BOMBSHELL ANNOUNCEMENT: Collingwood fans React shock as Head coach Craig McRae officially Breakup with his wife Gabrielle McRae and he singed divorce paper and explain his decision….see more

BOMBSHELL ANNOUNCEMENT: Collingwood Head Coach Craig McRae’s Divorce Shocks Fans
Collingwood Football Club’s head coach, Craig McRae, has stunned fans and the Australian Football League (AFL) community with the announcement of his divorce from wife Gabrielle McRae. The news, which broke earlier this month, has left supporters reeling, with many expressing shock and support for the coach.

In a statement, McRae explained that the decision was deeply personal and made with mutual respect, citing growing differences and the demands of his coaching career as factors. “This is not a story of betrayal or scandal,” McRae said. “It’s about two people who love each other deeply but recognize that their paths have diverged”.

The couple, who have been together for over a decade and share a young daughter, had largely kept their private life out of the spotlight. However, McRae’s announcement has sparked a wider conversation about the pressures faced by high-profile coaches and the impact on their personal lives.

Reactions from the AFL Community
The news has elicited an outpouring of support from the AFL community, with players, coaches, and former colleagues expressing their shock and offering words of encouragement. Richmond senior coach Damien Hardwick praised McRae’s transparency and dignity, saying, “He’s one of the most thoughtful, emotionally intelligent people in the game”.

Collingwood captain Darcy Moore also paid tribute to McRae, describing him as “a mentor, leader, and true friend”. The club has released a statement supporting McRae and asking for privacy during this personal time.

Impact on Coaching Role
Despite the personal upheaval, insiders suggest McRae remains focused on the club’s preparation for the 2026 season. Having led Collingwood to a premiership in 2023, McRae is widely respected in the AFL, and his leadership style has been credited with fostering a culture of unity and resilience within the team ¹ ² ³.

As the news continues to reverberate through the AFL community, fans and supporters are rallying behind McRae, acknowledging his courage and commitment to his family and coaching career.