Craig McRae

Craig McRae’s evolution from a skilled player to a successful coach is a narrative that underscores his profound comprehension of Australian rules football. With a background that spans from his early days at Glenelg Football Club to his strategic contributions at the Brisbane Bears and Lions, McRae’s coaching prowess has left an indelible mark on the AFL landscape. His recent triumph in the 2023 AFL Grand Final with Collingwood speaks volumes about his coaching acumen, but what truly sets him apart lies in the intricacies of his approach to the game.

Early Life

During his formative years, Craig McRae, known as ‘Fly,’ cultivated a passion for Australian rules football that would later shape his illustrious career as a player and coach.

Growing up, McRae displayed a natural talent and love for the game, spending countless hours honing his skills on the field. His dedication and commitment to the sport were evident even at a young age, setting the foundation for his future success in the world of Australian rules football.

McRae’s early experiences with the sport instilled in him a deep understanding of the game’s nuances and strategies, which would prove invaluable as he evolved from player to coach in his later years.

Playing Career

Craig McRae’s playing career in Australian rules football spanned over a decade, marked by remarkable achievements and contributions to the teams he represented.

During this time, McRae showcased his talents at Glenelg Football Club in the SANFL from 1993 to 1994, where he honed his skills before moving on to the national stage.

He was drafted by the Brisbane Bears in 1994, marking the beginning of his AFL journey, and continued to play for the Bears until 1996.

McRae’s career peaked when he joined the Brisbane Lions in 1997, becoming a pivotal player in the team’s 2001, 2002, and 2003 premiership wins, solidifying his legacy as a versatile and accomplished athlete.

Coaching Career

McRae’s progression from a successful playing career seamlessly led him to a distinguished coaching journey, marked by impactful roles at various AFL clubs.

Beginning as an assistant coach at Richmond Football Club in 2007, he then moved to Brisbane Lions in 2010 before joining Collingwood in 2011. McRae returned to Richmond in 2017, where he honed his coaching skills before taking on the role of assistant coach at Hawthorn Football Club in 2021.

His coaching acumen was further highlighted when he led Collingwood to a thrilling 4-point victory in the 2023 AFL Grand Final. With a winning percentage of .783 in the same year, McRae continues to solidify his reputation as a champion coach in the AFL.

Coaching Stats

How has Craig McRae’s coaching prowess translated into impressive statistical achievements throughout his AFL coaching career?

McRae’s statistics reflect his impact as a successful coach:

1. 2023 Grand Final Win: Coached Collingwood to a thrilling 4-point victory in the 2023 AFL Grand Final, showcasing his ability to lead a team to a championship.

2. Winning Percentage: Achieved an outstanding winning percentage of .783 in 2023, demonstrating his consistency and effectiveness in guiding his team to success.

All-Australian Coach: The coach of the premiership-winning team has been honored with a place in the All-Australian team since 1999, highlighting McRae’s recognition as one of the top coaches in the league.