McRae and Wife Welcome New Baby
Collingwood AFL head coach Craig McRae and his wife have welcomed their baby today, marking a joyful personal milestone amid a busy football season. The club confirmed the news in a brief statement, expressing delight for the couple and requesting privacy as they settle into life with their new arrival.
McRae, renowned for his energetic coaching style that guided Collingwood to the 2023 AFL Premiership, has a distinguished playing career rooted in Brisbane, not Collingwood. As a dynamic forward, he was a vital part of the Brisbane Lions’ dominant era, claiming three consecutive premierships from 2001 to 2003. His contributions earned him a place in the Brisbane Lions Team of the Decade, and he also represented South Australia at the state level. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, serving in assistant roles before taking the reins at Collingwood in 2022, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most respected mentors.
The Magpies’ playing group and staff have rallied around McRae, with captain Darcy Moore describing the news as “wonderful” and noting the team’s support for the coach during this special time. With the season in full swing, McRae is expected to take a short period of leave to spend with his family, with assistant coaches set to oversee training and match preparations in his absence.
The arrival of the new baby adds a heartwarming chapter to McRae’s journey, blending his professional success with personal happiness as he balances the demands of leading a premiership-contending side with fatherhood.Double Joy for McRae: Coach of the Year and Newborn Daughter
Collingwood head coach Craig McRae has celebrated two momentous milestones in a single day, marking an unforgettable chapter in his personal and professional life. On Saturday, McRae was named the AFL Coaches Association (AFLCA) Coach of the Year, while simultaneously welcoming his baby daughter with wife Gabrielle.
McRae’s AFLCA award recognizes his extraordinary leadership in transforming the Magpies from a 17th-place finish in 2021 to a top-four contender in his debut 2022 season, a turnaround that stunned the league. His peers voted him the deserving winner, citing his ability to foster a values-driven culture and unite a tight-knit, high-belief squad. This accolade adds to his growing list of achievements at Collingwood, which includes guiding the team to back-to-back Preliminary Finals in 2022 and 2023, culminating in the club’s 16th AFL Premiership in 2023.
In a heartwarming twist, just hours before the award announcement, McRae rushed to the hospital to be by Gabrielle’s side as she gave birth to their daughter, named Maggie. The coach shared the news with emotion during his acceptance speech, telling the crowd, “Today was already the best day of m life because my wife gave birth to a little girl this morning. Now, to receive this award makes it even more special.”
McRae’s journey to success has been marked by dedication and resilience. A former three-time premiership player with the Brisbane Lions, he transitioned to coaching, earning accolades as a development and assistant coach before taking the reins at Collingwood. His unique coaching style, built on connection and authenticity, has resonated with players and fans alike.
The dual celebrations highlight McRae’s remarkable balance between his passion for football and his commitment to family. As he holds the AFLCA trophy in one hand and his newborn daughter in the other, the Collingwood community joins in congratulating the McRae family on this extraordinary day of joy and achievement.
