I Will Be Here Forever! The Collingwood Football Club Are Set to Sign Craig McRae to a Permanent Contract That Will Last Until His….
In what may be one of the most defining moves of the decade, the Collingwood Football Club is reportedly on the verge of securing senior coach Craig McRae with a long-term contract extension—one that insiders are calling a “forever deal.” While no coach can truly stay forever, the phrase reflects the deep commitment and belief the club has in the man who led them to premiership glory in 2023 and has kept them consistently among the AFL’s elite ever since.
Since taking over the helm at Collingwood in late 2021, McRae has transformed the team’s culture, style of play, and public image. A former triple-premiership player with the Brisbane Lions, McRae brought with him a modern, player-first approach to leadership. Under his guidance, Collingwood shifted from a team in rebuild mode to one of the most exciting and dangerous outfits in the league.
The rumored “lifetime” contract—while unlikely to literally last until McRae’s final days—is symbolic of Collingwood’s desire to build an enduring dynasty with their coach at the center. According to sources close to the negotiations, the deal could stretch as far as 2030 or beyond, with performance-based extensions that could keep McRae in charge for the next decade or more.
Club President Jeff Browne has not confirmed specific contract details but did not shy away from praising McRae’s impact. “What Craig has brought to this football club goes far beyond wins and losses,” Browne said. “He’s helped re-shape our culture, re-engage our members, and inspire our players. We want him to be a part of Collingwood’s future for as long as he wants to be here.”
Fans have rallied behind the idea, with many taking to social media to express support for locking in the coach long-term. One supporter wrote, “Craig McRae is the best thing to happen to Collingwood in years. Sign him for life!” Another echoed, “Build him a statue now.”
McRae himself has remained humble about the speculation. In a recent press conference, he simply stated, “I love this club. I love the people, the players, the environment. If I can continue to help Collingwood succeed, then I’ll stay for as long as they’ll have me.”
The rumored deal is a far cry from the typical two- or three-year coaching extension and signals a shift in how clubs are beginning to value stability and culture over short-term results. While premierships are always the ultimate goal, Collingwood appears more interested in building a lasting legacy—and they believe Craig McRae is the man to lead them into the future.
Whether it lasts ten years or twenty, one thing is clear: Craig McRae and the Collingwood Football Club are ready to write a new chapter in AFL history—together.
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