The Heart of Collingwood

We are a group of Collingwood Football Club past players backed by a dedicated and influential CFC member who have developed a common passion to assist our former teammates who have fallen on hard times.  In conjunction with and the support of Murray Weideman we have formed the “Murray Weideman Heart of Collingwood Player Welfare Fund”.

The objective of the above fund is to raise significant funds for the Collingwood Football Club Past Players Association, in order to assist those past players who have endured long suffering pain and hardship over many years, due to severe injuries sustained playing VFL/AFL football.  Unfortunately, many of them do not have the financial resources to meet the high cost of the medical expenses for the surgery required.  It must be remembered that past players now in their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s virtually played for the love of the game and the jumper.

Our research has revealed that up to 30% (around 120) of past players have no private health cover.  Therefore, initial funds raised will be utilized to meet private health fund premiums in order to qualify those past players who do not currently have private health insurance.  Further funds may then go towards payment of the out-of-pocket expenses connected with an operation, plus assistance may also be provided to those past players who require some form of professional consultancy.

Our legendary Captain, Murray Weideman, has never shirked a confrontation, on or off the field and has stated that the player welfare issue is a serious one.  Together with the Collingwood faithful he intends to confront this one head on.  In our playing days at Collingwood we had a bonding song titled “we stuck so tight to the old black and white”, or endorsing the current theme of “side by side we stick together”.  In other words, we looked after our mates whatever the circumstances.  It is therefore under the above scenario that the “Murray Weideman Heart of Collingwood Player Welfare Fund” has been launched.

The Collingwood faithful can assist by purchasing a memorabilia item through the website, by participating and attending player welfare functions, or by becoming a player welfare donor/member.