If the jam-packed Collingwood rooms weren’t already rowdy enough after the club’s 16th premiership triumph, it further erupted when you first heard roaring players approaching.

Reminiscent of when the final siren sounded, the players’ entrance further set off fans and family on one side of the room in scenes of pure jubilation and celebration.

The players were led by skipper Darcy Moore and Brayden Maynard holding the cup aloft, while a host of others stopped to hug loved ones while they made their way through the ruckus area.

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You could barely move or think, with the majority of people in the room holding up mobile phones to capture the epic moments.

Josh Daicos had his medallion in his mouth, while Jordan De Goey had a beaming smile you hadn’t seen from the star midfielder before.

The feeling of embracing family, which the club has preached hard over the last two years, is real.

Norm Smith Medal hero Bobby Hill, with both his medallions around his neck, embraced in an intimate three-way hug with two men – possibly family members – one fighting back tears.

Jack Crisp walked by with one of his daughters holding his hand, assistant coach Brendon Bolton with two of his children holding either hand and Will Hoskin-Elliott had one of his kids around his shoulders.

Maynard came back to share a passionate exchange with brother Corey.

And Craig McRae. Well, he had the look of someone who in the same day had welcomed another child into the world he coached Collingwood to a premiership, copping widespread hugs and handshakes in celebration. He was like a celebrity walking through a legion of fans.

Then there was a somewhat blank-faced John Noble, who clearly would’ve had mixed emotions. This is a player who’d played 83-straight games prior to being dropped on the eve of finals.

After the now traditional pause to wait for the room to be quiet, players firstly sang the song in a huddle – with half the group jumping up and down. McRae and assistant coach Justin Leppitsch watched on arm in arm like proud fathers.

Then, all club staff joined into a bigger huddle to sing the song a second time.

Afterwards was as you’d expect – pure mayhem combined with jubilation. Players let loose and enjoyed special interactions with loved ones, fans asked for selfies and media was everywhere.

There were Carlton Draughts floating around, but players were mostly swept up in the atmosphere and properly catching up with friends and family for the first time in the most pure moments of joy of their careers.

After all, only Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom had previously won a flag as players, though 13 years ago.

Sidebottom was in one corner with his four brothers and other family (and needed the whole corner with the size of the group). You sense that goal would’ve come up in conversation a fair bit.

As you might expect, Beau McCreery – among the youngest members in the side – was among the players already getting stuck into the beers.

Moore sat on the ground with Jamie Elliott and ex-Magpie Tom Langdon, who played in the 2018 Grand Final, with the former two taking a step away to soak it all up.

The Collingwood skipper also shared a warm hug with his mother Jane, who grabbed his face and affection.

De Goey crouched down to his ill grandmother’s level and shared a special moment as she observed his medallion.

In one corner, the famous Daicos family and friends celebrated, ecstatic proud parents Peter and Colleen and the boys’ manager Robbie D’Orazio. Nick and Josh almost reminded you of two kids that’d just won a junior grand final with how pure and raw their emotions were.

At one stage, Nick drank (probably alcohol) out of the premiership cup.

“Just an unreal feeling, you sort of having to pinch yourself to see if this whole thing is real – and it is,” Daicos Snr told Foxfooty.com.au

“It’s just beautiful that they’re (Nick and Josh) a part of that and they now have an unbreakable bond with this room and are a part of Collingwood history. No one can ever take that away from them.

“It wasn’t easy. The last two years, the majority of those wins, we’ve been made to earn right until the death. How fitting it played out that way again.

“I’m so pleased for the club and the players – those who played and missed out – I feel for the latter in these sorts of instances.

“It’s been over 10 years, so it’s fantastic. We did it the hard way, but we won nevertheless.”

Head of development Josh Fraser, who played in two losing grand finals, footy boss Graham Wright and list manager Derek Hine at times all watched on the scenes proudly. In Wright and Hine’s case, they must’ve felt extra satisfied considering recruit Hill’s dominance on the day.

Speaking of ex-players, Shane Wakelin is also about with twin brother Darryl (so much so it’s hard to tell who’s who) for company.

CEO Craig Kelly wandered around the room gleefully, having only taken over his position last January. You couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.

Mason Cox marched around the room with the US flag still on his back. The 211cm giant must’ve felt 300cm tall in those moments.

Collingwood over the past two years under McRae has been notorious for celebrating every big win hard along the way – and this was clearly it’s biggest yet.

Below are insights from a host of Collingwood premiership members spoken to by Foxfooty.com.au in the rooms in reflecting on the special day that was.

ISAAC QUAYNOR

“I can’t quite put it into words at the moment. It’s something I’ve been dreaming about since I was a kid, to be able to do it with such a special group and have my family here, it means the world to me.

“(It was) Tiring, far out, that was a tough game. Brisbane is such a strong unit with their star players – especially their forward line, very, very dangerous. They tested us all day and kept going until the final siren, far out, they had me fricking nervous by the end. Just so proud of our group.

“We worked so hard for this one. Throughout the pre-season there’s so much stuff and culture building people don’t see. I think that’s what makes this group so special.

On playing on Charlie Cameron …

“It’s always nerve wrecking lining up on him. Pretty sure the first time I went to him, he kicked a goal, there must be some bad omen around it on something. He’s a star player, far out, good luck to anyone trying to stop him.”

JEREMY HOWE

“Elation, hell of relief there for a bit. It’s just incredible and the moment you get to share with your family, you always dream of stuff like this. It’s really hard to get here.

“Chatting to ‘Pendles’ (Pendlebury) and ‘Sidey’ (Sidebottom), they’ve been craving for 13 years to get back. They were just so proud of all the other boys and being able to share it with the rest of this group. It’s an amazing feeling.

“(I’m feeling) Gratitude, our club has been incredible the last two years of bringing our friends, family and friends along the journey.

“To have everyone in the one room, being able to share it with your nearest and dearest. You get photos with the cup, that stays with you for life. That’s what you really remember and looking forward to really celebrating

“It’s unbelievable. As you get more experienced, you certainly appreciate things a lot more. To be able to get one, they can’t take it off me now. I’ve been in the system for 13-14 years, sometimes it doesn’t go your way but look at me now.”

On suffering three broken ribs in the fourth quarter …

“I tried to get a kick, Charlie Cameron came late and closes the space quicker than anyone I’ve ever seen. He bumped me right in the ribs and felt it go pop and winded me.

“The Brisbane faithful were having a crack at me, so that’s probably the only reason I got back up. You get those hits, it wasn’t dirty.

Howe quipped: “Pretty sure after 10 more beers I won’t feel a thing!”

BRODY MIHOCEK

“It means a lot, we’ve been through a lot these last two years – just missed out on a granny last year. So many close games where we’ve just managed to get the job done. It’s crazy. The siren went and it’s been full on ever since. So happy to be involved in it, it’s just an amazing feeling.

“It’s been a wild journey. I reckon if we won it in 2018, I mightn’t have felt as spurred on to keep going and going. I’m feeling probably the best I have. Just can’t explain what’s happened and I feel so lucky to have played in such a good team. It’s awesome and I’m very lucky.

“It’s an amazing feeling and now I can rest. To get that win, there’s so much weight off the shoulders. There’s so much pressure that comes with AFL footy and so many fans who want to see you do well and get the win.

“Now you can actually relax and enjoy what you’ve achieved. I don’t think I could’ve handled another (grand final) loss. I’m sure everyone is going to enjoy it for months.”

On avenging the 2018 Grand Final loss …

“Yeah it was (in the back of my mind). There were plenty of shots of what people call the Dom Sheed pocket. The score at three-quarter time I think was 75-71, which is around what the score was against West Coast.

“I was thinking about it, it’s hard not to. (Joe) Daniher kicked that last goal and it was really nerve wracking, but we just went back to our system and what we’ve done all year. It’s the best feeling.”

TOM MITCHELL

“It’s unbelievable. I don’t know what to say, I never thought I’d say these words: ‘Premiership player for Collingwood’. Such a great footy club, amazing culture and amazing people. Just grateful to be a part of it.

“It felt as though it was really messy even though the conditions were dry. A lot of mistakes, pressure was high and that’s what happens when there’s so much on the line for both teams.

“Credit to Brisbane, they had an amazing season and also the last five years, so competitive every year and they always give themselves a chance, so respect to them.

“We just hung in here.”

On how he feels now after recently saying he was the happiest he’s felt during his career …

“Ten out of 10, if I was the happiest I’ve been before, this is probably one of the best days of my life.”

BILLY FRAMPTON

“So surreal, it’ll never sink in I don’t think. Knowing I’ve got one of them you can’t ever lose that ever,” Frampton said before letting out a cheer.

“Got told on Tuesday afternoon (I was playing), which was pretty early. I just tried to stay in the moment, do what I’ve been doing and sticking to the process. Just get ready to come out here and compete, and I thought I did that.

“To get this award, it’s just … it’s unreal and unbelievable.

“I tried a few times to take it all in, but it was hard to absorb. You look around and think it can’t be real – the amount of people and for it to be that loud and to win that close.

“It honestly feels like a dream. Just so much pride in this team, this club, myself and my family. It’s so hard to get to this point, individually and as a team, so to get it done. It’ll stay with me forever.”

On not expecting to become a premiership player within 12 months of joining the club …

“No, never. I’ve always been fighting to prove I’m an AFL player, I’ve been in and out the team my whole career over nine years.

“There’s been so many doubts, to get this reward, it just makes it all so worth it.”

On playing on Harris Andrews …

“I played on him a few times in the past, but today was a bit different, I was trying to nullify him moreso.

“It felt like I was probably playing on him more than he was playing on me! He’s such a good player with his aerial work and intercept marking. I thought if I can try and make him have a rough day if he’s below his best.”

NATHAN MURPHY

“It really just hasn’t sunk in. I’ve dreamt of this my whole life and it finally comes to the moment now. You don’t know what’s going on.

“Just amazing, amazing to see everyone here, it’s what footy is all about. It’s awesome.

“I don’t know how to describe it, just so many people’s journeys from everywhere into one. It honestly feels like it’s fake and a dream, I’m sure we’ll celebrate it.

Asked where his absent medal was, Murphy responded: “I think my mum’s got it!,” – as she came over with a huge smile and handed it back to the defender.

On watching from the sidelines after his head knock …

“It was the longest day ever, I was going crazy. The amazing thing is that we have full trust in everyone here and when you lift up the cup that’s all you think. But I wouldn’t recommend it!

“I started down here in the first quarter, then went up the bench. It was crazy on the bench but so happy to be here.”

“We’ve got so many flexible players, which is awesome. Will Hoskin-Elliott, people like him who can help out and play a role, ‘Lippa’ (Patrick Lipinski) comes in and others can go back and it works so smoothly and simple. Everyone knows our system.”

JUSTIN LEPPITSCH

“Craig got the job and asked me to come along – I didn’t think it was going to happen this quick!

“It’s a good reflection of the players and their ability to learn systems and styles. So close last year and this close finals thing, I’d like not to have them, to be honest! It’s good when you’re on the right end of them.

“Life comes in chapters – the Brisbane chapter then the Richmond chapter and now this. They’re all as special as each other, I do this job because I love these days. Making players the feeling of being a premiership player is why I do the job I do.”

On winning against his former club Brisbane …

“I’ve got some good friends still at the Lions, it is hard. One of my great mates, (Brisbane footy boss) Danny Daly, is an integral part of that club. We spoke during the week and it was like: ‘Oh well, one of us is going to be on the wrong end of this’. Anytime you lose like that, it’s heartbreaking and it would’ve been the same for us.”