In a development that has thrilled Magpies fans and sent waves of excitement throughout the AFL community, Collingwood head coach Craig McRae made a major announcement today that reaffirms his commitment to the club’s future. During a special press conference at the AIA Centre, McRae confirmed that he has signed a contract extension that will see him remain at the helm of the Collingwood Football Club through at least the 2029 season.
But the good news didn’t stop there.
In addition to the extension, McRae unveiled a bold new strategic vision for Collingwood’s future, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art high-performance centre focused on player development, injury prevention, and community engagement. The project, to be called Magpie NextGen, is set to be partially funded by a major donor group and supported by past players and AFL partners.
“This club means everything to me,” McRae said. “It’s more than just about winning games—it’s about building a culture of excellence, resilience, and family. We’re laying the foundation not just for next season, but for the next decade of sustained success.”
The announcement was met with thunderous applause from fans and endorsements from key figures across the league. Collingwood President Jeff Browne praised McRae’s leadership as “transformational,” while several current players took to social media to express their excitement.
“Fly’s vision, energy, and belief in us is what makes him special,” said club captain Darcy Moore. “This is the kind of news that fires us up for what’s next.”
With Collingwood already riding high in the standings and its young core continuing to shine, McRae’s announcement couldn’t have come at a better time. The AFL world now turns its eyes to what promises to be an era-defining chapter in the club’s storied history.
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