BREAKING NEWS: Australian rules footballer and the current senior coach of the Collingwood Football Club. Signed a contract extension that will keep him in the role through the end of the 2026 has make announcement………see more

Craig McRae Extends Tenure as Senior Coach of Collingwood Football Club through End of 2026

Announcement

In a significant move for the club, Collingwood Football Club has announced that senior coach Craig McRae has signed a contract extension that will see him remain in charge through to the end of the 2026 season. (

Why This Matters

• Stability at the coaching level: McRae has already delivered a marked turnaround for Collingwood since his appointment, elevating the club’s performance and restoring competitiveness.
• Clear signal of trust: The club’s board and leadership have demonstrated faith in McRae’s vision and management of the playing group and broader football program.
• Long-term planning: By securing the coaching position for multiple seasons, Collingwood are committing to a sustained phase of development rather than short-term fixes.

McRae’s Reflections

McRae expressed gratitude and excitement upon re-signing:

“Leading this team and being a part of this great club is something I am incredibly grateful for and I look forward to continuing on this journey at Collingwood.”
He also pointed out the unique culture at the club:
“In my 16 years of coaching, I haven’t seen a group quite like this one — there is an incredible fight and real belief, but above all there is a genuine support and care for each other.” (collingwoodfc.com.au)

What It Means for Collingwood

• Recruiting & list management: With McRae locked in, the club can present a stable coaching environment to players and recruits, which is often a critical factor in attracting talent.
• Performance expectations: With the extension comes heightened expectations. The club and its supporters will expect improved consistency, finals success, and a forward trajectory under McRae’s leadership.
• Culture consolidation: McRae emphasises the importance of culture — care, belief, fight — and this contract suggests Collingwood want to embed and build on that culture in the years ahead.
• Risk and reward: While the extension secures continuity, it also places the onus on McRae and his team to deliver tangible progress. A few indifferent seasons could raise questions.

The Road Ahead

Over the next two seasons (to end 2026), key focus areas for the club will likely include:

• Cementing a consistent finals presence (or pushing for a premiership).
• Developing and retaining young talent while complementing them with experienced players.
• Strengthening support structures — coaching staff, development programs, culture maintenance.
• Staying competitive amid evolving league standards, trading dynamics, and rival clubs’ improvements.

Final Thoughts

Securing Craig McRae through 2026 is a strong strategic move by Collingwood. It showcases the club’s commitment to a coach-led, culture-driven rebuild and signals to players, fans and rivals: the Magpies intend to be contending for the long haul.

Would you like me to look at how Collingwood’s performance has trended under McRae so far, or what this extension might mean for their player recruitment and retention strategies?