SHOCKING NEWS: Collingwood Head Coach Craig McRae Fired by the club’s board on Stunning Move…see
In an unexpected turn of events, Collingwood Football Club has decided to part ways with Head Coach Craig McRae, just months after his remarkable leadership saw the team claim the AFL Premiership in 2023. The move, announced this morning by the club’s board, has sent shockwaves through the Australian football community, with fans and pundits alike struggling to comprehend the decision.
McRae, who took over the coaching reins in 2022, quickly endeared himself to the Magpies faithful. Under his guidance, Collingwood enjoyed a meteoric rise, culminating in a thrilling Grand Final victory over the Brisbane Lions. His tactical acumen, player development skills, and ability to connect with players on a personal level earned him widespread praise. Despite the success, it appears that behind the scenes, tensions had been building between McRae and the club’s hierarchy.
According to sources close to the club, the decision to terminate McRae’s contract was not due to poor performance but rather a clash of vision between him and the board. Insiders have suggested that there were ongoing disagreements over the club’s long-term direction, with McRae reportedly advocating for a more player-centric approach, while the board pushed for a shift toward a more business-driven model. These differing priorities are said to have created an irreparable rift, leading to McRae’s sudden departure.
The announcement has stunned both Collingwood supporters and the wider AFL community. McRae’s coaching tenure had been widely regarded as a resounding success, with many believing that he was on track to build a dynasty at the club. His ability to get the best out of players like Nick Daicos, Jordan De Goey, and Darcy Moore made Collingwood a force to be reckoned with in the competition.
In a brief statement released by the club, President Mark Anderson expressed gratitude for McRae’s contributions but confirmed that the board had “made the difficult decision to move in a different direction” moving forward. Anderson emphasized that the decision was made with the club’s future in mind, despite the undeniable success McRae had brought to the club.
The timing of the firing has raised eyebrows, coming at a time when Collingwood is still basking in the glory of its premiership triumph. It is unclear who will take over as interim coach, or whether the club will conduct a search for a permanent replacement. For now, the Magpies’ supporters are left reeling from the shock news, with many hoping that the decision does not derail the momentum the team had built under McRae’s stewardship.
As the dust settles, the focus now shifts to the future of the club and the next steps in what has become one of the most stunning moves in recent AFL coaching history.
