The Collingwood Football Club was rocked by a heartfelt and emotional message yesterday as captain Darcy Moore released a powerful open letter to the Magpie Army, calling for unity, resilience, and unwavering support as the club prepares for the battles that lie ahead.
Moore, who has been at the helm since 2023, has quickly established himself as more than just a captain on the field. His leadership, integrity, and ability to inspire have made him a figurehead not only for Collingwood, but for the wider AFL community. With the season delivering both exhilarating wins and testing setbacks, Moore chose this moment to reconnect with the club’s passionate fanbase, reminding them of the power of solidarity in the face of adversity.
In the letter, Moore began with gratitude, acknowledging the relentless support Collingwood receives from its loyal fans. “Wearing black and white is more than putting on a guernsey,” he wrote. “It’s about carrying the pride, passion, and belief of an army that never walks away, no matter the result. Every roar from the stands, every cheer through the highs and every clap during the lows — we feel it. And it drives us.”
Moore went on to reflect on the realities of leadership and the pressures of captaining one of the AFL’s most scrutinized clubs. He admitted that setbacks and injuries have tested the squad, but emphasized that resilience defines Collingwood’s culture. “There will always be challenges in this game,” he wrote. “But what makes Collingwood different is that we rise together. Through triumphs, through setbacks, through the toughest of days, we’ve always had the strength of the Magpie Army behind us.”
The open letter also struck a deeply personal note. Moore revealed how much it means to him to lead a club with such rich history and expectation. “As a kid growing up in football, I dreamed of these moments — of playing for this great club, of representing something bigger than myself. To now captain Collingwood is the greatest honor of my life. I don’t take a single moment for granted.”
In a particularly stirring section, Moore addressed the younger generation of fans and players, urging them to embrace the values that have carried Collingwood through decades of challenges. “This club has seen it all — glory, heartbreak, controversy, and redemption. But we’ve never stopped fighting. That’s our story, and it will always be our story. To every kid wearing black and white in the stands: never forget that you are part of something unbreakable.”
Moore’s open letter was met with an overwhelming response from the Collingwood faithful. Social media lit up with messages of support and pride, as fans praised their captain for his authenticity, humility, and courage. Many expressed that Moore’s words were a timely reminder of what it means to be part of the Collingwood family — a bond that extends far beyond wins and losses.
Club officials echoed the sentiment, with senior staff praising Moore’s leadership. One insider described the letter as “the embodiment of everything a Collingwood captain should be — passionate, honest, and willing to put the team and fans first.”
The letter also drew admiration from AFL commentators and even rival supporters, who acknowledged Moore’s eloquence and emotional intelligence as a leader. For a sport that often emphasizes toughness and results, Moore’s message stood out as a reminder of the human side of the game — the connection between club, players, and supporters that keeps Australian football alive.
Moore closed his open letter with a rallying call to the Magpie Army: “No matter what comes next, we face it together. Through triumphs, setbacks, and challenges ahead, we are Collingwood — and we will never walk alone.”
For the fans who read his words, one thing was certain: their captain had once again proven he is more than a player — he is the heartbeat of Collingwood.