Am Leaving Never to Return Again: Collingwood Head Coach Craig McRae Announces His Departure
In a shocking announcement that has sent shockwaves through the Australian Football League (AFL) community, Craig McRae, the beloved head coach of Collingwood Football Club, has confirmed that he will be stepping down from his role, leaving the team “never to return again.”
The news broke late this afternoon, as McRae, who has led the Magpies to significant success in recent seasons, shared an emotional farewell with players, staff, and supporters alike. The decision comes as a major surprise, especially considering McRae’s recent success with the club, having played a pivotal role in their resurgence in the AFL competition.
A Stunning Turn of Events
McRae’s departure is being described as a “shock” by many, given the expectations surrounding the future of the club. Under McRae’s stewardship, Collingwood had returned to prominence after several years of underperformance. His leadership had been instrumental in guiding the team through a competitive and thrilling AFL season, with the Magpies showing great promise and heart under his guidance.
In a statement released by Collingwood’s media team, McRae opened up about his decision. “It’s never easy to make a decision like this, but after a lot of thought and reflection, I’ve decided that my time at Collingwood has come to an end. I’m grateful for the journey, for the players, for the staff, and, most importantly, for the supporters who have been there every step of the way,” McRae shared.
His departure marks the end of a chapter for both McRae and the club. Having arrived at Collingwood in 2021, McRae quickly became a fan favorite due to his approachable demeanor, tactical brilliance, and ability to connect with players on a personal level. Under his leadership, Collingwood developed a strong identity on and off the field, becoming one of the most resilient and hard-fighting teams in the AFL.
The Reasons Behind the Departure
While McRae did not elaborate on the specific reasons behind his decision to leave, industry insiders suggest that personal reasons may have played a significant role. The pressures of managing a high-profile AFL club, coupled with the intense scrutiny that comes with the position, could have contributed to his decision to step away.
Sources close to the coach mention that McRae has been grappling with the physical and emotional demands of the role and felt it was time to focus on his own well-being. It is speculated that McRae may take some time away from football to recharge and spend more time with his family, though nothing has been officially confirmed at this point.
A Legacy of Success
Although McRae’s tenure at Collingwood was relatively short, it has been marked by substantial achievements. His leadership and ability to get the best out of his players were instrumental in Collingwood’s success during his time at the helm. Under his coaching, the Magpies secured several memorable victories, including a thrilling win against their arch-rivals, Essendon, in the 2023 AFL season.
McRae also cultivated a culture of resilience and determination at Collingwood, helping to rebuild the club’s image and performance after a difficult period. His decision to depart is sure to leave a lasting impact on the Magpies’ legacy, one that fans and analysts will remember for years to come.
The Future of Collingwood
With McRae’s unexpected exit, the future of Collingwood Football Club now enters a period of uncertainty. The club’s board and management will likely begin a search for a new head coach to fill the massive void left by McRae. As of now, speculation surrounds potential candidates, including assistant coaches within the AFL and experienced figures with strong ties to the club.
The departure of McRae will undoubtedly be felt across the Collingwood fanbase, but the challenge for the club now will be to continue the work McRae started. Collingwood has a talented roster of players, and while the loss of their head coach is a setback, there is still considerable hope for the club’s future.
Farewell to a Champion
As McRae leaves Collingwood “never to return again,” his impact on the club and its supporters will not be forgotten. Fans have already begun to express their gratitude for his leadership and the joy he brought to the football community. The 2025 AFL season will be remembered as a pivotal moment for Collingwood, and McRae’s departure will mark a turning point in the history of the club.
Though McRae may be leaving the Magpies, his legacy as one of the brightest and most respected coaches in the AFL will remain intact. His decision to move on from Collingwood, while unexpected, is a reminder of the personal sacrifices and difficult choices made by those in the spotlight.
As the Collingwood community processes this loss, they can only hope that the next chapter for the club will be as successful as the one that McRae helped to create.
