Collingwood coach Craig McRae recently found himself in hot water after a sideline interaction with a GWS player during a game. The incident, which involved McRae saying “well done” to Toby Bedford after Bedford gave away a free kick in Collingwood’s 52-point loss, raised eyebrows and led to an official warning from the AFL. While McRae escaped sanctions, he acknowledged that his behavior was not a good look for the game and vowed to improve as a role model.
Upon seeing the incident, GWS coach Adam Kingsley immediately confronted McRae, sparking a brief exchange of words between the two coaches. The AFL launched an investigation into the matter, ultimately deciding not to take further action against McRae. In a press conference on Wednesday, McRae expressed regret for his actions, recognizing the need to set a better example, especially for aspiring young coaches.
“I’m cheeky. I’ve got a great relationship with Kingers [Kingsley], so I have a bit of banter with Kingers,” McRae explained. “But then I realized really quickly [it was wrong], particularly when my wife tells me the next day, ‘You can’t do that Craig.’ And I understand for the look of the game it’s not what we wanted, for the AFL or for young coaches aspiring to be more than that. I apologize for that. I don’t think it’s good for the game.”
McRae emphasized the importance of standing up for his players in a more measured and respectful manner. He highlighted his values and morals, expressing his desire to represent himself, his team, and the sport in a positive light. McRae’s commitment to being a better role model stems from his experience working alongside Kingsley at Richmond, where they developed a strong friendship rooted in mutual respect.
While McRae acknowledged the need to address his interactions with opposition players, he maintained his focus on personal growth and accountability. Referring to his responsibility as a coach and a figure in the AFL community, McRae reiterated his commitment to upholding high standards of behavior and sportsmanship.
The incident involving McRae is not the first time a coach has faced scrutiny for on-field behavior. Last year, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley was fined $20,000 for a heated exchange with Hawthorn players during the finals. The AFL has been vigilant in enforcing standards of conduct among coaches, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and respect in all interactions.
Looking ahead, the Collingwood Magpies are gearing up to face the Power at the MCG on Saturday night. With key players like Josh Daicos and Jeremy Howe nursing injuries, the team faces challenges on the field. However, Ruckman Mason Cox has been cleared to play after recovering from a finger injury, providing a boost to the lineup.
As the Magpies prepare for their upcoming match, McRae’s commitment to personal growth and accountability serves as a reminder of the ongoing evolution of coaching standards in the AFL. By acknowledging his misstep and vowing to improve as a role model, McRae sets a positive example for coaches and players alike, demonstrating the importance of integrity and sportsmanship in the game.