Ex-Collingwood player Fin Macrae has expressed his excitement about joining the West Coast Eagles, following a challenging stint with limited senior opportunities at his former club. The 23-year-old was delisted by Collingwood after playing 21 AFL games over five seasons, including no senior appearances this year. He was initially drafted with Pick 19 in the 2020 National Draft.
Macrae’s move to the Eagles comes as part of the AFL’s assistance package, which allows the wooden spooners extra list spots. He joins the team alongside former Lion Deven Robertson and ex-Crow Harry Schoenberg, hoping to rejuvenate his AFL career.
Reflecting on his departure from Collingwood, Macrae shared insights from his conversation with coach Craig McRae. “It was just about putting my best foot forward and when the opportunity comes, try to take it,” Macrae told SEN WA Breakfast. He acknowledged the challenge of breaking into the Magpies’ experienced lineup, stating, “There was probably a fair few really good players and experienced players ahead of me at different times. I didn’t quite get the opportunity I was after in extended periods.”
New Beginnings at West Coast
Macrae is optimistic about his future with the Eagles and is enthusiastic about contributing to the young team. “I’m really excited to be at West Coast and I feel I’ve still got a lot more to offer in my AFL career. Really excited about the young group here and what I can bring to that team,” he added.
His transition to West Coast has been smooth, with only two training sessions under his belt. Originally drafted as a midfielder, Macrae has been informed by West Coast coach Andrew McQualter that he will play on the ball, the wing, and across half-forward. “I spoke to ‘Mini’ (McQualter) when I came over a month and a bit ago, that was the spot he flagged a bit of interest for me and where he could see me playing,” said Macrae.
Rebuilding the Eagles
The addition of Macrae, Robertson, and Schoenberg is part of a broader strategy to revamp West Coast’s roster under McQualter, who is in his second season as coach. The Eagles are undergoing significant changes, with first-round draftees Willem Duursma, Cooper Duff-Tytler, and Josh Lindsay joining the club, and dual premiership Lion Brandon Starcevich arriving during the trade period.
Macrae commented on the fresh energy within the team, “It’s very exciting. ‘Mini’ sort of spoke about the depth he’s after. Probably what we’ve got this year, compared to previous years, it’s been a big turnover. There’s about 10 or 12 new guys this year, so it is a very exciting time. From all reports, the energy in the group is a bit different to what it was this time last year.”
Expectations and Future Prospects
West Coast list manager Matt Clarke has high hopes for Macrae, praising his athleticism and professionalism. “Fin has consistently performed at a high level in the state league and has always been right in the mix for senior opportunities,” Clarke stated. “He’s a really good athlete and a strong transition runner. A great person and a genuine pro who will lift the standards of the group.”
The Eagles are optimistic about the contributions Macrae can make as they aim to improve their performance in the upcoming season. With a renewed focus on building a strong, dynamic team, West Coast is hopeful that the changes will translate into on-field success.
As Macrae embarks on this new chapter, the AFL community will be watching closely to see how he leverages this opportunity to make a significant impact at West Coast.
