The announcement that Tony Shaw will return to Collingwood as the club’s new president in 2025 has sent shockwaves through the AFL community and ignited passionate discussions among fans and experts alike. Shaw, who remains one of the most iconic figures in Collingwood’s history, is stepping back into the fold at a moment when the Magpies are navigating both great expectations and significant challenges. His appointment as president is being hailed as one of the boldest moves the club has made in recent years.
Tony Shaw’s history with Collingwood is nothing short of legendary. As a player, he embodied the spirit of the black and white. A tough, uncompromising midfielder, Shaw captained the Magpies to their famous 1990 premiership — the club’s first in 32 years. That achievement etched his name forever into Collingwood folklore. Beyond his playing career, Shaw also took the reins as senior coach in the late 1990s, further cementing his deep ties with the club. Few figures can claim to have lived and breathed Collingwood the way Tony Shaw has.
His return as president is symbolic in many ways. It marks a homecoming of a club warrior who understands the culture, expectations, and pressures that come with representing Collingwood. For the players, Shaw’s presence as president will be a reminder of what it means to wear the black and white jumper. For fans, it is a move that reaffirms the club’s respect for its past while setting bold intentions for its future.
From an administrative perspective, Shaw’s leadership could not come at a more crucial time. Collingwood has enjoyed recent on-field success, but the landscape of the AFL is constantly shifting. Financial sustainability, community engagement, and long-term list management are critical issues facing every club. With Shaw at the helm, the Magpies will look to harness both his football acumen and his unshakeable connection to the Collingwood faithful to push forward with confidence.
The reaction to the announcement has been overwhelmingly electric. Supporters flooded social media with messages of excitement, many recalling Shaw’s famous grit and determination on the field. Some even suggested that his leadership could mark the beginning of a new golden era. However, with the role comes enormous responsibility. As president, Shaw will not only oversee the direction of the football department but also play a key role in shaping Collingwood’s broader vision as one of Australia’s most powerful sporting institutions.
Critics, meanwhile, have raised questions about whether Shaw’s transition from football hero to club president will be seamless. Leadership in the modern AFL demands strong business sense, negotiation skills, and the ability to unite diverse stakeholders. Yet, many believe Shaw’s experience, charisma, and authenticity will help him rise to the challenge.
Ultimately, the return of Tony Shaw is more than just a football story — it is a narrative about legacy, loyalty, and leadership. For Collingwood, it signals a bold chapter in its storied history. For the AFL world, it is a moment that will be watched closely, with everyone eager to see whether Shaw’s presidency will usher in another era of Collingwood dominance.
One thing is certain: the Magpie Army has a reason to believe again. Tony Shaw’s return is not just about the past; it is about shaping the future.
