Emotional Moment: Collingwood Coach Craig McRae Breaks Down in Tears Before Dramatic Anzac Day Match

Collingwood coach Craig McRae demonstrated the profound significance of the AFL’s Anzac Day match through an emotional display at the MCG on Thursday. In a highly anticipated contest, his Magpies and Essendon battled to a thrilling 12.13 (85) to 12.13 (85) draw, evoking memories of the inaugural Anzac Day clash in 1995, which also ended in a draw.

Before the match, amidst the deafening roar of 93,644 fans at the MCG, McRae was interviewed. Although present for a football match, he found himself deeply moved by the occasion, pausing his interview to absorb the atmosphere and shed a few tears in honor of Australia and New Zealand’s fallen soldiers.

When asked by former Adelaide AFLW player and media personality Abbey Holmes to describe the emotion of standing in the middle of the MCG on such a momentous day, McRae expressed, “It’s incredible, just to be here, present, it’s quite emotional to be honest. Just a privilege, to be grateful to be here on this day.”

At this point, McRae apologized and interrupted the interview, visibly moved as he surveyed the crowd, shedding a tear while also smiling in awe of the occasion. Holmes offered words of support, acknowledging the special significance of the day for all Australians and New Zealanders.

An emotional Craig McRae after the pre-match ceremony 🥹#AFLDonsPies pic.twitter.com/bvtrt1P202

— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 25, 2024

As the conversation shifted to football matters, Holmes commended Collingwood’s recent performance and inquired about building on that momentum. McRae responded with determination, expressing readiness for the upcoming challenges and emphasizing the importance of doing justice to the occasion.

McRae’s display of raw emotion garnered widespread praise from football fans, who admired his genuine connection to the significance of the Anzac Day match. In the intense final quarter, characterized by back-and-forth action, Collingwood showcased their resilience under McRae’s coaching, trading blows with their arch rivals in a memorable contest that captivated spectators.

Reflecting on the match, McRae humorously remarked on his mixed emotions and the uncertainty of how to feel in the aftermath of such a dramatic encounter. Despite the ambiguity, he acknowledged the significance of the occasion and its role in showcasing the spectacle of Australian football.