NOT UNDER MY WATCH! — COLLINGWOOD COACH CRAIG McRAE ISSUES SUSPENSION LETTER TO THREE MAGPIE STARS AFTER SHOCK TEAM INCIDENT
In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the AFL community, Collingwood head coach Craig McRae has reportedly issued suspension letters to three senior players following what insiders are calling a “serious breach of team standards” during the club’s recent off-field activities.
According to close sources within the club, the incident occurred late last week after a private team event spiraled out of control, leading to behavior that McRae allegedly described as “completely unacceptable and contrary to the culture we’ve built at Collingwood.” Though the names of the players have not been officially released, speculation has been running wild among fans and media outlets, with many pointing to “recognizable senior figures” within the lineup.
A visibly disappointed McRae fronted the media at the AIA Centre earlier this morning, addressing the growing rumors with a mix of firmness and disappointment.
> “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — Collingwood stands for standards, discipline, and respect. No one is above the team. No matter who you are or what you’ve achieved, the black and white jumper comes first,” McRae stated with steely resolve.
He confirmed that three players had been suspended indefinitely and would undergo a review before being considered for reinstatement.
> “We’re not here to punish for the sake of punishing,” McRae explained. “We’re here to educate, to rebuild trust, and to remind everyone what it means to represent Collingwood Football Club. This is not about embarrassment — it’s about accountability.”
Club president Jeff Browne and captain Darcy Moore are said to be backing McRae’s decision wholeheartedly, emphasizing that maintaining the team’s cultural integrity is non-negotiable. Sources close to the leadership group described the decision as “tough but necessary,” pointing out that Collingwood’s resurgence over the past few seasons has been built not just on talent but on unity, trust, and mutual respect.
Fans, meanwhile, have been left both stunned and supportive. Social media exploded overnight with the hashtag #NotUnderMyWatch, a phrase now being used as a rallying cry for fans who admire McRae’s hard stance.
One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
> “This is why Fly McRae is the best coach in the league — he doesn’t care who you are. Standards come first. That’s Collingwood.”
Inside the club, the mood has reportedly turned serious, with senior players calling for a team-only meeting to address the issue and ensure such lapses do not happen again. “There’s a strong feeling of disappointment,” one insider revealed. “But there’s also a sense of unity — they know this could either break them or bring them closer.”
The suspended players are expected to release personal statements in the coming days. Meanwhile, McRae has made it clear that Collingwood’s 2025 campaign will not be derailed by the controversy.
> “We’ll deal with this internally, learn from it, and move forward,” he concluded. “This club has faced challenges before — and we’ve always come out stronger.”
As Collingwood prepares for its next match, one thing is certain — Craig McRae has drawn a line in the sand, and the entire AFL world is watching.
🖤🤍 Discipline. Respect. Unity. That’s the Magpie Way.
