According to Kieran Butler, the life of a Collingwood supporter is mired in tragedy. He claims Collingwood has ruined his life, yet again. As a fellow Collingwood tragedian, I couldn’t agree more. Butler’s stories of generational pathos, the artistry of heckling, the absurdities of South Australian fans and all those painful on-field memories, to me, rang oh-so-painfully and hilariously true.

Kicking off with an ode to our man Eddie, Butler smoothly weaves his way through tales of Collingwood’s lost finals campaigns, 1990, marriage breakdown and how his paternal teachings lead his daughter to switch teams, twice.

The last ode of the evening was a brilliant song about Pies players who’ve defected’namely Chris Tarrant. Clever set ups made during the initial stages paid off throughout, a mark of a good storyteller.

Based in the heart of Collingwood territory, Kieran Butler claims Collingwood ruined his life, again! is staged in the intimate back room of the Carringbush Hotel, the Pies spiritual home. With many moments of great humour, Butler performed to a packed, albeit very small, house. Although the audience was comprised of more Woodsmen and women, fans from other clubs appreciated the raconteur’s observations.

Not only should all Pies fans support Kieran Butler, but all football fans should pay at least one visit. And to those snoots who jump on the bandwagon at Grand Final time or turn their nose up at it throughout the season: see this show. You just might learn to appreciate what football is, does and means to a fan.