Magpies re-sign McRae, the premiership coach now among AFL’s highest earners

The Collingwood Football Club has confirmed one of the AFL’s most consequential coaching commitments of the offseason, re-signing premiership coach Craig McRae on a new deal that will keep him at the helm through the end of 2028. This extension comes at a time when elite coaching talent is more sought after — and better rewarded — than ever before in AFL history, underlining McRae’s value to Collingwood’s long-term ambitions.

McRae’s journey with the Magpies began in 2022, but it was the back-to-back impact he had on the club’s performance — culminating in the 2023 premiership triumph — that truly cemented his standing as one of the game’s elite leaders. His coaching philosophy has fused rigorous preparation with a focus on culture, connection and resilience, reshaping Collingwood into a modern powerhouse.

The new contract not only represents security for Collingwood’s coaching department but also places McRae among the highest-earning coaches in the AFL. While precise figures haven’t been publicly disclosed, the deal reflects the premium clubs are willing to pay for stability and proven success at the elite level.

For the Magpies, retaining McRae wasn’t just about on-field results — it was about continuity after what has been a period of intense competition for top coaching talent. With rival clubs always on the lookout for premiership-proven strategists, Collingwood’s commitment to McRae sends a message that the club plans to keep its core leadership intact.

McRae’s impact on Collingwood extends beyond wins and losses. His emphasis on player development and unity has been credited by club leadership with reinvigorating supporter engagement and strengthening ties between players and the broader Collingwood community. That cultural influence has translated into commercial success, including strong membership numbers and financial growth.

Strategically, McRae has been praised for his adaptability. After a tough 2024 season where the Magpies missed finals, he oversaw a refreshed approach that reinvigorated Collingwood’s playing style and game plan, showcasing his ability to evolve tactics in response to the changing demands of the competition.

Off the field, the win for Collingwood extends to recruitment and list management. A stable coaching presence often reassures elite players weighing their futures, and locking in McRae is seen as a key factor in retaining and attracting talent amid an increasingly competitive trade and salary landscape across the league.

In the bigger picture of the AFL’s financial growth, coaching salaries and player payments have both risen significantly in recent years. As clubs expand their budgets under evolving salary cap structures, elite coaches like McRae are now being compensated in ways that mirror — and sometimes rival — high-profile player contracts.

For fans and pundits alike, the re-signing signals Collingwood’s intent: this isn’t a club content with past glory, but one laser-focused on sustained success at the highest level. McRae’s blend of premiership experience, tactical nous, and cultural leadership makes him the ideal figure to lead this charge.

As the AFL landscape continues to evolve with shifting competitive pressures and financial dynamics, Craig McRae’s long-term commitment to the Magpies offers a blueprint for how clubs can anchor success. For Collingwood supporters, the news isn’t just about another coaching contract — it’s a statement of ambition that the premiership mindset at the club is here to stay.