Even people who aren’t AFL fans would have been moved by the story of Murray Swinton – one of the most touching stories of 2018.
Murray, a lifelong Collingwood supporter and former firefighter, was struck down by dreaded illness Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Murray loved the club so much that he played a big part in last year’s Queens Birthday game against Melbourne and the associated ‘Big Freeze’ event.
He addressed the Collingwood players and coaching staff and became an inspiration to many. Coach Nathan Buckley even wore Murray’s firefighting helmet and gear when he went down the slide into the giant ice bath.
Murray sadly lost his battle with MND late last year; but his spirit still lives on at the club, with his wife Tracie and the rest of the family donating his collection of Magpie memorabilia to them.
The highlight of the collection is a large collection of scrapbooks, kept by Murray every year from the mid-1970s. The scrapbooks, which are still meticulously maintained, were Murray’s pride and joy.
Tracie said there was only ever one place that the scrapbooks were going to end up.
“Murray just loved Collingwood, and he loved the idea that the scrapbooks he put so much passion and work into would be at the club forever,” she said.
“He started them when he was just a boy, but that childhood bit of fun became a lifelong obsession. It’s so great that they’ll be of use to others now.”
Tracie said that Murray “drew great strength” from being side by side with Collingwood at last year’s Big Freeze.
“It was something he never dreamt could have happened, but I know he cherished it until the very end. So, I’m glad he’s still going to be connected to the club in some way,” she said.
The club’s History and Archives Manager, Michael Roberts, welcomed the donation and said the scrapbooks were a treasure trove of information.
“They will, of course, be a wonderful reference resource for generations to come,” he said.
“But more than that, they will also stand as a lasting testament to one man’s great passion for, and devotion to, the Collingwood Football Club. We’re proud to have them.”
Are you moved by the Swinton family’s donation to Collingwood? What do you think of Murray’s lifelong support? Tell us by commenting below.
– Written by Jackson Miller
