a crescendo and was highlighted by Adem Yze’s four goals, accompanied by Neitz, Davey and Pickett with three apiece.



Walk To The ‘G – 2008
Many thousands have ridden the bumps and held their breath at an unexpected goal; sat in sadness at a loss, shared the emotion with family, hugged friends in triumph, draped red and blue or black and white around their shoulders.  It’s a coming together of two diverse tribes, and on the Queen’s Birthday, red and blue flows from Federation Square to the MCG in a fitting start to one of the great days of each football season.  Walk to the ‘G started in 2008 to accompany the Club’s 150^th celebrations, and sets the stage each year as we watch another installment in a wonderful rivalry.