AdminCONGRATULATIONS: Collingwood Coach Craig McRae and Wife Gabrielle Welcome a Beautiful Baby Boy
In heartwarming news that has brought smiles across the AFL community, Collingwood Football Club head coach Craig McRae and his wife Gabrielle have announced the arrival of their newest family member — a healthy baby boy. The McRaes welcomed their second son earlier this week, adding another joyful chapter to what has already been a momentous period in Craig McRae’s life and career.
The Collingwood Football Club confirmed the news via an official statement on Thursday morning, expressing both joy and congratulations for their beloved coach and his family.
“We are thrilled to share that Craig and Gabrielle McRae have welcomed a baby boy into their family,” the club said. “Mother and baby are doing well, and both are in great health. On behalf of the entire Collingwood family — players, staff, and supporters — we send our heartfelt congratulations to Craig, Gabrielle, and their growing family.”
The baby’s name has not yet been revealed publicly, but sources close to the family say the couple is “absolutely over the moon” and cherishing every moment with their new arrival.
A Family-Centered Coach
Craig McRae, 50, has often spoken about how important family is to him — and how that grounding shapes the way he coaches. Known as one of the most empathetic and emotionally intelligent figures in modern football, McRae regularly encourages balance and perspective within the club’s culture.
“It’s moments like these that remind us what life’s really about,” McRae said in a brief statement to media. “Footy is a huge part of our lives, but nothing compares to holding your newborn child. Gabrielle and I feel so blessed to welcome our second son into the world. He’s healthy, strong, and already much loved.”
The couple already share a daughter, who was born during McRae’s early years as Collingwood’s senior coach, and a young son from a previous relationship. This latest arrival brings even more joy to the tight-knit McRae household.
Support From the Club and AFL Community
The McRaes have been inundated with messages of congratulations from players, fellow coaches, and fans alike.
Club captain Darcy Moore was among the first to share a personal message: “We’re so happy for Fly (McRae) and Gabrielle. He’s more than just a coach to us — he’s a mentor, a father figure, and someone who truly leads by example. Seeing him light up over this news has lifted the whole club.”
Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly also expressed his excitement: “Craig leads our football club with heart and integrity. He’s built a strong culture not only on the field but within our wider club community. We wish him, Gabrielle, and their new baby all the happiness in the world.”
Fans have taken to social media in droves, sharing warm wishes and celebratory messages for the McRae family. Many praised McRae for his authenticity, with one supporter writing: “Fly brings such genuine heart to everything he does — now he’s got another little one to share it with. Congratulations to the whole family!”
Balancing Family and Football
McRae’s ability to balance high-pressure coaching responsibilities with a deep sense of family life has become one of the hallmarks of his leadership style. Since taking over as Collingwood’s head coach in 2022, he’s led the Magpies through a remarkable resurgence, culminating in the club’s 2023 AFL premiership — their first in over a decade.
Throughout his tenure, McRae has spoken candidly about fatherhood and the lessons it’s taught him — lessons he often applies to his relationships with players and staff.
“You learn patience, perspective, and the importance of presence when you become a parent,” McRae once said in a 2023 interview. “Those things carry over into coaching, especially when you’re trying to connect with young men who are navigating life as well as footy.”
Despite the pressures of leading one of the AFL’s biggest clubs, McRae has always made time for family. Those close to him say he maintains a strict boundary between work and home life — and that this new addition will only strengthen his resolve to keep priorities in order.
A Moment to Celebrate
As the Collingwood Football Club continues its march toward another finals campaign, the timing of the baby’s arrival offers a beautiful moment of reflection and joy. While fans are fixated on the scoreboard each weekend, McRae’s latest “win” comes in the form of a precious new life.
In a sport often dominated by headlines about contracts, injuries, and rivalries, this simple moment of family joy has struck a powerful chord across the AFL world.
Congratulations again to Craig, Gabrielle, and the entire McRae family on the arrival of their beautiful baby boy. May this new chapter be filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories — both on and off the field.
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