In a surprising and heartening development, former Collingwood Football Club head coach Robert Harvey, now an assistant coach at St Kilda, has reportedly sent a personal message to current Collingwood head coach Craig McRae. According to sources close to the situation, Harvey’s message touches on the challenges of the upcoming AFL season, offering insights on player development, team dynamics, and advice based on his years of experience with the Magpies.
This communication between two of Collingwood’s most respected figures in recent history has drawn widespread attention from both the AFL community and supporters of both clubs. Harvey, who was a key player and assistant coach at Collingwood for several years, left the club in 2021 when McRae took over the head coaching role. After a brief stint as a head coach at Collingwood, Harvey moved on to St Kilda, where he is now working under head coach Ross Lyon. However, his recent message to McRae has reignited the connection between the two and has fans and pundits alike speculating about the nature of their exchange.
A Legacy of Leadership and Respect
Robert Harvey, who played 383 games for the St Kilda Saints and is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in AFL history, has an extensive coaching background. Before joining St Kilda as an assistant coach in 2022, Harvey had a long tenure at Collingwood. His journey with the Magpies began as an assistant coach in 2014, and in 2017, he became the club’s interim head coach after the departure of Nathan Buckley. Although Harvey’s tenure as Collingwood’s head coach was brief, it was marked by his leadership, vision, and knowledge of the game.
Craig McRae, who succeeded Buckley as Collingwood’s head coach in 2022, inherited a team that had seen some difficult seasons. However, McRae’s first year at the helm was a revelation for the club. Under his leadership, the Magpies achieved a remarkable turnaround, securing a spot in the AFL finals and developing a high-pressure, fast-paced style of play that resonated with fans and players alike. The team’s performances quickly earned McRae the nickname “Fly,” reflecting his fresh and energetic approach to coaching.
The relationship between Harvey and McRae dates back to their time together at Collingwood, where Harvey was an assistant under both Buckley and later McRae. Both men have a deep respect for one another, and it appears that Harvey’s message to McRae is a gesture of support, filled with constructive advice.
The Message: A Mix of Advice and Encouragement
While the full content of Harvey’s message remains confidential, sources suggest that it primarily centers on how McRae can continue to evolve the team’s game plan and manage the development of younger players. Harvey, known for his ability to nurture talent and understand the intricacies of midfield play, likely emphasized several key points in his message. Based on Harvey’s vast experience in AFL coaching and his time at Collingwood, the following themes are likely to have been part of his communication with McRae:
1. Player Development and Growth
One of the main themes in Harvey’s message is said to be the continued development of Collingwood’s young stars. The Magpies’ youthful list, which includes players such as Nick Daicos, Jack Ginnivan, and Oliver Henry, has been a highlight in McRae’s first year as head coach. These players, among others, have shown great promise and have already contributed significantly to the team’s success.
Harvey, with his experience in developing young talent at both St Kilda and Collingwood, likely offered advice on how McRae can further accelerate the growth of these players. Specifically, Harvey may have spoken about balancing the pressure of AFL competition with the need to foster a player’s skills and confidence.
“Developing players in this system can be challenging,” Harvey may have remarked in his message. “You need to ensure that they feel supported and capable of taking on greater roles as they grow, but they also need to know the balance of what is expected at the top level. It’s about creating a development culture where they can thrive under pressure.”
2. Team Cohesion and Chemistry
Another focus of Harvey’s message is likely centered around the importance of team cohesion and chemistry. McRae has been lauded for his ability to build a strong sense of unity within the Collingwood camp, and Harvey’s words of encouragement may have reinforced the significance of maintaining this unity.
“It’s all about the players believing in each other,” Harvey might have said. “When they work together and trust in the game plan, they can weather the ups and downs of the season. That’s something you’ve already started to build, and it’s important to continue fostering that camaraderie.”
Both coaches understand that chemistry off the field directly impacts on-field success. Harvey likely encouraged McRae to maintain the open, inclusive environment that has been so successful in McRae’s first year, ensuring that the team stays connected even during challenging moments.
3. Adjusting to the Pressures of Success
Harvey, having gone through the highs and lows of AFL coaching, would certainly have offered some thoughts on the pressure that comes with success. After the Magpies’ strong finish to the 2022 season, expectations are high for McRae in 2023 and beyond. While McRae has demonstrated excellent leadership and resilience, the added weight of managing success can present new challenges.
“It’s a good problem to have, but the pressure will come in ways you might not expect,” Harvey likely advised. “You’ve built a system that works, but you’ll need to continue evolving. The challenge now is to manage expectations and adjust the game plan when necessary. Don’t be afraid to make those tough calls. The team will follow your lead.”
Harvey’s advice to McRae about staying flexible and focused in the face of heightened expectations reflects his understanding of the demanding nature of AFL coaching, especially when a team is on the rise.
4. Tactical Insights and Evolution of the Game Plan
Having been a key figure in shaping the tactical approaches at Collingwood, Harvey also likely shared thoughts on evolving the team’s game plan. While McRae’s style has been praised for its attacking mindset, Harvey may have discussed ways to further refine tactical elements, especially with an eye toward taking the next step in terms of finals success.
“One of the keys to staying ahead of the pack is adaptability,” Harvey might have noted. “Your game plan is working, but keep an eye on how opposition teams will counter it. Continue to refine the structures that are working, and don’t be afraid to tweak the system when needed. The best coaches are those who are always learning.”
Harvey’s insight into the tactical evolution of the game would have provided McRae with valuable perspectives as the Magpies look to improve upon their impressive 2022 campaign.
The Importance of This Message: A Gesture of Camaraderie
For the AFL community, this exchange between Harvey and McRae is a reminder of the strong bonds that form within the coaching ranks. While Harvey now works for a rival club in St Kilda, his gesture of reaching out to McRae shows that the support among AFL coaches is more than just professional—it’s personal. The shared experiences, both as players and coaches, provide a foundation of mutual respect that transcends club allegiances.
“I’ve always respected Robert’s coaching philosophy and his ability to connect with players,” McRae said in response to the news of Harvey’s message. “We’ve been through a lot together, and his insight and advice are always valuable. It’s a reminder that we’re all part of the same AFL community, and I’m grateful for the support.”
Harvey’s message underscores the idea that coaching is not just about individual success—it’s about learning, growing, and sharing knowledge. It also highlights the ongoing legacy of Collingwood’s coaching history, with figures like Harvey and McRae continuing to support each other despite being on different sides of the AFL rivalry.
What’s Next for Collingwood and St Kilda?
For McRae and Collingwood, the focus now shifts to the upcoming AFL season. Harvey’s message provides an additional layer of confidence as McRae and his team head into 2023 with high expectations. The challenge now is to meet those expectations while continuing to develop the next generation of Collingwood stars.
For Harvey and St Kilda, the collaboration with Lyon offers an opportunity for continued growth as the Saints look to make their mark on the competition. Though Harvey’s focus is now on St Kilda, his relationship with McRae and his message of support show that he will always remain a part of the broader AFL conversation.
As the AFL season heats up, the AFL community can take heart in knowing that even in the midst of fierce competition, respect, collaboration, and mentorship between coaches remain a cornerstone of the sport.