**BREAKING: So Sadly, Collingwood Head Coach Confirms Retirement After Illustrious Career — Football World Reacts**
*April 18, 2025 | Melbourne, Australia*
In a deeply emotional and reflective press conference that left players, fans, and even reporters teary-eyed, **Collingwood Football Club Head Coach Craig McRae** officially confirmed his retirement today, bringing an end to one of the most successful and inspiring coaching tenures in modern AFL history.
The 51-year-old premiership-winning coach, who has led the Magpies with poise, passion, and relentless energy since taking over in 2022, cited **personal health reasons** and a desire to prioritize family time as the primary factors in his decision.
> “It’s time,” McRae said, voice shaking slightly. “I’ve poured everything I have into this club — my heart, my time, my belief. And now, it’s time to pour that same energy into my family and my own well-being.”
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### The End of an Era
Known affectionately as “Fly” to the footy world, McRae’s impact on Collingwood has been nothing short of transformative. Taking over a team that had missed finals in 2021, he quickly reinstalled belief, discipline, and a culture of unity — guiding the club to a stunning **AFL Premiership in 2023**, one of the most emotional and celebrated flag wins in the club’s storied history.
Under McRae, Collingwood became known for their **“never say die” football**, thrilling comebacks, and hard-nosed defensive grit.
> “Craig didn’t just coach us — he changed us,” said team captain Darcy Moore. “He made us believe in ourselves and in each other.”
Since 2022, McRae has amassed an incredible record of **49 wins from 69 games**, a win rate that ranks among the best for any modern AFL coach.
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### Health and Family Take Priority
While McRae didn’t specify the exact nature of the health concerns behind his decision, he was candid about the toll that coaching at the elite level takes on both the mind and body.
> “This job is all-consuming. It’s 18-hour days. It’s weekends. It’s sleepless nights thinking about matchups and injuries. And as much as I love it — and I truly do — I have to listen to what my body and my heart are telling me.”
He expressed deep gratitude to his wife, children, and extended family, many of whom were present in the room, seated in the front row during the announcement.
> “They’ve sacrificed so much so I could chase this dream. Now it’s time for me to return the favor.”
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### Club and League Reactions
The AFL community reacted swiftly to the news, flooding social media with messages of thanks and respect.
**Collingwood President Jeff Browne** said:
> “Craig McRae is a generational leader. He didn’t just bring us success — he brought us back to our roots. He made us proud to wear black and white again.”
**AFL CEO Andrew Dillon** added:
> “Craig’s leadership has lifted the entire game. His passion, dignity, and professionalism set a new benchmark.”
Even rival coaches and players offered tributes. **Chris Fagan**, Brisbane’s senior coach and a longtime friend, shared:
> “It’s a sad day for footy, but a beautiful reminder that the people in this game are what matter most. Fly will be missed on the boundary line — but never forgotten.”
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### What Comes Next for Collingwood?
The immediate question turns to who will take the reins at one of the most high-pressure and visible coaching roles in the league.
**Assistant coaches Hayden Skipworth and Brendon Bolton** are both considered strong internal candidates, while speculation is already swirling about external contenders such as **Alastair Clarkson**, **Adam Kingsley**, and even **Nathan Buckley** making a dramatic return.
Collingwood’s football boss Graham Wright said the club would **not rush the process**, emphasizing the importance of continuity and cultural fit.
> “We’ve built something special here under Craig. Our next coach must understand not just football tactics — but people, identity, and the weight of the jumper.”
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### A Farewell Tour?
Though McRae is stepping down effective at season’s end, there’s growing support for a **“farewell tour”** — a way to celebrate his final games at the helm.
Round 23’s final home match at the MCG is already expected to draw **record-breaking crowds**, with fans preparing to honor the man who led them back to glory.
> “We’ll send him off the right way,” said Pies midfielder Jack Crisp. “With heart, with effort — with the kind of football he taught us to play.”
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### Final Words from the Coach
In his closing remarks, McRae addressed the fans directly:
> “To the Magpie Army — you are the heartbeat of this club. Every chant, every roar, every flag waved has meant more to me than you’ll ever know. I’m proud to have been your coach, and I’ll always be one of you.”
As the cameras flashed and applause rang out, Craig McRae embraced his players, staff, and family one by one. A coach. A mentor. A legend.
So sadly — but with so much pride — **the curtain begins to fall on the Craig McRae era at Collingwood**.
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