BREAKING NEWS: Collingwood head coach Craig McRae Stuns fans and the entire team as he filed divorce with his wife Gabrielle and explain his decision….see more

In a surprising turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the AFL community and beyond, Collingwood Football Club’s revered head coach, Craig McRae, has publicly announced that he is filing for divorce from his wife, Gabrielle. The announcement, made earlier this week, has not only stunned fans but also left the entire Magpies team and staff in disbelief, as the couple were widely seen as one of the most stable and supportive partnerships in the Australian football scene.

The timing, personal impact, and raw honesty in McRae’s statement have sparked intense conversation across sports, media, and social platforms. Many are now wondering what this means for the coach personally and professionally, especially with Collingwood preparing for a crucial stretch in the 2025 AFL season.

Craig McRae, affectionately known as “Fly” within AFL circles, made the announcement during a brief but heartfelt media appearance at the Holden Centre in Melbourne. With visible emotion but steady composure, McRae addressed the room of journalists, club representatives, and players.This is not something I ever imagined I’d be saying in a press conference,” McRae began. “After much reflection, difficult conversations, and professional guidance, I have decided to file for divorce from my wife Gabrielle. This has been a deeply personal and painful decision, but I feel it’s the right one—for both of us, and for our daughter.”

The couple, who have been together for over a decade and share a young daughter, have largely kept their private life away from the spotlight. However, McRae acknowledged that maintaining privacy around such a high-profile change would not be entirely possible.

Inside the Decision: A Coach’s Honest Reflection

In the same statement, McRae took the unusual and courageous step of sharing his reasons behind the divorce—an action that many have commended for its transparency and vulnerability.

“The truth is, coaching at this level, in this role, with this intensity—it takes a toll. Not just on you, but on the people around you. The long hours, the pressure, the travel, the emotional highs and lows. Gabrielle has been incredibly supportive, and we’ve tried for years to balance the demands of our lives. But eventually, we both started to change.”

He continued by explaining that while there was no singular event that caused the separation, it had become increasingly clear over the past year that they were growing in different directions.

“This is not a story of betrayal or scandal. It’s about two people who love each other deeply but recognize that their paths have diverged. I want to be the best father I can be, and I believe that starts with being honest—with myself, with Gabrielle, and with the people who look up to me.”

Collingwood Football Club Responds

Soon after McRae’s announcement, Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly issued a brief statement expressing the club’s support for their head coach.

“Craig McRae is not only a brilliant coach but a man of integrity and heart. We support him during this personal time and respect his decision to speak publicly on such a sensitive matter. His leadership, both on and off the field, continues to inspire our club.”

Players, too, have reportedly rallied behind their coach. Sources close to the team say McRae was candid with the players earlier in the week, holding a closed-door meeting where he informed them of his personal situation before the news became public. Many were said to be emotional, but overwhelmingly supportive.

Public and Fan Reactions

Unsurprisingly, the public response to the news has been massive. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of support for McRae, with hashtags like #SupportFly and #FlyFamilyFirst trending on Twitter and Instagram within hours of the announcement.

AFL fans, especially those in the Collingwood community, have long admired McRae not only for his tactical brilliance but also for his down-to-earth demeanor and openness with supporters. The fact that he chose to share such an intimate part of his life only reinforced the respect many hold for him.

“So much respect for Craig McRae. Most wouldn’t have the guts to be that honest in front of the world. Footy is important, but family and personal growth are more important,” tweeted one Collingwood fan.

Implications for the Season and Beyond

From a footballing perspective, the big question now is: how will this impact McRae’s role and performance as head coach?

According to club insiders, McRae has assured staff and players that his focus on the team remains “unshaken.” In his statement, he reaffirmed his commitment to Collingwood and said that, in fact, the process of reflection had given him a new clarity of purpose.

“Life throws challenges at you, and this is one of mine. I’m not stepping back from my responsibilities. If anything, this has reminded me of the importance of balance, purpose, and staying true to your values. My energy for this group of players has never been stronger.”

It remains to be seen whether the emotional weight of the situation will have any tangible impact on the team’s performance in the coming weeks. However, Collingwood insiders say McRae has maintained his usual intensity at training, and there are no signs of distraction.

A Broader Conversation

McRae’s disclosure has also sparked a wider conversation in the sports world about the emotional burden placed on high-performance figures—particularly coaches and leaders—who are often expected to maintain a stoic front despite immense personal struggles.

Sports psychologists and wellness advocates have praised McRae’s openness, calling it a powerful example of emotional intelligence and leadership. One sports psychologist tweeted:

“Craig McRae just modeled something more powerful than any game strategy: vulnerability with strength. Coaches are humans. Their emotional well-being matters.”

Looking Forward

As Craig McRae navigates this new chapter in his life, he remains, as ever, at the heart of Collingwood’s premiership aspirations. But now, more than ever, he stands as a symbol of what modern leadership can look like—not just in sport, but in life.

In a world that often prizes appearances and perfection, McRae has chosen to be real. And in doing so, he’s earned even more admiration from those who follow his journey—not just as a coach, but as a man, a father, and a human being.

As McRae concluded his press conference:

“I don’t know what the future holds personally, but I know I’ll face it with honesty and with the same drive I bring to every game. Thank you for respecting our privacy, and for standing by me—not just as a coach, but as a person.”

Only time will tell how this deeply personal chapter will influence the Magpies’ season. But one thing is clear: the Collingwood coach has already won something bigger than a premiership—he’s won hearts.