Membership Team Lead Jodie O’Donohue has been an integral part of the membership team since July 2018, but her Collingwood story began much, much earlier than that.
I started barracking for the Pies because of my Dad. Ever since I was a baby he dressed me up in black and white. Dad had a connection to his local footy club in Belgrave who were also black and white, so there was never really any chance I would wear anything else!
My earliest Collingwood memory is of dad yelling passionately at the TV and towards the umpires and then celebrating with me singing the song in the lounge room! We’ve always been a very active supporter family, as a young kid I remember loving going to training sessions and cocktail parties to mingle with the players and sing the song together.
When I was in primary school a couple of friends teased me for going for Collingwood, so my best friend bullied me into going for Richmond for a small time. Dad was not happy! Since then I’ve managed to draft my cousin into becoming a Collingwood supporter, and they’re also a member because of me. Working in the membership team has certainly helped me convince them.
When it came to choosing a number for the back of my jumper, I knew it had to be 13. I was born on the 13th, it was my favourite number and Dale Thomas was one of my favourite players. I also loved Dane Swan for his dry humour, Neon Leon (Davis) and Didak for the “Didak shimmy”. It was too hard to have just one!
My fondest memory of being a Collingwood supporter was the 2010 Grand Final. I went to the draw and knowing I was going to be a part of and witnessed a part of history was amazing. Then actually winning the next week was incredible.
Outside of a history-making Premiership, my favourite games are ones where we came in as underdogs and then smashed the opposition. The 2018 Preliminary Final against Richmond and the 2020 Semi Final against the Eagles. I get goosebumps about it still!
Collingwood is a part of my family. The sound of the chants around the ground give me goosebumps. Collingwood is community. I love how it is always about the people, and I hope it continues to forever be that way. Now, I love working for Collingwood. It’s a surreal feeling being able to live my dream and work for the Pies. My dad always says I’m living the life he always wanted!
How did you fall in love with the Pies? What made you start barracking for Collingwood? Share your story with us by uploading it here or sharing on social with #MyPiesStory
