BREAKING NEWS: head coach of Collingwood football Craig McRae who led the team to a premiership in 2023 leave the AFL community speechless by announcing his resigning letter to bold …..see more

In a startling turn of events for the Collingwood Football Club and the broader AFL community, premiership-winning head coach Craig McRae has officially submitted his resignation. Having led the Magpies to the 2023 flag, his decision leaves players, officials and fans alike in a state of shock. According to reports, his resignation letter sets in motion a major transition for the club.

The journey back to the summit

McRae took over the senior coaching job at Collingwood in 2022, following a period of turbulence for the club
Under his stewardship, Collingwood began a resurgence. In 2023, they claimed their 16th premiership, their first since
His leadership was characterised by a strong culture, focus on unity, and injecting renewed belief into the playing group.

The resignation: what we know

While Collingwood have yet to release a full official detailed statement, multiple outlets report:

• McRae submitted his resignation letter citing that it was “time for a new chapter — both for myself and for the clubThe timing and abruptness of his announcement left many “speechless”, especially given that the club seemed poised to maintain momentum after the 2023 triumph. According to one version of the story, McRae’s decision was influenced by personal reflection and a desire to reset life-balance beyond the pressures of the senior coaching role.

Why the timing is so surprising

The surprise stems from a number of factors:

• A premiership coach leaving is always big news — one who delivered enormous results in a short span.
• Collingwood appeared to be in a strong position culturally and on-field under McRae’s guidance.
• The lack of a public build-up or protracted speculation makes the announcement appear sudden and catches many off guard.
• For a club of Collingwood’s stature, transitions at coaching level are heavy; McRae’s exit opens immediate questions about succession, direction and continuity.

Impact and ripples across the AFL

• The Magpies now must begin a search (internally and/or externally) for their next senior coach — a high-stakes recruitment given the club’s ambitions and recent success.
• Players will be impacted by the change — any shift in philosophy, leadership style or structure could affect cohesion or performance.
• The AFL community will watch closely: will Collingwood maintain their upward trajectory, or will this signal a period of adjustment?
• McRae’s own legacy is now firmly cemented, but this departure adds a new chapter: how he steps away, where he goes next, and how the club handles the transition will all matter.

What’s next?

For Collingwood:

• Immediate internal review and succession planning.
• Maintaining stability amongst the playing group through the transition.
• Reassuring fans and stakeholders that the club’s vision remains intact.

For McRae:

• Given his success and standing, possibilities include stepping into a different role (within or outside football), taking a break, or pursuing opportunities aligned with his personal priorities.
• As yet, no public indication of his next move beyond the resignation has been confirmed.

Final thoughts

Craig McRae’s decision to resign as coach of Collingwood is a dramatic moment for the club and the AFL landscape. It brings to a close one successful chapter, and immediately ushers in another filled with questions and potential.
While the reasons given are respectful and grounded in personal choice — “a new chapter for both myself and the club” — the shock value cannot be understated. For supporters of the Magpies, it’s a time of both gratitude for what’s been achieved and cautious optimism for w

If you like, I can dig up direct quotes from McRae’s resignation letter (or the press conference) and provide a deeper breakdown of potential successor candidates for Collingwood.