Craig McRae’s Final Words: Holding On to What We Have After Magpies’ Preliminary Final Heartbreak
In the often unforgiving world of elite sport, moments of defeat can be just as defining as the celebrations of victory. For Collingwood and their coach Craig McRae, the 2025 Preliminary Final loss will long be remembered as a painful chapter. Yet, what will endure even more than the scoreline is the moving address delivered by McRae in the immediate aftermath, a speech that captured not just the essence of his leadership but the enduring spirit of the Collingwood Football Club.
The Magpies entered this year’s finals campaign with the hunger and belief that had carried them to the 2023 premiership and beyond. Once again, they stood at the threshold of a Grand Final appearance, but their dreams were cut short in heartbreaking fashion. The Preliminary Final defeat left the players shattered, fans in tears, and the broader football world reflecting on the fragility of opportunity in such a competitive league.
Inside the four walls of the locker room, however, something remarkable happened. Rather than allowing despair to dominate, McRae stood tall and delivered words that may well be remembered as one of the most poignant moments of his coaching tenure.
“Let’s hang on to what we have, not what we don’t have.”
It was a line that pierced the silence, resonating with a group of exhausted young men who had just poured everything into a campaign that fell one step short.
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The Weight of the Moment
Collingwood’s Preliminary Final heartbreak was not just about the loss itself but about what it symbolized. For months, the team had trained relentlessly, carrying the weight of expectation from a massive supporter base. They had overcome injuries, suspensions, and the relentless grind of the AFL season. The dream was alive until the final siren.
When the players trudged back into the rooms, many with tears streaming down their faces, there was a heavy stillness in the air. Boots were kicked off, jerseys lay damp with sweat and sorrow, and the reality of a missed opportunity hung thick.
Craig McRae, affectionately known as “Fly,” understood better than anyone that his players needed perspective more than tactics. They needed hope, reassurance, and above all, connection.
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A Message of Gratitude
McRae began by acknowledging the disappointment, but he didn’t dwell there. Instead, he shifted the focus to what had been achieved. He reminded the team of their journey—not just the games won, but the bonds built, the resilience shown, and the character revealed in moments of adversity.
“We can choose to be defined by what slipped away,” he told them, “or we can choose to hold tight to what we’ve created together. That’s something nobody can take from us.”
His words drew players’ eyes upward. Where moments earlier there had been slumped shoulders and broken spirits, there was now reflection—and even a flicker of pride.
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Holding On to Each Other
One of McRae’s trademarks as a coach has always been his emphasis on relationships. He often spoke about the “human first, footballer second” philosophy, and it was never more evident than in this final meeting.
He reminded his group that while premiership cups are cherished, it is the brotherhood—the connections between players, coaches, staff, and fans—that endures long after careers are finished.
“Flags are amazing,” McRae said, “but it’s the memories we build together, the friendships, the moments of laughter and sacrifice—those are the things that last.”
In that moment, it was clear he wasn’t just speaking as a coach but as a mentor, a father figure, and a friend.
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Fans, Family, and Legacy
McRae also paid tribute to the Magpie Army, the most passionate fan base in the league. He urged the players to appreciate the unwavering support that had followed them through highs and lows. Thousands had travelled, cheered, and lived every kick alongside them.
He reminded them that their efforts had given joy to families, children, and lifelong supporters who wear black and white with pride. Though the Grand Final berth was gone, the impact of their season would ripple far beyond the boundary lines.
“Every little boy and girl who pulled on a Collingwood jumper this year did it because of you,” he said. “You gave them something to believe in. That’s powerful.”
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Reflection on McRae’s Journey
This meeting also carried the weight of McRae’s own journey. Since taking over as coach in 2022, he had transformed Collingwood’s culture. What was once a club burdened by pressure became a team that played with freedom, joy, and unity. His mantra of positivity and resilience not only delivered on-field success but reshaped the identity of the club itself.
The 2025 season may not have delivered the fairytale ending, but it reinforced McRae’s impact. His ability to lift spirits in the darkest moment demonstrated why he has become one of the most respected figures in modern AFL.
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The Emotional Aftermath
Players spoke later about how the meeting helped them process the loss. Senior figures like Scott Pendlebury and Darcy Moore admitted that McRae’s words allowed them to shift their mindset almost immediately. Younger players said it gave them perspective on their roles not just as athletes but as people.
Pendlebury, reflecting on the speech, reportedly said: “We lost the game, but Fly made us realize we hadn’t lost ourselves. That’s what will stay with me.”
Supporters, too, would come to hear about the address, with many noting how it embodied the resilience and pride of the black-and-white jumper.
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Looking Ahead
As Collingwood turns its focus to 2026, McRae’s final words of the season will no doubt echo through the pre-season and beyond. The club may have fallen short this year, but it will carry forward the unity and belief that has defined its resurgence under McRae’s guidance.
For the players, the sting of defeat will fuel their hunger, but the comfort of knowing they are part of something bigger than themselves will drive them even harder.
For the fans, the message was clear: the Magpies are more than wins and losses. They are a family bound together by loyalty, history, and shared dreams.
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Conclusion
In the end, the Preliminary Final defeat of 2025 will be remembered in two ways. For outsiders, it may be recorded as another missed chance. But for those inside the club, it will forever be remembered as the night Craig McRae reminded them of their true wealth.
“Let’s hang on to what we have, not what we don’t have.”
Those words will stand as a testament not only to a coach’s leadership but to the enduring spirit of Collingwood. Even in heartbreak, McRae found a way to shine a light, to remind everyone that in football—as in life—it is not the losses that define us, but the love and connections we carry forward.
