Collingwood coach Craig McRae reveals the texts from players that made him break down in tears in his car
- Craig McRae told his players he supported them to the hilt
- The Collingwood playing group appreciated the sentiment
- Magpies looking for consistency, slow start to AFL season
Collingwood coach Craig McRae has revealed a series of texts from the Magpies playing group that left him in tears in his car when they hit a major snag in their quest for back-to-back AFL premierships.
After the disappointing defeat to St Kilda on March 21, McRae was looking for answers with his team 0-3 and written off by some fans and pundits as a long shot to win this year’s flag.
McRae sent each of his players an individual message to make them aware that he supported them 100 percent – and the collective response was telling.
“Within about 10, 15 minutes of me texting everyone, everyone is texting me back at the same time, and the level of unconditional love and support that this group has — man, there were some tears in the car, I’ll give you the tip off,” McRae told SEN Radio.
“It was fun, and I just wanted the players to realize that winning is pressure and results-oriented.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae (pictured after the loss to St Kilda) has revealed a series of texts from the Magpies playing group that show they remain united – as they look to get their season back on track
After the defeat to the Saints on March 21, McRae (right) texted each player to say he supported them unconditionally – and was blown away by their responses
Collingwood then responded by beating Brisbane at the Gabba in a grand final replay, earning their first win of 2024 (Pies ruckman Mason Cox is pictured, centre)
‘The processes of care, support and all the layers needed to be successful are all still there.
“Understand – and we’ll get these little layers right – but underneath all the adversity, things start to tear, and we don’t have to tear ourselves apart. The unconditional support is still there and very strong.’
The playing group then defeated Brisbane Lions last start at the Gabba in a grand final replay to get their stuttering season back on track.
Collingwood will now face former Magpies star turned Hawk Jack Ginnivan (pictured) on April 7 at Adelaide Oval as part of Gather Round
Attention now turns to Hawthorn on April 7 at Adelaide Oval as part of Gather Round.
Former Collingwood Young Gun Jack Ginnivan will be a key figure for the Hawks – and the forward has explained why he knew he had to move on in the off-season – despite winning a flag last September.
It followed Ginnivan visiting Moonee Valley Racecourse the night before the grand final at the MCG.
“Me and my mate went there (circuit) at 6.30pm and got home at 9.30pm, it wasn’t really a big deal,” the 21-year-old told the Tommy Talks podcast.
‘I don’t think it’s a fault of mine, but probably just how people experienced it.
‘Nothing actually came of it until Fly (McRae)’s press conference (after the grand final) – where he told Ginnivan to ‘read the room’… and my exit meeting, that was kind of then I knew I would probably have to leave.
“That was a bit eye-opening, that exit meeting.”