McRae Firmly Rejects Carlton Coaching Speculation
Craig McRae, Collingwood’s premiership coach, categorically denies reports of an approach from Carlton at the end of last season. During a press conference, he dismissed the claims outright while also tackling unfounded rumors about his personal life.
“Oh, that’s not true,” McRae stated. “Geez, I’m caught up in a lot of things at the moment, aren’t I? Look, I’ve got a contract here. I’ve just extended it, and my best mate Michael Voss works there at Carlton. It doesn’t make sense to me.”
Club Backs Coach Amid Personal Rumors
McRae expresses gratitude for Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly’s recent statement defending him against “untrue, irresponsible, and unfair” speculation regarding a marriage breakdown. The coach addressed the playing group briefly to clear the air.
“There’s a lot of things written that aren’t true, and I’ve addressed that,” McRae said. “It’s a crazy world we’re in at times, and it’s just become a little bit annoying. It was nice to get on the front foot and have support that people know my values and morals.”
He spoke to the players for just 10 seconds during a 30-minute meeting, framing it as part of the broader media landscape. “There’s heroes and villains, wins and losses,” he explained. “We play the game of kicks, marks, and handballs, and this is the other game.”
McRae confirms his private life remains strong. “My wife Gabrielle and I have never been happier,” he said. “What others write about is what we can never control. Am I disappointed? Yeah, but I’m not a victim. I’m here to do my job, and how good is the footy?”
Team News for Milestone Match
Ahead of his 100th game in charge against St Kilda at the MCG on Sunday, McRae highlights the introduction of tall forward Jack Buller, recruited from Sydney. “He gets recruited for a reason and competes hard,” McRae noted. “He’s a genuine forward for us, competitive, and well-liked already.”
The Magpies’ backline will adapt without captain Darcy Moore and veteran Jeremy Howe, with McRae confident in the system’s depth.
Praise for St Kilda Star, No Comparisons
McRae praises St Kilda’s Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera as an “incredible player” but avoids direct comparisons to Collingwood’s Nick Daicos. “Comparisons are evil,” he said. “You can never live up to someone else, so just be the best version of you. Nick’s a pretty good version of himself.”
A head-to-head matchup seems unlikely. “That’d be pretty nice to see, but I don’t reckon Ross Lyon would allow that,” McRae added. “He might have some plans for Nick.”
St Kilda names recruits Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni, Sam Flanders, and Liam Ryan in their 26-player squad, with draftee Charlie Banfield on the extended bench.
