McRae, who took the reins as Collingwood’s head coach in 2021, has enjoyed a stellar career in the AFL both as a player and a coach. His tenure at Collingwood saw notable achievements, including a rejuvenation of the club’s playing style and strong performances that garnered respect from players, staff, and fans alike. His leadership has been credited for turning around the club’s fortunes and creating a culture of resilience, hard work, and determination.
Despite these successes, McRae shared with a packed press conference that his heart has long been drawn to a different passion — cooking. “I’ve always had a deep love for food and the culinary arts, and over the years, I’ve come to realize that my true calling lies in the kitchen, not on the football field,” McRae explained with a mix of excitement and sadness. “This is not a decision I’ve taken lightly. The Collingwood Football Club has been my home, and the players, staff, and supporters will always have a special place in my heart. But it’s time for me to pursue a new chapter in my life.”
His unexpected career shift has sparked intrigue within the football and culinary communities. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and strategic thinking on the field, McRae has indicated that these same skills will be applied to his culinary pursuits. “Coaching in AFL is all about planning, timing, and execution. I believe these traits will help me in the kitchen, where the art of crafting a perfect dish requires similar precision,” he said.
Fans and colleagues have expressed mixed reactions to the news. Collingwood president Mark Anderson acknowledged McRae’s significant impact on the club, noting his leadership and commitment. “Craig’s resignation is certainly a huge loss for Collingwood, but we respect his decision and support him as he follows his passion,” Anderson stated.
McRae’s move to the culinary world is not entirely unexpected. Over the years, he has frequently spoken about his love for cooking, often sharing his experiences in the kitchen with friends and family. Those close to McRae have suggested that his culinary skills are exceptional, with some even joking that he may have a future as a top-tier chef long before he ever considered coaching.
As for what comes next, McRae has already started the process of transitioning into the culinary industry. He plans to enroll in professional cooking courses and is eager to gain hands-on experience at renowned restaurants. In the long term, McRae has expressed interest in opening his own restaurant, where he hopes to blend his football discipline with the creativity and flair of fine dining.
In the wake of McRae’s departure, Collingwood has announced that the search for a new head coach will begin immediately. The club has expressed confidence in finding a successor who can continue the progress made under McRae’s guidance while navigating the team through the challenges of the AFL’s competitive landscape.
For McRae, the future is filled with possibilities. While his days as an AFL coach may be behind him, his journey into the culinary world has only just begun. As he transitions from the football field to the kitchen, one thing is certain: Craig McRae will continue to challenge himself and pursue excellence — albeit with a new set
of tools in hand.
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