AFL Rocked by Tragedy: Premiership Coach Craig McRae Passes Away Unexpectedly
AFL Rocked by Tragedy: Premiership Coach Craig McRae Passes Away Unexpectedly
In a gut-wrenching tragedy that has stunned the AFL world and broken the hearts of millions, Craig McRae, premiership-winning head coach of the Collingwood Football Club, has died suddenly. He was 51.
The club confirmed the shocking news in a brief but emotionally charged statement issued just after 6 a.m. local time. The cause of death has not yet been made public, but sources close to the family have described it as “sudden and deeply traumatic.”
“We are devastated beyond words,” Collingwood President Jeff Browne said in the club’s statement. “Craig was more than a coach — he was the heart of our football family, a leader, a mentor, a mate. Our thoughts are with his wife Gabrielle, their three daughters, and all who loved him.”
The AFL community, still in disbelief, has gone into mourning as messages of heartbreak, shock, and support pour in from across the country and around the world.
A Hero to the Black and White Army
Craig McRae, affectionately known as “Fly,” was one of the most respected and admired figures in modern Australian rules football. In just three short years at the helm of Collingwood, he not only rebuilt a struggling side but delivered one of the most emotional premiership victories in club history in 2023 — a triumph that came mere hours after the birth of his third daughter.
His calm demeanor, tactical brilliance, and father-like care for his players created a unique and uplifting culture — one that united the club and its fans like never before. That same warmth and selflessness now make his loss all the more unbearable.
“He gave his whole heart to the game,” said Collingwood captain Darcy Moore, visibly shaken as he addressed media outside the club’s training ground. “This is a nightmare. He wasn’t just our coach — he was our compass. He believed in us when we didn’t believe in ourselves.”
Shockwaves Across the Game
From grassroots clubs to AFL headquarters, the reaction was swift and heartbreaking.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon described McRae as “one of the finest men to ever grace our game, both on and off the field.” He added, “Today, football is secondary. Today, we grieve a father, a husband, a friend, and a true leader.”
Coaches from every AFL team held a moment of silence at training. Players wore black armbands. Fans gathered in silence outside Collingwood’s AIA Centre, many in tears, laying flowers and scarves beneath a photo of McRae holding the 2023 Premiership Cup.
The Man Behind the Coach
Born in Adelaide in 1973, Craig McRae played 195 games for Brisbane, winning three premierships under Leigh Matthews. After retiring in 2004, he transitioned to coaching and quickly built a reputation as one of the brightest minds in the sport — humble, smart, and intensely driven.
In 2021, he took the reins of a fractured Collingwood side. What followed was nothing short of a miracle. In just his second season, McRae’s Magpies won 20 games and lifted the cup, giving one of the most emotionally resonant speeches in recent memory — a moment now etched in AFL history.
But off the field, he was known as a devoted family man. The story of McRae rushing from the hospital delivery room to the MCG on Grand Final Day is now a bittersweet memory — the symbol of a man who balanced greatness with grounded love.
Support for the McRae Family
The club has announced the establishment of the Craig McRae Legacy Fund, which will support youth coaching initiatives and provide long-term financial support for his wife Gabrielle and their children.
The AFLPA has deployed mental health and trauma counsellors to Collingwood and other clubs. AFL fans are being encouraged to reach out for support if affected by the tragic news.
State Funeral and National Mourning
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan has confirmed that a state funeral will be held to honor McRae’s life and legacy. “This is not just a loss for footy — this is a loss for Victoria. Craig embodied everything good about sport: humility, courage, and grace.”
Details of the funeral are expected to be announced in the coming days. Tributes will be paid at every AFL ground this weekend, with players, officials, and fans pausing for one minute of silence before each match.
A Legacy That Will Never Fade
In life, Craig McRae gave everything he had — to football, to his players, and to his family. In death, he leaves behind a legacy that will echo far beyond the scoreboard.
His words from the 2023 Grand Final now read like a love letter to life itself:
“Enjoy every moment, because that’s what this game — and life — is about. Moments.”
Today, Australia grieves one of its greats. And the Collingwood Football Club, once brought to life by his quiet belief and relentless energy, will never be the same.
