Collingwood are mourning the loss of much-loved captain and premiership hero Murray Weideman after he passed away at the age of 85.
Weideman will be best remembered for being the tough 'enforcer' of the Pies during the 1950's, especially during their premiership campaign in 1958.
Acting captain in the pies 1958 flag, Murray Weideman passed away last night. The pies great and former coach turned 85 on Tuesday.
— Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) February 17, 2021
With their captain at the time, Frank Tuck unavailable for the 1958 Grand Final due to injury, 'The Weed' showed his strength and his toughness for the contest.
Not just that, but he also kicked two goals in a famous win against a Melbourne side that had only lost three times that season.
Whilst many will remember him for being brutal and label him as a 'thug', Weideman had some serious talent.
The year before he lead the Pies out to premiership success, he was named a Copeland Trophy winner for the first time in his career, at the ripe age of 21.
He'd win it another two times - in 1961 and 1962. He would also lead Collingwood's goal kicking in back-to-back seasons in 1959 and 1960, as well as 1962.
Towards the end of his VFL career Weideman began to dabble with professional wrestling, competing in a total of nine bouts throughout the early 1960s.
Captain-coaches Murray Weideman(West Adelaide) and John Birt(West Torrens) lead their respective teams out for the 1969 SANFL First Semi-Final. The match was drawn. pic.twitter.com/XH1cBvggy0
— Swischโll Know (@swishtter) December 15, 2020
Amidst a spate of injuries, 'Wild Man Weideman' retired from VFL footy in 1963, having played 180 games and kicking 262 goals.
He would also be named a Collingwood life member, as well as being named centre half-forward in the Pies' team of the century and a member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
Weideman is survived by his wife Victoria, brother Graeme, son Mark, daughters Tracey and Mia and their families, including grandson Sam, who currently plays at Melbourne.
Last night the great Magpie, Murray Weideman, passed away. His son Mark - on the right - played in our 88/89 premierships at Coburg. A chip off the old block, Mark made his dad proud. Murray will be remembered as having lived a rich life. pic.twitter.com/lRGW1pUjbh
— Philip Cleary (@PhilCleary_Ind) February 18, 2021