𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒: 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 — 𝐈𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲, Collingwood 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛’𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 Craig McRae 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝………𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞

The announcement came earlier today in a brief but emotional statement released by the club. McRae, who has been instrumental in shaping Collingwood’s modern era and restoring the club’s competitive identity, confirmed that his decision followed deep personal reflection and ongoing discussions with club leadership.

A Sudden and Emotional Exit

McRae’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the Magpies. Since taking the helm, he has been widely credited for instilling belief, discipline, and an attacking brand of football that reignited the passion of the Collingwood faithful. Under his leadership, the club not only re-emerged as a premiership contender but also rebuilt its culture both on and off the field.

In his statement, McRae reportedly expressed gratitude to the players, coaching staff, board members, and supporters who stood behind him throughout his tenure. He described his time at Collingwood as “an honour beyond words,” while acknowledging that stepping aside was “in the best interests of all parties moving forward.”

Reaction Across the AFL

The news has reverberated throughout the Australian Football League, with rival clubs, former players, and analysts reacting swiftly. Many have praised McRae’s professionalism and contribution to the game, while expressing surprise at the timing of the decision.

Fans have flooded social media with messages of appreciation and disbelief. For many supporters, McRae symbolized a new era of unity and resilience at Collingwood. His calm demeanor and tactical sharpness made him one of the most respected figures in the league.

What Happens Next?

The Collingwood board has confirmed that an interim coaching structure will be announced in the coming days while the search for a permanent replacement begins. Assistant coaches are expected to step into expanded roles to ensure continuity as the club navigates this transition period.

While uncertainty now surrounds the immediate future of the Magpies, one thing remains clear: Craig McRae’s impact on Collingwood will not be forgotten anytime soon.

As the AFL community absorbs this stunning development, attention now turns to what lies ahead—for both McRae and one of Australia’s most iconic football clubs.