Craig McRae, the coach of the Collingwood Football Club, was ready to hit the road when I arrived at his house at 5:50 am last Wednesday. It was still dark in Williamstown, a quiet suburb in Melbourne’s west, as we navigated the streets. The pre-season, though not yet pressured by win-loss records, is a busy time for McRae, who is in high demand.
By the time we crossed the West Gate Bridge, the city was waking up, with cars heading towards Melbourne as the sun rose behind us. McRae, who has led Collingwood to four winning seasons, has been delegating more responsibilities this pre-season. This strategic move follows the team’s loss in the preliminary finals to Brisbane last September.
Opening Round and Strategic Delegation
McRae, 52, took a significant break after the December training block, not returning to the club until Australia Day. This decision, driven by Collingwood’s vice-president Paul Licuria, was met with some criticism, but it allowed McRae to spend valuable time with his family. His focus was on being a husband and father, rather than a coach, during January.
Licuria, a dual Copeland Trophy winner and a member of the Magpies Hall of Fame, supported McRae’s decision, consulting with team captain Darcy Moore and the leadership group. They encouraged the coach to step back, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks to maintain energy levels throughout the season.
“We made a plan. Paul Licuria has been pushing it hard to take more time away from the place to have more energy when you’re here,” McRae explained.
Coaching Philosophy and Leadership
McRae’s approach to coaching emphasizes the importance of role modeling behavior. He believes that if he doesn’t demonstrate the need for breaks, his staff won’t feel comfortable taking them either. This philosophy extends to his team, with key staff members like Hayden Skipworth, Charlie Gardiner, and Jarrod Wade also receiving extra time off during the pre-season.
At the KGM Centre, where Collingwood relocated in 2004, McRae begins his day with a treadmill session to clear his mind before meetings start. The walls of his office are adorned with images of Collingwood’s premiership coaches, a reminder of the club’s storied history and the challenges of winning.
“Player leadership and empowerment, handing things over, they do it really well, they’re the elite of their country, clearly,” McRae noted about his observations from Scottish Rugby.
Training and Team Dynamics
During the pre-training planning meeting, McRae and his coaching staff, including midfield coach Matthew Boyd and backline coach Jordan Roughead, prepare for the day’s drills. AFLW star Brit Bonnici is also present, developing her coaching skills within the AFL program.
The stakes are high as selection becomes a focal point. McRae reminds his team of the stress that comes with selection, advising them to manage their energy and conversations accordingly. The team is preparing for a match against Greater Western Sydney, with some senior players resting for the AAMI Community Series.
Skipworth, who has been with Collingwood for several years, is considered a potential future senior coach. His tactical acumen and management skills have made him a respected figure in the industry, and he continues to develop under McRae’s mentorship.
“I definitely want to be a senior coach,” Skipworth said. “I feel like I’ve been working towards it for a long period now.”
Challenges and Future Prospects
Collingwood faces several challenges as they enter the 2026 season. With an aging squad, the team is focused on integrating younger players while maintaining their competitive edge. The absence of Bobby Hill, who is dealing with personal issues, adds to the complexity of the team’s dynamics.
Despite these challenges, McRae remains optimistic about the future. He has recently signed a two-year extension, committing to the club until the end of 2028. His leadership and strategic vision continue to drive Collingwood forward, even as he balances the demands of coaching with his personal life.
“There’s an addiction to the job and you love parts of the job. There are things that you just really crave, but I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself,” McRae reflected.
As the day comes to a close, McRae returns home, reflecting on the day’s achievements and challenges. His commitment to both his family and his team is evident, as he prepares for another day of leading Collingwood with energy and passion.
