‘Absolutely monumental’: Estranged Lumumba’s joy at Pies’ premiership

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Estranged former Collingwood star Heritier Lumumba has broken a near 18-month silence on his old club to declare his joy at the Magpies’ premiership, praising their cultural change since the Do Better report.

In an unexpected and heartfelt post on X – the social media platform formerly known as Twitter – Lumumba, a member of the Magpies’ 2010 premiership team, said he had been “deeply immersed” in his former club’s charge to the grand final and was filled with joy by their success in Saturday’s decider against the Brisbane Lions.

Heritier Lumumba with Nicky Winmar (right).Credit: Wayne Ludbey

There will now be hopes the rift between Lumumba and the club for whom he played 199 games can be healed. Lumumba has not spoken publicly about the Pies since May 2022 when he criticised the club’s leadership for failing to make officials accountable for the “serious cultural failures” and their “inadequate” response to the Do Better report into historic racism at Collingwood.

Lumumba spoke of the “absolutely monumental” significance for the Pies of Indigenous star Bobby Hill’s Norm Smith Medal considering the club’s history, and spoke of his delight for Isaac Quaynor, who is of Ghanaian descent, in the hope Collingwood will continue to invest in African talent.

Lumumba praised the “brilliant leadership” of coach Craig McRae, who had been a development coach when he played, and was rapt for premiership teammates Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom, and former teammate Jamie Elliott.

But there was no reference to any administrator, current or former, in his nine posts, which he signed off with the club’s motto “Floreat Pica”, which means “May the Magpie Flourish”, and black and white love hearts. Lumumba is hopeful, though, the club can use their success to make further progress on their culture.

Collingwood veterans Steele Sidebottom and Scott Pendlebury became dual premiership players for their club.Credit: Getty

“AFL Grand Final 2023: Recalling the magic of 2010, it’s prompted deep introspection. In my first deep dive since retirement, I consumed EVERYTHING leading up to the game. I was deeply immersed again. #AFLGrandFinal2023 #Collingwood,” Lumumba posted.

“Memories of Grand Final weeks, playing at the MCG, and the electrifying feeling of tucking the ball under the arm, dodging & weaving, all came rushing back.

“Joy filled me seeing 2010 teammates Scott Pendlebury & Steele Sidebottom win their second premiership. Jamie Elliot’s success was equally heartwarming. Their unwavering dedication has always been clear.

“Isaac Quaynor’s transition from fan to premiership player was a definite highlight. The importance of investing in the development of African talent can’t be emphasized enough and I hope the club continues down that path.

Day to celebrate: Collingwood’s Bobby Hill with his premiership and Norm Smith medals after what was a classic grand final.Credit: Getty Images

“The Father-Son connection, especially seeing the Daicos and Moore families, was another great highlight. Its great to see them front and center.

“The brilliant leadership of Craig McRae, who was the development coach during my time, was undeniable. He always had it in him to be a star head coach.

“Then there’s Bobby Hill! The gravity of him winning the North Smith medal, considering the club’s history, is absolutely monumental.

“I feel genuine happiness for Collingwood supporters. The sheer satisfaction this win must’ve brought is unimaginable. Their dedication to the club is unmatched, so this victory must be the sweetest.

“Since 2021 Collingwood has pledged to undergo a metamorphosis, promising to confront & rectify cultural challenges. Fast forward to 2023, they’ve secured a premiership. On-field triumphs aren’t sole metrics of transformation, but they play a significant role in the narrative.

“As Collingwood’s influence grows post this victory, the question arises: how will they harness this newfound acclaim and power? Eagerly watching the club’s cultural evolution in the coming years. Floreat Pica.”

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