In an unexpected and heartfelt post on X \u2013 the social media platform formerly known as Twitter \u2013 Lumumba, a member of the Magpies\u2019 2010 premiership team, said he had been \u201cdeeply immersed\u201d in his former club\u2019s charge to the grand final and was filled with joy by their success in Saturday\u2019s decider against the Brisbane Lions.<\/p>\n
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Heritier Lumumba with Nicky Winmar (right).<\/span>Credit: <\/span>Wayne Ludbey<\/cite><\/p>\n 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\u2019s leadership for failing to make officials accountable for the \u201cserious cultural failures\u201d and their \u201cinadequate\u201d response to the Do Better<\/em> report into historic racism at Collingwood.<\/p>\n Lumumba spoke of the \u201cabsolutely monumental\u201d significance for the Pies of Indigenous star Bobby Hill\u2019s Norm Smith Medal considering the club\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Lumumba praised the \u201cbrilliant leadership\u201d 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.<\/p>\n But there was no reference to any administrator, current or former, in his nine posts, which he signed off with the club\u2019s motto \u201cFloreat Pica\u201d, which means \u201cMay the Magpie Flourish\u201d, and black and white love hearts. Lumumba is hopeful, though, the club can use their success to make further progress on their culture.<\/p>\n Collingwood veterans Steele Sidebottom and Scott Pendlebury became dual premiership players for their club.<\/span>Credit: <\/span>Getty<\/cite><\/p>\n \u201cAFL Grand Final 2023: Recalling the magic of 2010, it\u2019s 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,\u201d Lumumba posted.<\/p>\n \u201cMemories 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.<\/p>\n \u201cJoy filled me seeing 2010 teammates Scott Pendlebury & Steele Sidebottom win their second premiership. Jamie Elliot\u2019s success was equally heartwarming. Their unwavering dedication has always been clear.<\/p>\n \u201cIsaac Quaynor\u2019s transition from fan to premiership player was a definite highlight. The importance of investing in the development of African talent can\u2019t be emphasized enough and I hope the club continues down that path.<\/p>\n Day to celebrate: Collingwood\u2019s Bobby Hill with his premiership and Norm Smith medals after what was a classic grand final.<\/span>Credit: <\/span>Getty Images<\/cite><\/p>\n \u201cThe Father-Son connection, especially seeing the Daicos and Moore families, was another great highlight. Its great to see them front and center.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThen there\u2019s Bobby Hill! The gravity of him winning the North Smith medal, considering the club\u2019s history, is absolutely monumental.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel genuine happiness for Collingwood supporters. The sheer satisfaction this win must\u2019ve brought is unimaginable. Their dedication to the club is unmatched, so this victory must be the sweetest.<\/p>\n \u201cSince 2021 Collingwood has pledged to undergo a metamorphosis, promising to confront & rectify cultural challenges. Fast forward to 2023, they\u2019ve secured a premiership. On-field triumphs aren\u2019t sole metrics of transformation, but they play a significant role in the narrative.<\/p>\n \u201cAs Collingwood\u2019s influence grows post this victory, the question arises: how will they harness this newfound acclaim and power? Eagerly watching the club\u2019s cultural evolution in the coming years. Floreat Pica.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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