In a surprise development in the AFL coaching ranks, former Collingwood head coach Robert Harvey has made the move to St Kilda Football Club, accepting a position as Assistant Head Coach. The news has sent shockwaves through the AFL community, with many wondering about the motivations behind the high-profile career shift and its potential ramifications for both clubs.
Harvey, who previously served as Collingwood’s head coach following Nathan Buckley’s departure in 2021, has now found a new home with St Kilda. His appointment is viewed as a key strategic move for the Saints, who are looking to bolster their coaching staff as they pursue greater success in the upcoming seasons.
Robert Harvey’s Departure from Collingwood: A New Chapter
Harvey’s tenure at Collingwood was marked by challenges, including navigating the complexities of a team in transition and dealing with external pressures. Despite his deep connection to the Pies, having played over 380 games for the club and earning a reputation as one of its greatest-ever players, Harvey’s coaching career didn’t quite reach the heights that many had hoped.
Though his time as head coach was brief, Harvey left an indelible mark on the club’s football culture. After his departure, Collingwood appointed Craig McRae, who successfully steered the team back into finals contention with a revitalized approach to coaching and player development.
Now, Harvey’s decision to join St Kilda signals the beginning of a fresh chapter in his coaching journey, and it seems both he and the Saints are eager to put his experience and expertise to work in a new environment.
The Message to Craig McRae
While Harvey’s departure from Collingwood may have seemed sudden, sources close to the situation reveal that Harvey has been in regular contact with McRae, his successor at the Pies. In fact, Harvey sent McRae a private message shortly before confirming his move to St Kilda.
Details of the conversation remain under wraps, but it is understood that Harvey expressed his unwavering support for McRae’s direction with the Pies, acknowledging the promising foundation laid during the 2022 season. Harvey’s message to McRae was one of encouragement, stating that he trusted McRae to continue pushing the club forward while making the necessary improvements to maintain competitiveness at the highest level.
McRae has spoken publicly about his respect for Harvey’s leadership and the legacy he built at Collingwood, and it appears the two coaches remain on good terms despite the change in roles. McRae reportedly responded to Harvey’s message with gratitude, underscoring his belief in Harvey’s potential as a coach and his commitment to the long-term success of Collingwood.
St Kilda’s Strategy: A Fresh Approach
For St Kilda, Harvey’s hiring represents a significant shift in the club’s strategy. The Saints have been in the midst of rebuilding their playing list and coaching structure, with a focus on instilling a more disciplined, tactical style of play. With Harvey’s knowledge and experience in the AFL, particularly his deep understanding of how to manage the pressures of a high-profile club, he is expected to bring valuable insight into St Kilda’s coaching ranks.
In his new role, Harvey will work alongside St Kilda’s head coach, who is looking to implement a modern, progressive approach to their football strategy. His experience working with a team like Collingwood, which has often been under intense scrutiny, is expected to serve him well in a new environment.
What Does This Mean for Collingwood and St Kilda?
For Collingwood, losing Harvey may leave a gap in the coaching staff, but McRae’s leadership has already shown promise in his ability to adapt and evolve. The Pies have made significant strides under McRae’s guidance, and while Harvey’s departure may stir some nostalgic feelings among fans, Collingwood’s commitment to their long-term vision remains strong.
For St Kilda, the appointment of Harvey signals their intention to be a serious contender in the coming seasons. Having spent years as a key figure at Collingwood, Harvey’s vast experience and ability to read the game will likely be pivotal in helping the Saints unlock their full potential.
The AFL world will undoubtedly be watching closely as these two clubs continue their journeys under the guidance of their respective head coaches. With both teams looking to improve, the collaboration between McRae and Harvey could be one of the most intriguing subplots of the 2025 AFL season.
As for Robert Harvey, this next step in his coaching career could be the breakthrough he has been searching for, and many will be eager to see how his influence shapes the future of St Kilda Football Club.
Leave a Reply