Collingwood, for the first time in memory, has two of the more likeable characters in leadership positions. Photo: AFL MEDIA

For devotees of 17 of the 18 AFL clubs, the thought of getting behind Collingwood at any point – let alone a grand final – is confronting. Many will never succumb to the idea. Some will take an active position against them, barracking for the Lions as if it were their own side.

The Collingwood Football Club has rarely endeared itself to those on the outside. “Us Against Them” was genuinely its membership campaign slogan a decade ago, and for most of the Magpies’ history until very recently, this philosophy underpinned the entire organisation.

As the saying goes, what came first, the ultra-defensive Collingwood supporter? Or the embittered opposition fan? But could it be that things are different these days?

Today on Footyology, we cautiously present: five reasons why you should support Collingwood in the grand final.

THE TOWNSHIP

Nationalisation of the competition, abandonment of suburban grounds, and the motility of contemporary life, means that clubs aren’t as intrinsically linked with their suburb as they once were.

Is Collingwood actually making a fist at this? The suburb in Melbourne’s inner-north is a far cry from all of the old cliches that pertained to not only the place, but to the supporters and even players. Now, it’s socially-progressive and culturally-rich.

Over the last two years, the Magpies have strived to remodel themselves as a socially-progressive and culturally-rich club. After many decades out of step, Collingwood is starting to represent its constituents again, albeit in a totally different way.

Collingwood is also a fun place to be, with some of the best watering holes Melbourne has to offer. If you’re a music fan, you’ve spent countless nights traipsing the stairs at the Grace Darling Hotel or attempting to remove your shoe from the sticky carpet at the Tote.

MOORE & MCRAE

Something highly unusual took hold of the footy-watching public early in the season. People everywhere realised that beyond not hating this iteration of the Magpies, they actually felt warmth towards them.

Doctors, psychiatrists, pharmacists and spiritualists all over the country were consulted, and when they came up with nothing, it was determined that something may have actually changed.

Collingwood, for the first time in living memory, had two of the more likeable characters in the AFL in its front-facing leadership positions.

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Coach Craig McRae, the smiling, philosophical, good-spirited boss who took the team from 17th to a preliminary final by playing a fun, thrilling style of football.

And Darcy Moore, the gentle deep-thinker who plays like a champion at centre-half-back, and who delivered possibly the most thoughtful speech ever given by a player at the conclusion of the ANZAC Day match this year. It’s hard to believe this is his first season in the role.

For many Collingwood-haters, the horror of seeing the Magpies win on Saturday could be tempered slightly by the fact that it would be Moore and McRae who lift the cup.

FREUDENFREUDE

Not only does Collingwood boast 106,000 members, but according to the recently released Roy Morgan supporter ladder, it has 875,000 supporters. That’s 3.5 per cent of the Australian population. Take out the rugby league states and it’s more than 7 per cent. Point being, you definitely know many Collingwood supporters, and you almost certainly count some among your friends and family.

As unpalatable as this thought may be, it’s quite possible that you love a Collingwood fan.

So why not do it for them? Cheer on their happiness. Surely 875,000 people being really ecstatic can only be a good thing for the energy in this country, right?

THE OVERALL RACE

Essendon and Carlton currently lead the overall V/AFL premiership race with 16 apiece. If Collingwood salute on Saturday, the Pies join them and create a three-way-tie at the top.

There aren’t enough of these situations across the competition. The Brownlow is very rarely a tie, the Coleman Medal not since 1910 (well before it was named such), and barely any overall records are shared. This would really heat things up.

Hate the lot of them, you say? Good. Let them scrap and fight it out, and watch from afar as they try to knock off the others. Either way, two of the three clubs will be disappointed. That’s a good ratio.

ANNOUNCE YOURSELF

The final reason, quite simply, is that no one, wherever you’re watching the game, will be expecting it. It will wind people up. At a grand final gathering and struggling to stand out in the crowd? Set a magpie amongst the lions. Barrack for Collingwood. Few others will be.