On face value, Collingwood and Melbourne wouldn't appear to have too much in common, other than the sport both teams play.

One was born out of a dark depression in a working-class suburb eager to better itself, and has gone on to become one of the most famous sporting clubs in Australia.

The other was one of the oldest sporting clubs in the world, born at the same time as the game itself, but is still now chasing that elusive 13^th VFL-AFL premiership, having not won a flag since beating the Magpies back in 1964.

Incredibly, these two clubs almost merged during the early 1940s when the ravages of the Second World War hit home and the sheer number of players unavailable due to their service meant that each feared they could field a team. As a result, the two clubs spoke briefly about a temporary amalgamation.

Fortunately, it never happened, even if the Magpies struggled on a weekly basis to have enough players to run out at times.

But the one thing that has been a key element of Collingwood's relationship with Melbourne throughout their sometimes tempestuous relationship is the well-worn path from one club to the other.

It will be the same this week with former Magpies Heritier Lumumba and Ben Kennedy set to play against their old side on Sunday. Former Demon Jeremy Howe will be hoping that he can keep his position in the Collingwood senior team this week after a relatively quiet debut last week.

Here is a snapshot of some former Magpies and Demons who have changed jumpers over the years, including two Brownlow Medallists, a few captains and, incredibly, a set of siblings who played for both clubs.

Click here to read Glenn McFarlane's full story on Collingwood Forever.