Mick Malthouse says he will be humbled to become the AFL's longest-serving coach next season when he breaks Jock McHale's record – and for this reason feels it appropriate that Carlton's opponent on his milestone night will be Collingwood.
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In a round-five, prime-time clash that already exudes storylines, the most important on Friday, May 1, will be Malthouse logging his 715th match as a senior coach.
The AFL asked Malthouse to choose which club he wanted to face in the historic match, with the three-time premiership mentor weighing up the merits of the clubs he had coached.
While there was special significance with the Western Bulldogs and West Coast, the Magpies - where he spent 12 seasons and tasted ultimate success in 2010 - always made the most sense.
"It's a tremendous honour and a privilege to have been able to enjoy such longevity as an AFL coach and I am so pleased to be celebrating the occasion at the MCG," Malthouse said.
"I have an enormous amount of respect for Jock McHale and his family, so it's very humbling to be breaking his record.
"Having Carlton host Collingwood for this special game is just magnificent – it will be terrific for our supporters, terrific for the club, and another page in the storied Carlton-Collingwood rivalry."
McHale led the Magpies in 714 matches from 1912 to 1949. He has legend status in the AFL Hall of Fame, having played in the Magpies' 1910 premiership and then coached the club to eight flags, including four in succession from 1927-1930.
The clash is also likely to be used as a way for Malthouse and the Magpies to begin mending their fractured friendship, after the ugly split of 2011 when the succession plan involving the handover to Nathan Buckley was enforced.
Malthouse and Magpies president Eddie McGuire have barely spoken since, with McGuire admitting last year he was saddened by that and wanted Malthouse to be recognised for his time at the club. Malthouse said last year he had no intention of "breaking bread" with McGuire and "Eddie knows exactly the reason why".
Blues chief executive Steven Trigg said on Wednesday his club would work with the Magpies in promoting the match. While it is a Carlton home game, the Magpies are set to share in some of the gate takings.
"Central to Mick's decision-making was respecting the McHales, what that means and therefore the history with Collingwood," Trigg said.
"It all gelled together. That the AFL has given us that opportunity is fantastic."
Ahead of the launch of the AFL fixture on Thursday, the Blues were confident of receiving a "family-friendly" schedule, with possibly seven of 11 home matches either on a Saturday afternoon or Saturday twilight or Sunday afternoon. They could have as little as two Friday-night games, down from six this season.
Since taking charge, Trigg has made it a priority for the club to reconnect with its supporters and former members.
"After the experience of 2014, there was a specific club request - and it was in sync with the AFL anyway - to ensure there was a priority that the fixture was more fan friendly, in particular family friendly," Trigg said.
The Blues will open the season against Richmond on Easter Thursday and appear set to head to Patersons Stadium for a round-two clash against the West Coast Eagles.
They also have a round-four trip to Wellington for an Anzac Day clash against St Kilda, giving the team just a six-day break before the Malthouse milestone match.
The Blues will not have contract discussions with Malthouse until at least midway through next season, meaning he will be keen to avoid a repeat of the tardy starts of the past two campaigns.
