Emotional Interview: Craig McRae Reflects on Coaching Journey
Collingwood coach Craig McRae recently participated in a candid and heartfelt interview on Channel 7’s Unfiltered program.
During the conversation, the Brisbane Lions legend, aged 51, spoke openly about various aspects of his career. These included the challenges encountered in his early coaching days and the poignant moment he presented his grandfather’s war medals to his team before an Anzac Day match.
McRae’s Ascent to Collingwood Senior Coach
McRae’s tenure as senior coach of the Magpies commenced in 2022. He succeeded interim coach Robert Harvey, who had taken over following Nathan Buckley’s departure.
The coach, affectionately nicknamed ‘Fly’, boasts an impressive win record with the club. Out of 74 games coached, he has secured victory in 50 and faced defeat in 22.
His efforts culminated in triumph in 2023 when he guided Collingwood to their first premiership in 13 years. This victory was achieved through a narrow four-point win against his former team, the Brisbane Lions, in a dramatic Grand Final.
Early Career Hardships and Financial Strain
McRae’s journey to success is marked by inspiring resilience. Despite retiring as a player after Brisbane’s 2004 Grand Final loss to Port Adelaide, he revealed the financial difficulties he experienced at the beginning of his coaching career.
Collingwood senior coach Craig McRae has revealed the financial challenges he faced during his early coaching career
McRae told Hamish McLachlan on Channel 7’s Unfiltered that he had ‘struggled financially’ during his initial years of coaching
His coaching journey began in 2007 as an assistant coach at Richmond under Terry Wallace. For the subsequent 15 years, he served as an assistant for Richmond, Brisbane, Collingwood, and Hawthorn, before ultimately securing his current senior role.
During the Unfiltered interview, Hamish McLachlan inquired, “Did you always aspire to be a senior coach?”
“I don’t think I did,” McRae admitted.
Low Pay and Family Support
McRae elaborated on the meager remuneration he received in several early coaching positions, a situation that weighed heavily on him as he had a family to provide for.
Reflecting on a move from Collingwood to Richmond as an assistant coach, he stated, “It was probably half the salary at Richmond compared to what it was (at Collingwood), and involved twice as many hours.”
McLachlan followed up by asking, “Were you struggling financially at that time? With a young child?”
“Yes. Difficult times. More struggling than thriving. But I was passionate about coaching, I truly was. It was my outlet. I have a passion for developing young men, fostering team unity, and achieving success – and the collective joy of the staff.”
“People volunteer their time; they desire to be connected to clubs. That’s been my experience.”
The Magpies coach (pictured with wife Gabrielle) disclosed that he had faced financial hardship during that stage of his career
McRae is among Collingwood’s most successful coaches, having overseen 74 games with 50 wins and 22 losses
“So, yes, my passion is real, and I have a drive for continuous improvement. Wherever I am, I aim to be better the next day.”
“That period was challenging. Outside of coaching, life was really difficult.”
“I wasn’t progressing as quickly as I would have liked, just staying afloat, perhaps even slightly overwhelmed. Becoming a senior coach wasn’t even on my radar then.”
Scrutiny and the Price of Success
Recent events have placed McRae under considerable scrutiny, particularly following an incident during Collingwood’s Opening Round match against the GWS Giants.
He was perceived to have sledged GWS player Toby Bedford, drawing criticism from Giants coach and his friend, Adam Kingsley, on the sidelines.
While McRae avoided any official sanction, he admitted he had overstepped the mark with his comments.
When questioned about whether the pressures of his job, including constant analysis and public attention, were worthwhile, McRae reflected on the demanding aspects of being a premiership-winning coach.
Having achieved success with Collingwood, including the 2023 Grand Final victory (pictured left, with Darcy Moore), he recounted some of the tougher aspects of coaching
McRae also shared the emotional story of presenting his grandfather’s war medals to the Collingwood team during an Anzac Day address
“I love my job; it’s the best job in the world when you’re winning,” he stated. “When you lose, it’s the worst job.”
Emotional Anzac Day Medal Presentation
McRae also recounted a deeply moving experience from 2023 where he delivered a stirring speech to his team leading up to Anzac Day.
For this occasion, the coach brought his grandfather’s war medals to share with the team.
“I never met my grandfather,” he explained. “I acquired the medals, and my dad gave them to my daughter, Chelsea. I thought, ‘I’m going to bring them in.’ Anzac Day is significant, and we all anticipate it on the calendar.”
“I was trying to provide context for the day, and I thought, ‘I’ll just take the medals and share a story.’ But as I stood before the players, it all came flooding back.”
He paused, becoming emotional, before continuing, “I recall feeling these intense sensations through my arms.”
“Holding the medals, attempting to convey the significance of the day, I was overcome with emotion.”
“War changed my grandfather, which subsequently affected my father, creating a ripple effect,” he said.
“I shared the story of how we honor soldiers, and to some extent, glorify them, but there’s a difficult side of war for families.”
When asked if his father had discussed his grandfather’s wartime experiences, McRae’s voice again filled with emotion, “Yes, I heard some stories, and they’re not… they’re not pleasant stories. They’re horrific stories.”