Here’s an expanded \~765‑word news-style article on Craig McRae’s surprise resignation as head coach
Craig McRae Abruptly Resigns as Collingwood Head Coac
In a stunning and unexpected development, Collingwood Football Club today confirmed that Craig McRae has resigned as senior coach, effective immediately. The news was announced in a club statement released early this afternoon, catching players, staff, and fans off guard.
The announcement comes without any prior public warning. Just days ago, McRae was seen confidently leading training sessions and even addressing the media after Collingwood’s narrow victory in the King’s Birthday clash, where he praised his defenders for stepping up under pressure ([YouTube][1]). Yet today, the club confirmed his departure “for personal reasons,” halting what had been one of the most promising coaching tenures in recent AFL history.
Background: A Coaching Powerhouse
Craig McRae’s coaching career reached its zenith in 2023 when he guided Collingwood to a premiership victory, their first since 2010 ([Wikipedia][2]). Under his leadership in 2022, he engineered an impressive turnaround for the once struggling team, smashing expectations by steering them to fourth on the ladder and into the preliminary finals ([Wikipedia][2]). His coaching résumé includes prestigious awards: the AFL Coach of the Year (2022), a Jock McHale Medal and All-Australian Coach selection (2023) ([Wikipedia][2]). Before his return to Collingwood as senior coach, he honed his tactical acumen as an assistant across Richmond, Brisbane, and Hawthorn.
Among Collingwood’s playing group, the shock has been palpable. A senior player, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted: “No one saw this coming. We were working under him this morning, and then—boom—it’s gone.” The club has moved rapidly to appoint long‑time assistant coach and 2023 premiership mentor Scott Pendlebury as interim head coach. A club insider noted, “Craig’s departure before season’s end is going to test our depth. But Scott’s been there, knows the program inside out—he’s the logical stop-gap.”
The club’s official statement cited “personal reasons” without elaboration. Social media chatter, including a thread from AFL insiders earlier this year, hinted that McRae had contemplated stepping down midseason for family considerations ([7NEWS][3], [Threads][4]). That previous speculation noted he might “step down for the rest of the 2025 season,” but at the time, McRae and the club firmly denied the reports. With the departure now confirmed, attention turns to whether he may return in an advisory role, pursue coaching opportunities elsewhere, or take a prolonged hiatus.
Craig McRae’s legacy at Collingwood is enormous. Within three seasons, he shepherded the team from near relegation (17th in 2021) to finals contenders and ultimately created a premiership side ([Wikipedia][2]). His leadership style—marked by empathy, emotional intelligence, and strategic clarity—earned accolades both on and off the field. Last season, McRae was commended for handling personal adversities and football tragedies with measured compassion and unwavering resolve ([ESPN.com][5]). Even amid grief, his players performed with dedication, testament to his ability to balance humanity and high-performance demands.
The reaction from within the AFL community has been supportive. Richmond counterpart Damien Hardwick, under whom McRae previously served as assistant, commented: “I spoke with Craig this morning. He’s asked for space, but you can feel his love for the club and the players. It’s not goodbye, it’s ‘see you later.’” Other peers, including Chris Fagan and Michael Voss, publicly praised McRae’s contributions. One senior AFL executive noted: “Few coaches in recent memory have turned a club around as quickly or comprehensively.
Collingwood now faces pivotal decisions. The first is whether Pendlebury’s interim tenure will extend to season’s end, or if the club will pursue external candidates in the off-season. Sources suggest names like Alastair Clarkson and Sam Mitchell could be under consideration. Meanwhile, the playing group’s response to this shake-up will be crucial ahead of the final stretch of the season.
Those close to the club expect a heartfelt email from McRae to be released later today, outlining his reasons and expressing gratitude. Fans are planning tributes: murals, social media campaigns, and commemorative T-shirts honouring his 2023 premiership triumph. In a sport often defined by instability, the emotional bond between McRae, the players, and Collingwood supporters stands out.
Craig McRae’s sudden resignation after delivering the club its 16th flag epitomises both the glory and unpredictability of elite sport. Whether due to personal health, family priorities, or burnout, his immediate departure is a blow to Collingwood’s momentum—but also a moment to acknowledge the humanity behind the coach’s suit.
As the AFL world absorbs the shock, all eyes turn to Collingwood. Can the Magpies channel this adversity into fresh motivation? Or will the loss of their inspirational leader unsettle a side that had flown so high under McRae’s direction?
What remains undeniable is that Craig McRae has left an indelible mark on Collingwood Football Club—and the AFL at large. His coaching achievements over three short years remain among the most remarkable turnarounds in recent memory.
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