Breaking News: Collingwood Head Coach Craig McRae Announces Resignation and Departure from Team
In a stunning development, Craig McRae, the head coach of the Collingwood Football Club, has announced his resignation and departure from the team. McRae, who guided the Pies to a historic AFL Grand Final in 2023, cited personal reasons and the desire to take a break from the intense pressures of coaching as his primary motivations for stepping down.
The announcement has left the AFL community in shock, as McRae’s tenure at Collingwood had been marked by a significant resurgence in the club’s fortunes. Since taking over the role in 2021, McRae revitalized the team, fostering a youthful, fast-paced playing style that captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike. His leadership was a key factor in the club’s successful campaign in 2023, where Collingwood reached the Grand Final before narrowly losing to the Brisbane Lions in a thrilling contest.
McRae’s decision to resign comes just weeks after the conclusion of the 2024 AFL season, during which Collingwood finished near the top of the ladder but fell short of securing another Premiership. The timing of his departure has raised eyebrows, with many speculating that the intense demands of AFL coaching, along with the high expectations placed on his shoulders, led to the decision.
“I’ve given everything to the club and to the players,” McRae said in a statement released by the club. “Coaching at this level takes an enormous amount of energy, and after careful consideration, I feel that it’s time for me to step back and focus on other aspects of my life. I have immense pride in what we have achieved together, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this club’s journey.”
Collingwood President Mark Anderson expressed his disappointment at McRae’s decision but acknowledged the profound impact he had on the club. “Craig has been a transformative figure for Collingwood. His leadership, vision, and commitment to the team have been exemplary. While we are saddened by his departure, we fully support his decision and wish him nothing but the best in whatever he decides to do next.”
The search for McRae’s successor will begin immediately, with Collingwood looking to maintain the momentum built under his leadership. Assistant coach and former player, Ben Johnson, is expected to be one of the leading candidates to step into the role, although no official announcement has been made.
As McRae moves on from the Collingwood Football Club, fans and players alike will undoubtedly remember his time at the helm as one of the most exciting and promising periods in recent club history.