BREAKING NEWS: Collingwood defender Darcy Moore is the odd man out for the collingwood now with Calton football club also sent a message to collingwood head coach Craig McRae concerning…see more

In a surprising twist at Collingwood Football Club, star key defender and recently appointed captain Darcy Moore finds himself unexpectedly sidelined. At the same time, Carlton Football Club has sent a clear public message to Collingwood coach Craig McRae, heightening tensions between the two rivals. Here’s a deep dive into what’s unfolding on and off the field.

 1. Darcy Moore: sidelined as “odd man out”

Highly regarded for his dual-role capabilities — both as a key defender and tall forward — Darcy Moore has been a cornerstone at Collingwood since being drafted in 2014 February 2023, he succeeded Scott Pendlebury as captain, and later that year led the Magpies to their first premiership since 2010

However, recent team sheets have raised eyebrows. Moore was surprisingly absent from the latest squad announcement, labelled by insiders as the “odd man out” in the team’s selection process. While official reasons have not been confirmed by the club, several potential factors are emerging:

• Rest and rotation: At 29, having played 184 games by Round 15, scheduling a rest week could be part of the club’s long-term strategy for his fitness and form .

• Form competition: Collingwood has experimented with younger defenders and forward-line options. Moore’s versatility may work against him if specialists are chosen instead.

• Tactical shift: Craig McRae’s teams have emphasised experience in key positions — such as the match where Collingwood fielded the oldest VFL/AFL side on record, averaging 28 years and 275 days — but might now be prioritising specific roles over flexibility

Moore’s absence from the matchday squad is notable. Team sources suggest there’s a strong external push for him to rest, though some insiders interpret it as a statement by the club: even elite veterans can’t rest on their laurels when form dips or competition intensifies.

 2. McRae under growing scrutiny — everyone’s watching

Darcy Moore isn’t the only one feeling the heat. Coach Craig McRae, architect of the 2023 premiership, has recently been on thin ice with AFL officials and within club circles.

• Boundary-line flare-ups: Earlier this season, McRae received an official warning from the AFL after taunting Giants’ Toby Bedford during a match — directing a sarcastic “well done” that sparked a reprimand and a stern reminder to maintain professional composure .

• External critics: AFL legend Max Gawn recently questioned the AFL’s leniency, pointing out that McRae walked away with a warning while others were fined for similar behavior

• Age-based team criticism: McRae’s decision to field historically aged line-ups has been both praised and critiqued — it’s worked in recent games, but raised questions about long-term sustainability .

These controversies suggest McRae is balancing on a tightrope: his coaching achievements are unquestioned, but his edge is raising eyebrows across the league.

 3. Carlton’s message: friction in the rivalry intensifies

Amid the Collingwood captaincy shuffle and McRae’s public scrutiny, Carlton Football Club issued a pointed remark that sounds more loaded than friendly banter.

McRae and Carlton coach Michael Voss share history: both were premiership teammates at Brisbane, and McRae recently publicly expressed his “genuine love and support” for Voss, albeit quipping “just not this week” ahead of their traditional clash

However, Carlton seems now to be turning the heat up. In media commentary after their recent loss to North Melbourne, Blues players and officials took aim — not directly at McRae, but at the broader Collingwood approach. When Buddy Franklin declared Coach Voss should be sacked “ASAP”, Carlton Captain Patrick Cripps defended Voss, and Carlton’s public line pivoted toward accountability — implicitly contrasting with McRae’s own disciplinary moments.

The message? Carlton wants the AFL and Collingwood’s culture group held to higher standards — and they’re not afraid to use the Collingwood coach’s moments to draw lines in the sand ahead of future clashes.

 4. Rivalry 2.0: what’s really at stake?

This isn’t just about one player or one coach; the underlying narrative centres on:

• Rivalry revival: Carlton vs Collingwood is the AFL’s oldest, fiercest rivalry — over 267 games since 1892.

• Cultural contrasts: Collingwood is promoting veteran leadership and experience under McRae. Carlton, meanwhile, is demanding accountability amid underperformance.

• Psychological warfare: Both teams are strategically signaling — Carlton nudging questions around discipline and culture; Collingwood finessing its line-up.

Moore’s omission is far from a footnote — it compounds a larger narrative arc of identity, values, and changing guard.

 5. What’s next — balancing act ahead

For Collingwood:

• Clarity on Moore: Was this a planned rest, a tactical decision, or a fallout? The next team selection meeting and match reports will tell.

• McRae’s response: Facing AFL spotlight, McRae must tread carefully — he needs to reinforce discipline, quieten whispers, and justify his selection strategy.

• Gameplay cohesion: With heavy scrutiny, Collingwood must strike the right balance — veterans vs youth, emotion vs execution.

For Carlton:

• Heightening stakes: Carlton’s public posture puts them on edge too — bringing pressure to “prove the talk.”

• Support for Voss: Patrick Cripps remains loyal, yet fans are divided. One more loss, and momentum could swing dangerously against them.

• Playing the long game: Questioning McRae’s discipline is one move — but own performance must back up the rhetoric.

 6. Bigger implications for both clubs

• Legacy of Moore: A game out could reset his captaincy narrative. Return and performance will speak volumes.

• Coaching reputation: McRae’s next laps across boundary lines will be observed more sharply — he’ll need to reassert strategic calm and emotional control.