BIG CONGRATULATIONS: Collingwood Captain Darcy Moore and Premiership Teammates Jack Crisp, Mason Cox, Jordan De Goey, Brayden Maynard, and Nathan Murphy Named Life Members
In an outstanding recognition of their exceptional contributions to the Collingwood Football Club, six players—captain Darcy Moore and Premiership teammates Jack Crisp, Mason Cox, Jordan De Goey, Brayden Maynard, and Nathan Murphy—have been elevated to the exclusive and prestigious status of Life Members of the club. This honor, one of the highest distinctions bestowed upon individuals in Australian rules football, highlights not only their on-field achievements but also their enduring commitment, professionalism, and leadership within the iconic football institution.
A Historic Achievement for Collingwood
The Collingwood Football Club, with its rich history and legendary status in the AFL, has seen many great players come and go. However, the elevation of Darcy Moore and his five teammates to Life Membership is a defining moment for the club, particularly following the team’s incredible success in winning the 2023 AFL Premiership. The victory marked the Magpies’ first flag since 2010, and these six players were integral to that triumph, each contributing in their unique way to the team’s success.
The decision to name Moore, Crisp, Cox, De Goey, Maynard, and Murphy as Life Members was made by the Collingwood Football Club Board in recognition of their outstanding service and achievements within the club over a period of many years. Life Membership is reserved for those who have shown remarkable loyalty and contribution to the club, both on and off the field, and these six players are exemplary in every way.
Darcy Moore: The Heart and Soul of the Collingwood Defence
Darcy Moore’s elevation to Life Membership is a testament to his leadership, skill, and dedication to the Collingwood Football Club. As the captain of the team, Moore has played a pivotal role in guiding the Magpies through some of their most challenging seasons, including the 2023 Premiership-winning campaign.
Moore’s leadership both on and off the field has earned him the admiration of teammates, coaches, and fans alike. His calm and composed demeanor, particularly during high-pressure moments, was instrumental in Collingwood’s successful run to the flag. As one of the most talented key defenders in the league, Moore’s ability to read the play and his skill in intercept marking has made him a defensive linchpin for the Magpies. Over the years, he has also become an inspiring leader, with his mature approach to the game setting an example for the younger players.
His selection as captain in 2021 came after the club’s transition period, and Moore has since demonstrated a level of leadership that has solidified his place among Collingwood’s all-time greats. His Life Membership is a fitting acknowledgment of his years of service and exceptional impact on the club.
Jack Crisp: The Unsung Hero and Midfield Engine
While Jack Crisp may not always grab the headlines, his contributions to Collingwood have been nothing short of phenomenal. An ironman of the competition, Crisp is known for his consistency, endurance, and ability to play anywhere on the field. Whether as a midfielder, half-back, or even in a tagging role, Crisp has provided the Magpies with reliability and versatility for over a decade.
Crisp’s durability and work ethic are remarkable, having played over 250 games for Collingwood since joining the club from Brisbane as a young recruit in 2012. His ability to link up play, win contested possessions, and provide drive out of the back half has been crucial to Collingwood’s success. In the 2023 Premiership-winning season, Crisp was one of the club’s most consistent performers, playing a key role throughout the finals series.
Having been a part of both the 2018 and 2023 Grand Final teams, Crisp’s commitment and leadership on and off the field have earned him the admiration of the club and its supporters. The fact that he has now been named a Life Member is a testament to his sustained excellence and contribution to the club.
Mason Cox: The American Giant Who Became a Collingwood Icon
Mason Cox’s rise from an unheralded international rookie to one of Collingwood’s most beloved and important players is a story of persistence, growth, and unexpected stardom. The towering American, standing at 211 cm, has been an essential part of Collingwood’s forward structure, providing a dominant aerial presence and a competitive edge at stoppages.
Cox’s journey to AFL stardom was anything but conventional. After being discovered by the Magpies as part of their international recruitment program, Cox quickly became known for his athleticism and ability to take contested marks, despite his lack of traditional Australian rules football experience. Over the years, he has developed into a key forward, with his towering frame and strong marking ability making him a difficult match-up for opposition defenders.
His role in the 2023 Premiership-winning team cannot be understated. Cox’s remarkable performance in the Grand Final, where he took crucial marks and provided a contest in the forward line, was instrumental in the Magpies securing the ultimate prize. His dedication to the club and his ability to adapt to the AFL’s rigorous demands have earned him the respect of both his teammates and the fans. The elevation to Life Membership is a fitting tribute to his incredible journey and his lasting impact on Collingwood.
Jordan De Goey: A Dynamic Playmaker with a Premiership Legacy
There are few players in the AFL who can turn a game on its head quite like Jordan De Goey. Known for his explosive speed, elite skills, and game-changing ability, De Goey is one of the most dynamic players in the competition. His performances, particularly in big moments, have become a hallmark of his career, and his contributions in the 2023 finals series were nothing short of outstanding.
De Goey’s AFL journey has been one of immense potential, tempered with some off-field challenges that have tested both him and the club. However, through it all, he has remained one of Collingwood’s most influential players, capable of producing moments of brilliance when the game is on the line. His ability to break open a match with his explosive running and powerful kicking has made him a key weapon for the Magpies.
The 2023 Premiership was the culmination of years of hard work, and De Goey’s leadership and performance in the final stages of the season were crucial to the club’s success. His elevation to Life Membership represents the recognition of his immense talent and his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Brayden Maynard: The Tough Defender Who Never Gives Up
Brayden Maynard’s reputation as one of the toughest and most aggressive players in the AFL has earned him a place in Collingwood’s heart. A tireless defender with a never-say-die attitude, Maynard’s role in Collingwood’s defence has been vital over the years. His ability to shut down opposition forwards, combined with his leadership and ferocious tackling, has made him one of the most respected players in the competition.
Maynard’s contribution to the 2023 Premiership was immense. As a lock-down defender, his ability to keep the opposition’s most dangerous forwards quiet was a key element in Collingwood’s defensive structure. His physical presence, combined with his intelligence and reading of the game, made him one of the most important players in the team’s finals run. The elevation to Life Membership is a recognition of his tireless work ethic and his dedication to Collingwood over a long and successful career.
Nathan Murphy: The Emerging Leader and Rising Star
Nathan Murphy’s journey at Collingwood has been one of steady improvement and increasing importance to the team. As a young defender, Murphy has shown a remarkable capacity to adapt to the rigors of AFL football, with his ability to read the ball and his strong intercept marking making him a key asset in Collingwood’s backline. His work in the 2023 season, especially during the finals, showcased his potential to become a future leader for the club.
Murphy’s role in Collingwood’s 2023 Premiership was significant, with his ability to take crucial marks and help set up rebound attacks from the backline being pivotal in the club’s success. His ongoing development as a player and leader suggests that he will be a central figure at the club for many years to come. His selection as a Life Member is a reflection of his growth and the promising future he holds with the Magpies.
Conclusion: A Group of Champions
The elevation of Darcy Moore, Jack Crisp, Mason Cox, Jordan De Goey, Brayden Maynard, and Nathan Murphy to Life Membership is a momentous occasion for the Collingwood Football Club. These six players represent the best of what it means to wear the black and white jumper: dedication, leadership, hard work, and the ability to perform when it matters most.
Each of them has made an indelible mark on the club’s history, and their inclusion in the exclusive group of Life Members solidifies their legacy within the AFL. As they continue to build on their achievements, Collingwood fans can look forward to many more years of success from these exceptional players, who have already earned their place in the club’s rich history.
Congratulations to Darcy Moore, Jack Crisp, Mason Cox, Jordan De Goey, Brayden Maynard, and Nathan Murphy—true champions of the Collingwood Football Club.
