ESPN VERIFIED: Few Minutes Ago, Collingwood Head Coach Craig McRae Steps Down Amid Significant Internal Error
Date: September 20, 2025
Source: ESPN Australia — Verified
In a shocking turn of events, Craig McRae has officially stepped down as head coach of the Collingwood Football Club, ESPN has verified through multiple sources close to the organization. The departure comes amid rising internal tensions and what insiders are calling a “significant management error” that may have had broader implications for the club’s long-term performance and leadership culture.
This move, confirmed just minutes ago, sent ripples across the AFL community as fans, analysts, and former players expressed disbelief at the sudden change, just over two years after McRae led the Magpies to a fairy-tale premiership in 2023.
🔥 What Went Wrong?
While neither the club nor McRae have offered a detailed public statement at the time of publication, multiple senior sources within the AFL community suggest that the decision stems from a breakdown in internal communication, culminating in a costly list management miscalculation involving the trade period and player development contracts.
An anonymous source close to the club described the issue as “a critical administrative lapse” that led to contract disputes and the mishandling of key player negotiations, most notably involving young talent expected to carry the club into the next era.
“It wasn’t a scandal, per se. But it was a mistake that snowballed — a strategic misfire at the very top,” the source said. “And McRae, to his credit, wore the responsibility.”
🏉 McRae’s Tenure: A Legacy of Resilience and Rebuilding
Craig McRae was appointed head coach of Collingwood at the end of the 2021 season, taking over a team in turmoil both on and off the field. What followed was one of the most remarkable coaching turnarounds in recent AFL history.
In 2022, he guided the Magpies to a preliminary final in a surprise rise up the ladder. Then, in 2023, Collingwood stormed to a Grand Final victory, securing their first flag since 2010. McRae was widely praised for his calm demeanour, player-first approach, and tactical flexibility.
His motivational leadership style and transparency earned him immense respect from players, fans, and media alike. But the honeymoon phase began to fade in 2024, when the club struggled with injuries, inconsistency, and growing internal friction.
⚖️ Mounting Pressure in 2025
The 2025 season has not been kind to Collingwood. Despite moments of promise, the team sits outside the top eight with only a few rounds remaining. Several high-profile losses — including a 72-point thrashing at the hands of Hawthorn and a heated on-field confrontation with GWS — brought unwanted attention to McRae.
Reports emerged earlier this month that McRae had been involved in a fiery post-game altercation with GWS coach Adam Kingsley, prompting an official warning from the AFL. While McRae publicly apologised, some within the club believed it was a sign of deeper strain.
Fans also began to express concerns that the coach’s earlier magic touch had started to fade, particularly in late-game situations and team selections.
💬 Reaction Across the AFL
The response to McRae’s departure has been swift and emotional.
Former Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Hard to believe. Fly changed the culture of this club. A true leader and mentor. Wishing him and his family the best.”
AFL commentator and former player Jonathan Brown called it “one of the most shocking mid-season exits in recent memory,” noting that “this isn’t just about on-field performance — it’s something deeper.”
Fans gathered outside the AIA Centre shortly after news broke, some visibly upset, others simply stunned. “He gave us the flag in 2023. How do you move on from that so quickly?” one supporter said.
🧭 What’s Next for Collingwood?
The Collingwood Football Club has yet to announce an interim coach, though assistant coach Hayden Skipworth and development coach Neville Jetta are seen as potential short-term replacements. Club President Jeff Bro
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