Every team has its own rituals and mementos.

Often, they are kept within the confines of that specific group of people – deeply personal and sentimental to the players and staff alike.

It was no different for Collingwood throughout the 2023 AFL season, with their version strictly kept within the locker room, however it has now been revealed in the Club’s new documentary ‘Take the Steps’.

Playing on the team mantra that has formed the title of the film, Head Coach Craig McRae’s ‘Fly Spray’ was used to paint a step on a ladder every time they secured the four points – a concept conjured by the coaching group during pre-season.

“Historically you have to win 13 games to make the finals, but with the extra Round in Gather Round we thought 14 was the number,” McRae said.

 “We built a ladder and we got to work trying to paint a rung after every win.

“You look around the room for someone that’s had a significant impact on the game and give them the spray paint and let them go to work.”

But as they headed into the finals series having sprayed 18 steps of the ladder throughout the Home and Away season, McRae was determined to have something else to celebrate post wins.

Speaking to the players following their thrilling Qualifying Final win against Melbourne, McRae explained the new concept that he hoped would last a further two victories.

“It’s just about winning now, you don’t fluke this stuff. This is a deep win, we take it all in and smell all of it… enjoy this for what it is,” he said.

“Finals time comes, and we wanted to represent something different and we built this plinth that had three rungs.

“You’ve got to win three finals to be the Premiers and we’re one step closer to putting the cup on top of it.”

Viewers will witness raucous cheers that fill the dressing room after each step is sprayed, as the Pies continue to take it one step at a time in their pursuit of Premiership glory.

Take the Steps officially premieres at HOYTS on Wednesday 28 February.