In a shock announcement that has sent ripples across the Australian Football League (AFL), Craig McRae, the Collingwood Football Club head coach who delivered the club its 2023 premiership, has reportedly submitted his resignation — leaving the AFL community stunned.
The Bombshell Announcement
This afternoon, Collingwood released a terse, but emotionally charged statement confirming that McRae had handed in a formal resignation letter to the club’s board and would step down from his role. The timing and contents of the letter are being kept private for now, but insiders suggest the decision was not taken lightly.
According to early reports, McRae cited that it was “time for a new chapter — for myself and the club” in his letter. (SPORT FIGUR) While the rationale remains vague, speculation is already rife: personal pressures, health matters, or a desire to pursue fresh challenges have been floated as possible motivators.
A Career Defined by Transformation and Glory
McRae’s tenure at Collingwood has been transformative. Appointed in 2021 (after Nathan Buckley’s departure) (The Guardian), he inherited a club hungry for direction. Over the following seasons, he reshaped the team culture, reenergized the playing list, and forged a resilient identity.
His apex moment came in 2023, when he led Collingwood to a long-awaited premiership — a triumph that resonated across the league and reinvigorated the fan base. (SPORT FIGUR) Under his leadership, numerous younger players blossomed, veterans found renewed form, and Collingwood once again became viewed as a powerhouse contender.
Given that legacy, his sudden departure is all the more shocking.
Reactions from Inside and Outside the Club
The immediate reaction among players, club officials, and AFL commentators has ranged from disbelief to heartbreak. Many players are reportedly grappling with the news, still processing that a coach who has become a mentor and central figure would leave so abruptly.
In a statement, Collingwood’s board expressed “deep gratitude for Craig’s leadership and service,” while also noting that the club “respects his decision and will support him moving forward.” (SPORT FIGUR)
Across the league, commentators are scrambling to assess the fallout. How will Collingwood fill the void? Which coaches might be in the frame? And what impact will this have on the balance of power in coming seasons?
What’s Next — and What It Might Mean
At this stage, these are the key questions being asked:
- Succession plan: Will one of McRae’s trusted assistants be elevated, or will Collingwood look externally for a fresh coaching direction?
- Player retention and morale: Sudden leadership changes can unsettle playing groups. Will key players remain committed?
- Legacy vs. interruption: McRae leaves behind a high bar. The next coach will have both opportunity and pressure to continue the standard he set.
- AFL reaction: The league will be closely watching how Collingwood handles this change, as it could create ripples in coaching markets, recruiting, and competitive balance.
Final Word
If true, McRae’s resignation marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Collingwood’s modern history. The man who rebuilt hope and delivered success now departs on his own terms, leaving fans, players, and the broader AFL community to absorb the shock and work out what comes next.
As the full text of his letter and the club’s more detailed plans emerge, many will seek clarity. But for now — the AFL world is indeed speechless.
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