MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Magpies coach Craig McRae and Darcy Moore attend the 2023 AFL Grand Final Parade on September 29, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Collingwood Football Club has been thrown into the spotlight with the unexpected resignation of head coach Craig McRae, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the AFL community. McRae, who led the Magpies to a remarkable premiership win in 2023 and was widely respected for his calm demeanour, innovative coaching style, and player-first philosophy, tendered his resignation letter to the Collingwood board late last night. The news was confirmed early this morning by the club’s president in a brief but emotional press conference, leaving fans, players, and fellow coaching staff stunned.
Sources close to the situation suggest that McRae’s decision was deeply personal, with speculation rife about a possible combination of family priorities, internal club dynamics, and the intense pressures of elite coaching weighing heavily on his shoulders. Though no official reason was cited in the resignation letter, McRae reportedly stated that it was “time for a new chapter, both for myself and for the club,” expressing his gratitude to the Collingwood community for their unwavering support throughout his tenure.
The resignation caps off a tenure that began in 2021, when McRae took the reins of a Collingwood side that had just come off a disappointing season and was in dire need of a cultural reset. From the outset, McRae brought a fresh energy and clarity to the club’s football program, prioritising not just performance, but wellbeing, communication, and unity. His efforts were swiftly rewarded as Collingwood surged up the ladder in 2022, narrowly missing a Grand Final berth, before going all the way in 2023 to claim a 16th premiership—an extraordinary turnaround that cemented McRae’s legacy as one of the most impactful coaches in modern AFL history.
Under his guidance, a host of young players blossomed into stars, while veterans were rejuvenated by his empowering approach. McRae’s use of psychological resilience training, transparent leadership, and attacking gameplay became trademarks of a Collingwood side that not only won matches, but also won back the hearts of its vast and passionate supporter base. His ability to balance tactical nous with emotional intelligence earned him admiration across the league, with many viewing him as a blueprint for the next generation of AFL coaches.
While the club has yet to announce an interim coach or begin a search for a long-term replacement, speculation has already begun to swirl. Assistant coaches Brendon Bolton and Justin Leppitsch, both highly regarded in football circles, are expected to be considered as front-runners. However, the task ahead is steep—not just to maintain Collingwood’s on-field momentum, but to fill the leadership void left by a figure as transformative as McRae.
The timing of the resignation, just a few rounds into the 2025 season, has raised eyebrows. Some insiders believe there may have been friction behind closed doors, possibly relating to strategic direction, list management, or evolving roles within the football department. Others maintain that McRae had flagged the possibility of stepping away earlier in the year but had chosen to delay the decision to give the club time to stabilise. Regardless, the Collingwood hierarchy now faces a critical period of transition, and how they respond may well shape the club’s trajectory for years to come.
Players have taken to social media to express their shock and appreciation, with captain Darcy Moore calling McRae “a mentor and a pillar of strength,” and others crediting him for “changing our lives and careers.” Supporters, too, have begun to flood fan pages and forums with messages of thanks, sadness, and disbelief—testament to the profound connection McRae forged with the black and white faithful.
As for McRae himself, no immediate plans have been revealed. Some believe he may take a sabbatical from the sport entirely, while others anticipate a future return in a different capacity, perhaps in development, media, or a senior advisory role. Whatever the path ahead, there is little doubt that Craig McRae leaves Collingwood—and the AFL—better than he found it. His impact will be felt not only in wins and trophies, but in the culture he cultivated, the lives he touched, and the example he set.
In a profession marked by volatility and immense scrutiny, McRae carried himself with humility, vision, and humanity. His resignation may mark the end of a remarkable chapter, but the legacy he leaves behind is one that will continue to shape Collingwood’s story for generations.
