Craig McRae, the head coach of the Collingwood Football Club, has made a stunning announcement: he is stepping down from his role, citing personal reasons. McRae, who led Collingwood to an AFL Premiership in 2023, leaves behind a legacy of success and transformation in the Australian Football League (AFL). His resignation comes as a major shock, especially given his relatively short but impactful tenure with the Magpies, and it has left the AFL community wondering about the future of the club and McRae’s own career.
McRae’s Impact on Collingwood
Craig McRae took over as head coach of the Collingwood Football Club in 2022, inheriting a team in need of rejuvenation. Collingwood, one of the most storied and passionate clubs in the AFL, had been going through a challenging period before McRae’s arrival. The club had endured a turbulent few years, both on and off the field, which included coaching changes and a disappointing performance record.
McRae, a former AFL player with experience in both coaching and player development, brought a fresh and modern approach to the team. Known for his calm demeanor and strong leadership skills, he quickly earned the trust of the players and the club’s administration. His coaching philosophy emphasized teamwork, mental resilience, and strategic adaptability, which aligned well with the talent on Collingwood’s roster.
In his first season, McRae guided the Magpies to a remarkable turnaround, taking them to the finals and setting the stage for even greater success. Under his leadership, the team embraced a fast, attacking style of play, and the results spoke for themselves. In 2023, McRae led Collingwood to an AFL Premiership, a victory that ended a long drought for the club and cemented his reputation as one of the league’s top coaches.
### The Resignation Announcement
McRae’s resignation comes as a major surprise to the AFL world. In a heartfelt statement, McRae explained his decision to step down, citing personal reasons and a desire to focus on his family. “After much thought and reflection, I have decided to resign as head coach of the Collingwood Football Club,” McRae said. “This was an incredibly difficult decision, but I believe it is the right one for me and my family at this time. Coaching this great club has been the honor of a lifetime, and I will forever cherish the relationships I’ve built with the players, staff, and supporters.”
McRae did not elaborate further on the specific reasons behind his decision, but reports suggest that the demands of the job and the pressure that comes with coaching at the highest level may have contributed to his choice. Coaching an AFL team is an all-consuming role, and the immense scrutiny and expectations placed on the head coach of a club like Collingwood can be overwhelming. McRae, who is known for his commitment to work-life balance, may have decided that stepping back was the best choice for both his personal well-being and his family.
### Collingwood’s Future Without McRae
The sudden resignation of Craig McRae leaves Collingwood in a state of uncertainty. The club, which had just achieved the ultimate success by winning the Premiership, now faces the challenge of finding a new head coach who can maintain the momentum built under McRae’s leadership. The timing of the resignation, coming shortly after the AFL season, means that Collingwood’s administration will need to act quickly to find a suitable replacement ahead of the next season.
Collingwood’s list of talented players, including stars like Nick Daicos, Jordan De Goey, and Brodie Grundy, will be a major attraction for any potential coaching candidate. However, following in McRae’s footsteps will not be an easy task. His ability to connect with the players and foster a positive team culture was a key factor in Collingwood’s success, and finding someone who can replicate that may prove challenging.
### McRae’s Legacy
Despite his brief time as head coach, Craig McRae leaves behind an indelible mark on the Collingwood Football Club. His Premiership win in 2023 brought immense joy to the club’s supporters and ended years of frustration for a fan base that had been starved of success. More importantly, McRae restored pride and unity within the club, helping to heal some of the divisions that had emerged during the team’s difficult years.
McRae’s leadership style, which emphasized humility, accountability, and resilience, resonated with both the players and the broader AFL community. He was not just a coach, but a mentor and role model to many of the young players who flourished under his guidance. His decision to step down is a reminder of the personal sacrifices that come with the role of head coach, and his departure will be felt deeply by all those associated with Collingwood.
### What’s Next for McRae?
As for McRae’s future, he has not indicated whether he plans to return to coaching or if he will take an extended break from the sport. Given his success and reputation, it is likely that he will have offers from other AFL clubs if he decides to continue his coaching career. However, for now, McRae seems focused on spending time with his family and taking a step back from the high-pressure world of AFL coaching.
Collingwood, meanwhile, will begin the search for McRae’s successor, hoping to build on the foundation he has laid.
