“Homage to the hard-working Collingwood fans.” That’s what Anderson Hunt called The Final Siren. I want you to imagine the roar of the crowd. Think about the passion, the dedication, the unwavering support for the Collingwood Football Club. The Final Siren stands as a testament to these fans.
The Final Siren sculpture is crafted from black and white steel. Its design is inspired by the old scoreboards and clocks of Victoria Park. You can see stylized wings and colors that represent the Collingwood Football Club.
This park was once the home of the Collingwood Football Club. It was redeveloped into a community recreation space in 2011. The Yarra City Council and the Australian Government funded this transformation. As part of the redevelopment, the council commissioned public artworks. These works recognize the park’s history. They also provide interesting focal points for visitors. The Final Siren is one of these artworks.
Anderson Hunt, the artist, has vivid memories of the Collingwood supporters. He sees The Final Siren as a tribute to them. These were the fans who stood in the outer. They barracked their hearts out. Hunt believes the club would be nothing without them. He hopes the sculpture gives Collingwood fans a sense of pride. He describes it as pride like wearing a tight footy jumper with big numbers on the back.
Hunt recalls attending Collingwood games as a boy. He wondered how the numbers on the scoreboard changed. He remembers being in awe of its size. Hunt described the scoreboard as a huge monolith. He tells a story about Bob Hill. Hill was the scoreboard operator. He would change the scores quickly when the Magpies scored a goal.
The Final Siren stands where the original scoreboard once stood. The old scoreboard was demolished in February 2011. Hunt feels honored to have created this sculpture. He knows what was there before meant so much to people. The Final Siren serves as a reminder of the past. It celebrates the spirit of the Collingwood Football Club and its devoted fans. It connects the present with the history of this ground. Take a moment to appreciate this artwork. Think about the stories and the memories it represents.