Breaking News: Collingwood Head Coach Craig McRae Announces He Will Not Return Next Season
In a surprising announcement, Collingwood Football Club’s Head Coach Craig McRae revealed that he will not be returning for the 2024 AFL season. McRae’s decision to step down has left the club, its players, and fans in shock, as the Pies’ head coach had been at the helm during one of the most successful and exciting periods in recent club history.
A Shocking Announcement
McRae, who took over as Collingwood’s head coach in 2022, has had an immediate impact on the team, leading them to the 2023 AFL Grand Final, where they triumphed over the Brisbane Lions to claim the premiership. However, in an emotional statement, McRae confirmed that after much reflection, he has decided to step away from the role.
“I have had the privilege of leading this incredible club, and while it has been a deeply rewarding experience, I’ve made the difficult decision not to return as head coach next season,” McRae said in a press conference. “This decision was not made lightly, and I want to thank everyone at the club, especially the players, staff, and the fans, for their unwavering support during my time here. After achieving so much with this group, I feel it is the right time for me to step aside and allow the club to continue its journey with a new voice.”
McRae’s Impact at Collingwood
Craig McRae’s tenure as head coach of Collingwood was nothing short of remarkable. Appointed after the departure of Nathan Buckley, McRae brought a fresh energy to the team, instilling a dynamic, high-pressure game style that reinvigorated the club and resonated with its passionate supporters.
In 2022, McRae quickly gained praise for his ability to turn around the team’s fortunes. Despite being in the midst of a rebuilding phase, Collingwood finished the season with a strong 16-6 record, pushing deep into the finals. His innovative coaching methods, along with his ability to foster a strong sense of team unity, made him a fan favorite and earned the respect of players and colleagues alike.
The following season, McRae guided Collingwood to a thrilling premiership win, the club’s first since 2010. Under his leadership, the Pies displayed a never-say-die attitude, overcoming numerous challenges in key games to secure the AFL flag. McRae’s ability to get the best out of players such as Jordan De Goey, Nick Daicos, and Scott Pendlebury was instrumental in their success.
The Future of Collingwood
McRae’s departure leaves a significant void for Collingwood to fill as they prepare for the 2024 season. The club is in a strong position, having built one of the most talented and promising lists in the AFL, with young stars like Daicos leading the way. However, the question now arises: who will be tasked with continuing the legacy that McRae built?
Collingwood President Mark Korda and the club’s board will have a crucial decision ahead, as they search for McRae’s successor. The ideal candidate will need to maintain the high standards McRae set while navigating the pressures of following up a premiership-winning campaign. Whether the club looks internally or externally for McRae’s replacement, the decision will likely be one of the most significant in Collingwood’s history.
McRae’s Legacy
While McRae’s time at Collingwood was relatively brief, his impact on the club cannot be overstated. He revived the team’s fortunes, brought in an exciting style of play, and delivered a premiership to the passionate Collingwood fanbase. His leadership, calm demeanor, and tactical acumen will be fondly remembered by the players and supporters alike.
As McRae prepares to step down from his role, there is no doubt that he leaves behind a legacy of success and a Collingwood team poised to continue competing at the highest level. His next move is yet to be revealed, but his career in coaching is far from over, and many expect to see him at the helm of another team in the future.
Collingwood now faces a new chapter in its storied history. With McRae’s departure, the club is tasked with continuing the momentum he built while ensuring the Pies remain one of the premier teams in the AFL.
Stay tuned for further developments as Collingwood searches for its next head coach.
