General News
3 October, 2023
Thorold Merrett celebrates 90th and Pies win
SATURDAY was a double milestone for former Collingwood premiership player and Cobden export Thorold Merrett.
SATURDAY was a double milestone for former Collingwood premiership player and Cobden export Thorold Merrett.
Mr Merrett celebrated his 90th birthday with family at his home, Templestowe Manor, watching Collingwood take victory in the 2023 AFL Grand Final on Saturday.
For him, the day was definitely about his beloved Pies rather than his birthday.
Mr Merrett, who got his start to football glory in Cobden, played 180 games with Collingwood before retiring.
The wingman played in an impressive four premierships with Collingwood winning two.
The first was against Geelong in 1953 which saw Collingwood win 77-65 and the second was against Melbourne in 1958 which saw Collingwood storm home 82 to 64.
Mr Merrett said he had fond memories of his premiership bouts and it was a “special time” in his life.
His impressive career saw him finish top 10 in the Brownlow Medal on two occasions and he also won the Copeland Trophy – Collingwood’s best and fairest twice.
Speaking with the Cobden Timboon Coast Times last Thursday ahead of the Grand Final, Mr Merrett said he was “very much looking forward to the Grand Final”.
He had spent the morning watching his beloved team training ahead of the Grand Final.
“I went to the club to watch the training and meet the players,” Mr Merrett said.
“It was a surprise for me, my son Tim took me. It was wonderful.”
Mr Merrett is touted as one of the best wingmen of his time, but also played a lot of footy as a rover/half forward.
He entered the VFL stage at 16 and to this day he remains Collingwood’s sixth youngest debutant.
Mr Merrett fondly recalls his formative years at Cobden where he caught the eye of former Collingwood player Jack Murphy, who began coaching in Cobden.
“I grew up in Cobden – it was a special time for me,” he said.
“I started playing football in Cobden when I was 15.
“I have lovely memories of Cobden – Mum and Dad died up there.”