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Coach Craig McRae

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You’ve won 18 matches by less than a goal over a three year period including a Grand Final and Preliminary Final by 1 and 4 points respectively. How many examples do you want?

This includes several matches that had nothing to do with being “good in close games”, with umpiring errors (like the North Melbourne match this year) or player error (Jeremy McGovern). I remember the match against Essendon in 2022, Harry Jones hit the bloody post with 20 seconds to go and should have been given a 50 meter penalty and from the resulting kick-in, Elliott kicked the winner.

There have been several where Collingwood closed out the close wins deservedly, but many others were ridiculously lucky.
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It’s easy when you are winning.

A coach’s true colours come out when there are challenges.

We’ve heard from guys like Grundy and Ginnivan when they are deemed to no longer serve a purpose for the club. The cuddles mentality from Craig quickly disappears.

His continual comments about one umpiring decision from last Friday night instead of taking responsibility for his team blowing a 5 goal lead also shows lack of maturity when the pressure is on.

Geez you wouldn’t want to get on his wrong side when things weren’t going swimmingly for him.
Overall you make a fair point: we haven't seen McRae under pressure much, what is he like?

But can I ask what "we've heard"? Mcrae stated publicly he wanted Grundy to stay, it was Wright who kicked him out for his contract and not for his footy. Grundy's manager said McRae delivered the message, and it was respectful and "nice" whatever that means, and if you can believe a word a player manager says.

Ginnivan kept getting caught inhaling and gambling. He definitely served a purpose as a player, pushed Lipinski out of the side and played his role very well in the GF. Once again a management not a footy decision, we liked him very much as a player.

As for "continually commenting" yeah nah, he responded to one journo's question once. It was Horse who repeatedly melted after that. A decent bit of media trolling and it looks like you took the same bait Longmire did.
 
As for "continually commenting" yeah nah, he responded to one journo's question once. It was Horse who repeatedly melted after that. A decent bit of media trolling and it looks like you took the same bait Longmire did.
You are right, the Sydney game was probably the first time things haven’t gone his way.

Seems like he’s convinced the club to go all in on their aging veterans next year for one more tilt.

It will be interesting to see how he responds if it all goes **** up.
 
Can Fly develop young players? Seems like a lot of them look to leave.
This is a good question.

There are a lot of players very happy there.

Too early to tell. I think he went from a development coach in first 6 weeks in job to what should have been a GF in his first year if not for some questionable umpiring. (We are talking 7-8 decisions not 1 or 2). Last year the Pies were contending and for the best part of this year we were contending and maybe didnt have luck but we had luck previous years.

Forget Nick Daicos.He has developed well but not sure you can judge anyone on him.

There is no doubt he has made us play better as a team which is what coaching is.

Ginni kicked 40 goals under him and then left part attitude based I think. We should have backed him, I think bad list management more than anything which coach is a heavy part of in this case. Both ginni/mccrae to blame for departure. Ginnivan has a lot of scope we didnt explore. Needs to fit well into a structure as a forward given lack of pace but could also be a gun inside midfielder long term.
Henry was projecting the player he is now. Not Mccraes blame he left
Poulter we delisted I dont think he is ever going to be a more than capable one side role player.
Harrison is projecting well.
McInness will be interesting how he goes next year. He is a midfielder/utility. has done ok as a forward. Some AFL coaches would make him a really good player. Mccrae/Collingwood have not done this yet but does lack a tank. Will vomit if he leaves.
Dean- too early to tell, had 2 years out before this year. Needs to play as a interceptor in AFL.
Allan, DeMattia, Jiath, Parker- all potential AFL talents that fit well into our system. need time.
Bobby Hill gone up a level under Macrae
Macrae- Needs a weaker club where he can get to 50 games. Above VFL level not sure he can get to required AFL level. likely needs an oportunity elsewhere.
liam McMahon- made call on him early. He after 2 years out looks like being redrafted. Disappointed he was delisted even more disappointed not still on list now.
McCreery- is what he is has slightly improved but he is at a level and plays a role.
Arlo Draper-- Had AFL traits when he had ball in hand but never got the ball despite being played at half back. Not sure if that is on player or VFL coaches wouldnt put it too much on McCrae.
Joe Richards- Would have been a delist last year. Adjusting into AFL. This would be a tick at this stage. Been very good this year, fits well into our system. Issue is his competition in side and age. 25. late developer from country. Has a high ceiling.
ash Johnson- Another late developer. talent wise has ability to kick 50 a year. Has gone backwards this year. Partly injuries/supply in VFL, lacked intesnity AFL and down on confidence. love to see mccrae stick with him and believe in him. Could go to another club and put egg on Mccraes face but I think for it to be genuine would have to be a whole season in AFL. I can see him going to another club and bagging 5 first game he plays.

Collingwood's improvement next year will be around Jiath, Allan, McInness, Dean, Parker, DeMattia maybe 1-2 other younger players. I think it will be the first year you can really judge McCrae with younger players.

Glad he gave Long/Bytel time but really look like role player/list cloggers
 
So after the Bedford incident, is now outed today by Max Gawn as a serial offender for abusing opposition taggers playing on Daicos from the bench
Can add that to his 2024 form - failing to credit the saints for winning, pining for the MCG where he gets favourable umpiring etc
He's a faker. Portrays himself as Mr Nice Guy and humble and respectful of the game and it's traditions - sure. That shtick is easy to pull off when you're on a charmed run and winning, but the real bloke is emerging and it's no where near as pretty
 
So after the Bedford incident, is now outed today by Max Gawn as a serial offender for abusing opposition taggers playing on Daicos from the bench
Can add that to his 2024 form - failing to credit the saints for winning, pining for the MCG where he gets favourable umpiring etc
He's a faker. Portrays himself as Mr Nice Guy and humble and respectful of the game and it's traditions - sure. That shtick is easy to pull off when you're on a charmed run and winning, but the real bloke is emerging and it's no where near as pretty
Spot on.
 
This is a good question.

There are a lot of players very happy there.

Too early to tell. I think he went from a development coach in first 6 weeks in job to what should have been a GF in his first year if not for some questionable umpiring. (We are talking 7-8 decisions not 1 or 2). Last year the Pies were contending and for the best part of this year we were contending and maybe didnt have luck but we had luck previous years.

Forget Nick Daicos.He has developed well but not sure you can judge anyone on him.

There is no doubt he has made us play better as a team which is what coaching is.

Ginni kicked 40 goals under him and then left part attitude based I think. We should have backed him, I think bad list management more than anything which coach is a heavy part of in this case. Both ginni/mccrae to blame for departure. Ginnivan has a lot of scope we didnt explore. Needs to fit well into a structure as a forward given lack of pace but could also be a gun inside midfielder long term.
Henry was projecting the player he is now. Not Mccraes blame he left
Poulter we delisted I dont think he is ever going to be a more than capable one side role player.
Harrison is projecting well.
McInness will be interesting how he goes next year. He is a midfielder/utility. has done ok as a forward. Some AFL coaches would make him a really good player. Mccrae/Collingwood have not done this yet but does lack a tank. Will vomit if he leaves.
Dean- too early to tell, had 2 years out before this year. Needs to play as a interceptor in AFL.
Allan, DeMattia, Jiath, Parker- all potential AFL talents that fit well into our system. need time.
Bobby Hill gone up a level under Macrae
Macrae- Needs a weaker club where he can get to 50 games. Above VFL level not sure he can get to required AFL level. likely needs an oportunity elsewhere.
liam McMahon- made call on him early. He after 2 years out looks like being redrafted. Disappointed he was delisted even more disappointed not still on list now.
McCreery- is what he is has slightly improved but he is at a level and plays a role.
Arlo Draper-- Had AFL traits when he had ball in hand but never got the ball despite being played at half back. Not sure if that is on player or VFL coaches wouldnt put it too much on McCrae.
Joe Richards- Would have been a delist last year. Adjusting into AFL. This would be a tick at this stage. Been very good this year, fits well into our system. Issue is his competition in side and age. 25. late developer from country. Has a high ceiling.
ash Johnson- Another late developer. talent wise has ability to kick 50 a year. Has gone backwards this year. Partly injuries/supply in VFL, lacked intesnity AFL and down on confidence. love to see mccrae stick with him and believe in him. Could go to another club and put egg on Mccraes face but I think for it to be genuine would have to be a whole season in AFL. I can see him going to another club and bagging 5 first game he plays.

Collingwood's improvement next year will be around Jiath, Allan, McInness, Dean, Parker, DeMattia maybe 1-2 other younger players. I think it will be the first year you can really judge McCrae with younger players.

Glad he gave Long/Bytel time but really look like role player/list cloggers
How many played vs GWS out of interest?
 

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The shine has certainly worn off in the last 18 months.

It’s quite ridiculous that players are given 2-4 weeks for accidental/incidental contact to oppo players in the heat of a contest, but a coach armed with all the personal developmeant and responsibility of leading a club can get given a caution for mouthing off at players as they leave the ground.

There should be a zero tolerance policy to this sort of thing in game at AFL level.

It only needs a player with a slightly more combative persona to take issue with a sledge to step toward an opposition bench and we’d have two benches of players getting far too close to each other, with officials in the middle.

It’s bewildering to me that the AFL didn’t make an example of him.
 
Craig misses his bodyguards from the Lions era, a couple of whom are coaching at other clubs.

Dealing with dissatisfaction from the biggest club in the land takes some fortitude. Craig's mental stability will be tested. He looks anxious and twitchy to me, he wouldn't fill me with confidence at the mo.

Coming off a flag though, so quickly after a coach change, a presidential coup, and a player cull, after which much of the footy world was salivating over the imminent prospect of the Pies entering a lengthy nadir, was close to a miracle effort by the new coach. And they did it with style and panache. The coach has earnt the support from the club for many more years after this wonderful feat.

Craig should have more calm and confidence after doing what he's done. He shouldn't need protectors any longer.
 
Having a subtle not so subtle sook about being involved (and therefore travelling) in Opening Round for two years in a row whilst you've got 404 gamer Scott Pendlebury who in his career has played at 2 fewer venues than 64 gamer Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is certainly something.
Great stat [emoji106]

Fly needs to lift, no doubt about it, don't become the story Fly [emoji2955]

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Having a subtle not so subtle sook about being involved (and therefore travelling) in Opening Round for two years in a row whilst you've got 404 gamer Scott Pendlebury who in his career has played at 2 fewer venues than 64 gamer Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is certainly something.
I don't get why you would complain about getting Opening Round, surely an extra bye is an advantage?
 
I don't get why you would complain about getting Opening Round, surely an extra bye is an advantage?
The sample size is a bit small to really gauge if having a bye in the first quarter/third of the season is comparable to starting the season a week late. I'd suggest it's probably more favorable to play in Opening Round but I'd just be guessing.

It also depends where the bye is, like Sydney's 2024 fixture was pretty cushy for byes specifically.
5 games > BYE > 6 games > BYE > 12 games > BYE > Finals

Comparing it to us for example:
14 games > BYE > 9 games > BYE > Finals
 
I don't get why you would complain about getting Opening Round, surely an extra bye is an advantage?
Correct
Both grandfinalist in 2024 were a part of opening round (3 of the last 4) so it’s not a big disadvantage.
It may be different with a club like the pies.
Travel is rare so to travel one more game might seem like a big burden for them
 
The sample size is a bit small to really gauge if having a bye in the first quarter/third of the season is comparable to starting the season a week late. I'd suggest it's probably more favorable to play in Opening Round but I'd just be guessing.

It also depends where the bye is, like Sydney's 2024 fixture was pretty cushy for byes specifically.
5 games > BYE > 6 games > BYE > 12 games > BYE > Finals

Comparing it to us for example:
14 games > BYE > 9 games > BYE > Finals
Personally think it will be seen as an advantage the longer it goes on, especially in round 1 where teams that got Opening round play teams that didn't. I wouldn't be surprised at all if all of Hawthorn, Sydney, Collingwood and GWS all win their round 1 match ups.

Also the coach of Collingwood complaining about extra travel is extremely out of touch.
 
The shine has certainly worn off in the last 18 months.

It’s quite ridiculous that players are given 2-4 weeks for accidental/incidental contact to oppo players in the heat of a contest, but a coach armed with all the personal developmeant and responsibility of leading a club can get given a caution for mouthing off at players as they leave the ground.

There should be a zero tolerance policy to this sort of thing in game at AFL level.

It only needs a player with a slightly more combative persona to take issue with a sledge to step toward an opposition bench and we’d have two benches of players getting far too close to each other, with officials in the middle.

It’s bewildering to me that the AFL didn’t make an example of him.
Some coaches get away with it
Others get punished
 

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Coach Craig McRae


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