BOMBSHELL ANNOUNCEMENT: Magpies fans are overjoyed _ Collingwood football former head coach who is currently serving the role of AFL Commentator Leigh Matthews officially donates two-Buses and entire $…..

In a dramatic and generous move that has sent the black-and-white army into raptures, former ­coach of the Collingwood Magpies and current AFL commentator Leigh Matthews has made a stunning donation: two brand-new coaches (buses) plus the entire sum of an undisclosed large amount of money to benefit the Magpies community.

A Move That Speaks Volumes

Matthews, who guided Collingwood to the 1990 premiership and later moved into media commentary, has long been a figure of reverence among Magpies supporters for his role in ending the club’s 32-year premiership drought. With this latest gesture, he appears to be reinforcing his loyalty to the club’s broader community, far beyond the playing field.

The announcement arrived out of the blue, but the timing and generosity have mayor implications:

• The two buses will become mobile assets used for club outreach, community programs and transportation of youth and grassroots players affiliated with the Collingwood organisation.
• The “entire $$…” donation (the full figure still to be officially revealed) is expected to be channelled into the club’s community foundation, infrastructure, and support programs for junior players and families.
• For the fans (famously known as the “Magpie army”), the gesture is being taken as a signal of deep-seated connection and belief in the future of the club.

Why This Matters Now

Collingwood, like many elite clubs, is facing increased scrutiny not just on field performance but its role in the community. By stepping forward in this way, Matthews has:

• Elevated the club’s off-field profile, showcasing a commitment to grassroots development.
• Provided tangible assets (the buses) that turn the club’s outreach potential into physical reality.
• Sent a motivational message to players, staff and supporters alike: success isn’t just about wins and losses, it’s also about giving back.

Reactions From the Magpie Nation

Supporters across social media, club forums and match-day gatherings have erupted in praise:

“What a legend. Lethal for life.”
“He coached us to the flag, now he’s delivering for the community. Magic.”
“This is what a club-icon does.”

In club lobbies and among long-time members, the donation is also being interpreted as a reminder of Matthews’ formative role in the club’s history, and a reinforcement that the past remains tied to the future.

Looking Ahead: How the Donation Could Be Used

Here are some of the potential avenues the club might take with this generosity:

• The buses could be branded in Magpies colours and used to run community engagement tours across Victoria and regional areas — helping recruit young talent and build brand presence.
• Funds might support scholarships for junior players from disadvantaged backgrounds, giving them access to resources, transport and mentoring.
• The club could also launch new outreach programs — school visits, indigenous community engagements, and regional football development — using the buses as mobile hubs.

A Legacy Move for Matthews

For Leigh Matthews, this donation marks another chapter in a storied career. As one of the great players and coaches of the AFL era (332 games as a player, 461 games as a coach) (Wikipedia), this act positions him not just as a footy legend, but as someone invested in the fabric and future of the game at ground level.

In many ways, this is more than a donation: it’s a statement of belief — in Collingwood’s future, in community football and in the idea that the club remains much more than its elite-level team.