After being seen only in the VFL since Dane Swan played his last game in round one, 2016, Collingwood’s number 36 guernsey returned to the AFL ranks when Brayden Sier made his debut against Gold Coast last weekend.

Sier did the number proud, finishing with 19 disposals and six tackles as the Pies won by 39 points.

His performance prompted us at Collingwood Media to think about all the great players who have worn number 36 for the Pies over the years.

Swan is without doubt the standout, given he played 258 games and won a Brownlow Medal and a premiership.

Dane Swan celebrates the Pies' win over Essendon in the 2015 ANZAC Day game (AFL Photos)

But before ‘Swanny’ a couple of big, burly forwards made the number their own.

Saverio Rocca wore the 36 jumper in 156 games for Collingwood between 1992 and 2000, a period in which he booted an impressive 514 goals.

Saverio Rocca enjoyed a great career in black and white (AFL Photos)

Back in the 1970s and early 1980s, Rene ‘The Incredible Hulk’ Kink wore the number 36 guernsey in 154 games.

Kink booted 240 goals in his time at the Pies, although he is probably best remembered for playing in five Grand Finals for Collingwood without being on the winning side in any of them.

He was part of the Magpies' losing Grand Final teams in 1977, 1979, 1980 and 1981 and the draw in ’77.

Kink was part of another losing Grand Final team after crossing to Essendon during the 1983 season.

Rene Kink in action during the 1980 first semi-final against Carlton at the MCG (AFL Photos)

Other players to wear 36 for Collingwood include cult hero Dannie Seow, who played 18 games for the Pies in 1986 and ’87.

Beanpole ruckman Guy Richards had the number for one season after Rocca departed and before Swan arrived but didn’t make his AFL debut until he switched to number 21.