Collingwood and Essendon rarely share anything, other than the prestigious and much-loved Anzac Day clash that has become more than just a game of football.
But on Wednesday, with the last pick in the 2025 Mid-Season Draft, a name was added to the list.
The swingman had previously spent two years with the Pies after he was drafted with Pick 31 in the 2020 intake. But without featuring at AFL level, he was delisted two years later.
"I learnt a lot of things across my time," McMahon said following his second chance at an AFL club.
"Especially being at Collingwood, with such a prestigious program at a famous club. It's been a whirlwind of a journey. Just learning how to mature. How to be a better person, and better football as well.
"Coming out of the school system as an 18-year-old and into an AFL system was pretty daunting, and a nice experience, but I feel a lot more equipped and ready this time around."
Arch-rivals Carlton swooped on the axed forward, signing him to their VFL outfit for season 2023, and retaining him for a second consecutive season.
Finding his fit in the Blues system, it was in 2024 that McMahon rose in estimation after slotting 45 goals in 16 matches, falling just shy of the Jimmy 'Frosty' Miller Medal as the VFL's leading goalkicker.
It was his efforts that led to Carlton welcoming down to the club as an SSP prospect as they looked to bolster their list over the summer.
McMahon missed out on a second chance as the Blues went with former Port Adelaide small forward Francis Evans, and then, when Jagga Smith went down with an ACL injury, signed Will White, leaving the 23-year-old in the reserves competition.
But McMahon's return reflected his strong resolve, kicking multiple goals in all VFL games in 2025, resulting in 26 majors from seven outings.
Enter Essendon, whose bad luck in the key position department has seen four players (Sam Draper, Lewis Hayes, Nick Bryan and Tom Edwards) ruled out for the year, while injuries to fellow talls have forced coach Brad Scott to replenish the height division.
"Essendon were the main club interested," McMahon said.
"So, having discussions with them late Tuesday afternoon, came in here and had an interview. They were really impressed with my interview, liked what they saw, and eventually got here."
McMahon says he is more "equipped" for the top-flight this time around, and due to his versatility, could be called upon sooner rather than later, with a close watch on his maiden VFL performance for his new club.
However, he is not the only player in football history to be listed by both Collingwood and Essendon.
Blake Caracella, Mal Michael and Richard Cole were all seen wearing the black and white stripes, as well as the red sash at the beginning of this century.
More recently, Josh Eyre also spent time in both Tullamarine and the AIA Centre in the past five years, but never debuted for either club.
But McMahon could also lend himself to another unique record, albeit holding an asterisk.
In the 1930s, Norm Le Brun was the only V/AFL player to have played for the three powerhouse Victorian clubs: Essendon (1931-1932), Collingwood (1933-1934) and Essendon (1935).
Le Brun played 47 games between the three sides, as well as a minor stint at South Melbourne in 1929.
Admittedly, McMahon was never officially on Carlton's list, nor did he play for Collingwood, but he is still an intriguing part of history.
