WHEN Magpie fans gave their season verdict at the end of 2017, support for coach Nathan Buckley was hovering near 50 per cent and the major highlights were two speccies by the fans' player of the year Jeremy Howe.
Fast forward 12 months and Buckley's approval rating has rocketed to the second highest in the league, while Pie fans are savouring memories of an incredible run to the Grand Final.
Sharing their views in an AFL.com.au survey, 98 per cent of Magpie supporters said they were happy with Bucks as coach.
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley embraces son Jett after the premlinary final win over Richmond. Picture: AFL Photos
Bona fide stars Brodie Grundy and Steele Sidebottom were voted the Pies' best two players, ahead of Jordan De Goey, whose Grand Final heroics were among a swag of memorable moments.
Hundreds of Collingwood fans cited American Pie Mason Cox's starring role in the preliminary final as their memorable moment.
Cox grabbed 11 marks and kicked 3.1 to chants of 'USA! USA!' during the destruction of flag favourites – and bitter rivals – Richmond.
American Pie Mason Cox. Picture: AFL Photos
Here are the full survey results, and a selection of Magpie fans' moments to remember and forget.
What was the moment you'll remember?
I was 13 when Richmond belted us in the Grand Final. Grundy's goal to seal the win in the prelim was very sweet.
- Mark Davis, Darwin NT
All Australian Brodie Grundy was one of several Magpies to enjoy a career-best season. Picture: AFL Photos
The Queen's Birthday clash against the Dees. It was the first time I started realistically thinking we had a chance this year.
- James McCann, Pooraka SA
Coxy clunking a mark in front of Alex Rance in the second quarter of the prelim, and the strut and goal, then the chants of 'USA! USA!'.
- Mujahid Mohamed Azwer, Broadmeadows Vic
Jordan De Goey's big goal in the Grand Final when Collingwood was rolling in the first quarter. He made West Coast look like statues.
- Liam Coulthard, Hoppers Crossing Vic
Nathan Buckley consoling the runner after the Grand Final loss. It showed how tight this playing group is, and the fans are right behind them.
- Brendan Lucas, Safety Bay Vic
Besides the Eagles' flag-winning goal, what was the moment you'd rather forget?
The moment before that goal, when Jeremy McGovern took his umpteenth intercept mark in our forward line. It set up their winner.
- Reece Street, Perth WA
Losing the second game of the season and feeling like a wooden spoon was coming our way.
- Craig Doolan, Cooroy Qld
The Sydney loss when Tom McCartin kicked a goal from nothing to seal the game.
- Samuel Newall, Launceston Tas
Every time the club said: 'Jamie Elliott hurt his hamstring in the VFL'.
- Adam Hallinan, Greensborough Vic
Magpies fans' season rating
9.1/10
Read more
ONE KICK SHORT Collingwood season review
THE WASH-UP More season reviews
