Collingwood slammed for morbid fan money-grab

Death, taxes and leaving some of your estate to the Collingwood Football Club.

Two are guaranteed, the third is an option the club had made available to fans thinking about their will and what happens to them when the time comes.

Letters have been sent to select fans asking them if they would consider altering an existing will or including a bequest clause to donate a set amount or percentage of their estate to the club.

“A Gift in your Will is an opportunity to leave YOUR lasting legacy to YOUR Club and ensure that we will stand Side by Side Forever,” the club’s website says.

In the letter posted to social media, Suzanne is told that by “joining Side by Side Forever with a gift in your Will, you can leave a lasting mark on the club you love.

“Your support helps ensure every Magpie – past present and future – stands together in great strength spirit and unity.”

Recipients of the communication are then given five options of what kind of gift they want to give the club as well as instructions on how to amend an existing Will.

Fans didn't holdback in letting the club know how they felt about the letter.

"We do a lot of good stuff but sending my 78 year old Mum this when she is battling a bit is pretty s--t," one X user wrote. "And I will be letting them know. Don't worry. They tried to take her reserved seat back last year- now they want to be in her will. Arseholes."

"Any opportunity for a money grab. It’s gross," another said.

One social media user pointed out that while a grim move, it was a tactic employed all AFL clubs and had started being used by some NRL. Each AFL club has a bequest society.

The Age reported that in 2023 Hawthorn's ancillary fund topped $12 million, more than $1m of that came from donations.

SEN tried to contact Collingwood about the letter but calls were not answered.