ORIGINAL EDITION IS SOLD OUT... BUT… FOR THOSE WHO MISSED OUT…
A DROP OF ONLY 50 FRAMED PRINTS HAS JUST BEEN RELEASED, DIRECTLY FROM THE ARTIST’S PRIVATE COLLECTION.
AFL LICENSED AND ENDORSED BY THE AFLPA.
COMES WITH AFL CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
SIGNED AND NUMBERED BY THE ARTIST
FRAMED LITHOGRAPH ON PAPER
AFL artist Jamie Cooper has captured the heart-pounding triumph of Collingwood’s 2023 Premiership in a breathtaking new oil painting titled ‘Take the Steps’. This powerful 3 x 1 metre piece, set to join his iconic works from the 1990 and 2010 premierships, immortalizes one of the most electrifying moments in the Club’s history. It depicts the unforgettable scene at the MCG, when Norm Smith Medalist Bobby Hill, with golden hammer in hand, strikes the final panel of the finals plinth—sending the room into an eruption of pure joy.
This masterpiece, over a year in the making, is the result of countless hours of research, collaboration with coach Craig McRae, and a deep dive into the essence of the premiership season. Cooper has woven together hundreds of images to capture not just a moment, but the spirit of the entire campaign. Every detail tells a story: famous fathers, ladders, spray cans, a Mother’s Day card, and even the appearance of Maggie McRae—each element links to a piece of Collingwood’s incredible journey to the top of the mountain.
‘Take the Steps’ is more than just a painting; it’s a portal into the unforgettable euphoria of the team’s victory, inviting fans to share in the glory of reaching the pinnacle of AFL success. It’s a tribute to the sacrifices, the stories, and the unforgettable characters that made 2023 a season for the ages.
STRICTLY LIMITED EDITION OF 50 FRAMED LITHOGRAPHS ON PAPER – $495. Framed size 108cm x 58cm.
Meticulously produced from the original artwork. Printed onto 300gsm quality art stock and beautifully finished in black matte board and a black timber frame with gold inner fillet.
Signed and numbered by the artist, Jamie Cooper.
SOLD OUT – LIMITED EDITION GICLEE CANVAS REPRODUCTIONS – Strictly Limited Edition of 23. 130cm x 43cm. $1195 inc gst.
Taken from a super hi resolution scan of the original artwork, these superb reproductions are printed on high quality cotton blend canvas, then gallery wrapped around wooden stretcher bars to look and feel like the original artwork. A black border around the stretcher bars completes a smart modern finish requiring no additional framing. They come with hanging wire ready to put straight onto the wall.
Each canvas is allocated to one of the players and coach that participated on Grand Final day, making each one unique. E.g. 1/23 – Patrick Lipinski, 2/23 – Jordan De Goey. Etc.
Which player will you get??
*EACH PRINT COMES WITH A STORY CERTIFICATE EXPLAINING THE MANY STORIES WOVEN INTO THE SCENE.
THE STORY
Winning a premiership is never just about that one day in September—it’s the result of an entire season, in fact a journey years in the making, and the unwavering determination of everyone involved. ‘Take the Steps’ captures this extraordinary odyssey, symbolizing the commitment of each Collingwood person who was willing to take the steps necessary to reach the summit. Every element of the painting reflects the shared vision and collective effort that kept the team laser-focused on the ultimate goal. From the smallest moments of inspiration to the big breakthroughs, this stunning artwork weaves together the heart, soul, and relentless spirit that drove Collingwood to claim the 2023 premiership—an unforgettable journey that resonates far beyond the final siren.
Craig McRae – holds the cup with Maggie popping up to say hello. Born at 7.45am on Grand Final morning. Fly considers each player on the list, one of his 44 sons, seen embroidered into his collar. Each player had his own personal legacy note written inside his own collar. See Maynard’s collar also.
Each step of the journey was symbolised by a rung on a ladder, spray-painted by a significant player in each win, with… ‘Fly Spray’. See Sidebottom far right. Padlocks were placed on the ladder rungs to represent a significant milestone or event that was successfully locked away as part of the journey for the season.
A plinth was built with 3 panels on it. Each panel representing a game in the finals that had to be won to win the flag. Each panel was knocked out after the game with a golden hammer by a significant player on that day. The focus of this painting is that moment when Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill, smashed out the final block on the plinth and the whole room erupted.
Note Fly’s 50th birthday cake (Preliminary Final day) on the plinth.
Darcy Moore was often seen appealing to the 19th Man– “Let me hear you!!” The Collingwood Army was a major factor in lifting the team in the many close wins that got them to the ultimate prize. His inspiring Anzac Day speech is tucked into his shorts. That was one of the many moments that Darcy showed his maturity and leadership to the entire football community. A very proud father and fellow Magpie captain, Peter Moore, applauds him from the background.
Another famous father, Peter Daicos, looks proudly on at his superstar sons, as he gestures to his own moment of glory in 1990.
The brains trust of senior club administrators and assistant coaches are recognised for their vital contribution.
On the small TV, comedy sketches are acted out by Scott Selwood, as a reference to a local Travel advertisement he did during his playing days and Isaac Quaynor as an Aussie cricketer. Each week someone would do a skit to keep the atmosphere light and upbeat. Mrs. McCreery’s famous Mother’s Day speech is reflected in the Mother’s Day card on the table.
Players were encouraged to embrace the moment on game days. Beau‘s favourite way was to sit on the Gatorade tub and just absorb the atmosphere around him.
Nick Daicos was so in the zone he could even do some tidying of the MCG as he played the game. A plastic bag famously ‘attached’ itself to his hand as he was gaining possession of the ball. Here he is, passing it over his head to an eager Jordan De Goey, who will put it where it needs to go – which is straight through the middle – as per there famous play in the last quarter of the GF.
Yellow confetti was shot into the air post game and became lodged in a light fitting by Darcy Cameron. When the team came back early in 2024, it was still there… and maybe still is!
Hoskin-Elliott secured his position in the Premiership team due to his versatility. Fly referred to him as his Swiss Army pocket knife. Note his forefinger.
The brave Nathan Murphy sports a bloodied head bandage due to his heavy knock early in the game. The defenders had a few gimmicks to keep them engaged and unified during the year. The Backman of the week was given a pair of Crocs and with each significant contribution during the season, a ‘Jibbit’ was inserted into the footwear. Note also the black nail polish that all backmen wore one game as a symbol of unity.
With the pressures of being a modern professional footballer, living 24/7 in the spotlight, team Psychologist Jacqui Louder was a trusted and wise voice in the group.
Billy’s ‘blanketing’ forward roll on Harris Andrews (#31).
Quaynor and McRae had a chat one day about taking care of yourself and that reflecting in playing well. “Smell good, play good”. The Q fragrance.
Bowler hat and cane was the Charlie Chaplin theme for the forwards award, won by Jamie Elliott.
‘Take the Steps’ was the major motto of the year. Pendles is taking those steps and showing two fingers for his two premierships. Also note the whistle in his hand. Fly considered him the on-field coach.
Steele Sidebottom – two fingers out (two Premierships). camouflage spray can – as he sprayed the final rung on GF day.
Jeremy Howe is pointing at the fans, in recognition of the 19th man. “We did this for you and couldn’t have done it without you”.
He sustained broken ribs during the game and played on.
Player journey montage on the wall: all players have a story of how they got to where they are. Camo T-shirt on wall. “Imperium momentum’ which was used as a theme during the Finals series The yellow jersey was used as a reward/recognition for good training performance. Yellow jersey was for the current leader, for others to chase. The Presti/Rocca signs were held up on the bench with 35 & 23 on them to signify the team go into certain structures/game tempo. The number 35 was for a defensive style: slow the game down to hold a lead or slow opposition momentum. The number 23 was the opposite: need to score, play aggressive offensively and take risks to score. Tornado outside door in right hand corner background. Fly encouraged players to ignore the chaos that goes on outside the four walls. Just focus on what we can control.
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