In a moment that has sparked debate across the AFL world, legendary former Collingwood coach and current commentator Mick Malthouse has publicly addressed Collingwood head coach Craig McRae with what he calls “a word of wisdom—born from the black and white trenches.” The message, delivered during a special broadcast on AFL 360 this week, comes amidst a season marked by inconsistency, injury woes, and mounting pressure on the reigning premiers.
While Malthouse stopped short of outright criticism, his carefully chosen words have ignited conversation around coaching legacy, leadership, and whether McRae’s current approach is sustainable for the long haul.
“Craig is a smart coach and a good man,” Malthouse said. “But there comes a point in every season where you’ve got to ask: are we coaching for today or for September? That’s a question I’d urge him to think about very carefully.”
A Tale of Two Magpie Eras
Malthouse, who coached Collingwood from 2000 to 2011—including to their memorable 2010 premiership—knows firsthand the weight of the black and white guernsey. His tenure was defined by gritty, defensive footy, steely discipline, and a team-first mentality that often put pragmatism above flair.
Craig McRae, in contrast, has brought a fresh, attacking philosophy to the club since taking the helm in 2022. Under his leadership, the Magpies returned to premiership glory in 2023, ending a 13-year drought. His player-focused culture and emotional intelligence have drawn praise across the league, with many labeling him the “modern coach for a modern game.”
But in 2025, McRae’s Magpies have struggled to find consistency. Injuries to key players like Darcy Moore and Jordan De Goey, defensive lapses, and fourth-quarter fadeouts have plagued their campaign. As the club sits mid-table heading into the bye rounds, concerns are growing among fans and former players alike.
That’s where Malthouse comes in.
The Message: Measured but Meaningful
During the AFL 360 special on Wednesday night, co-host Gerard Whateley prompted Malthouse for his take on Collingwood’s current form slump. While Malthouse acknowledged the challenges of coaching in an injury-riddled season, he didn’t mince words when asked what he’d tell McRae privately.
“I’d say this: there’s a difference between connection and complacency,” Malthouse said. “Loving your players doesn’t mean you don’t hold them accountable. And being modern doesn’t mean forgetting what wins finals—hardness, pressure, and structure.”
He continued:
“We’re in an era where coaches are expected to be psychologists, mentors, strategists, and entertainers. But when the game is on the line, it still comes down to contested footy and your defensive system. That never changes.”
Though Malthouse emphasized he wasn’t “taking aim,” his remarks were interpreted by many as a subtle warning to McRae not to veer too far from the fundamentals that built the club’s identity.
McRae Responds with Grace
Within hours of the segment airing, McRae was asked about Malthouse’s comments during his weekly press conference. True to form, the Collingwood coach responded with measured poise.
“I have great respect for Mick and what he achieved at this club,” McRae said. “I listen to feedback and always reflect on what we can do better. At the same time, I’m clear on our direction, and I back our group.”
He added:
“Pressure is part of the job. Our players and staff are working incredibly hard to turn things around, and I have full belief we’ll finish the season strongly.”
The response drew praise from footy commentators and supporters alike, with many applauding McRae’s maturity and refusal to get drawn into controversy.
Reactions Around the AFL
Unsurprisingly, Malthouse’s comments have sparked widespread reaction across the AFL community.
Former Magpies captain Nick Maxwell came to McRae’s defense on SEN Radio, saying:
“Craig’s built a culture players believe in. He’s brought out the best in a group that was written off two years ago. Mick has his views, and he’s earned the right to share them, but let’s not forget how far this team has come under Fly.”
Conversely, former Essendon great Tim Watson backed Malthouse’s call for a “return to fundamentals.”
“You can’t play free-flowing footy in finals if you haven’t earned the right with your pressure game. Mick’s not having a go—he’s reminding us what’s required when the whips are cracking.”
On social media, fan responses were mixed. Some saw Malthouse’s remarks as constructive advice from a revered club figure. Others interpreted them as unnecessary interference that could add pressure to an already scrutinized coaching group.
A History of Friction?
Though publicly respectful, Malthouse and McRae represent two very different Collingwood eras. And while there’s no documented personal rift, it’s no secret that Malthouse has occasionally clashed with modern coaching methods and the AFL’s shifting culture over the past decade.
Some insiders speculate that Malthouse’s comments reflect a deeper tension between traditionalist coaching philosophies and the modern, emotionally intelligent approach embraced by leaders like McRae, Simon Goodwin, and Chris Fagan.
Footy writer Rohan Connolly weighed in on Twitter:
“Classic Malthouse—blunt but not without reason. There’s room in this game for both old-school grit and modern connection. Maybe that’s what Collingwood needs most: a balance.”
Looking Ahead
As Collingwood prepares for a crucial stretch post-bye—with games against Geelong, Carlton, and Brisbane looming—the heat is very much on McRae and his coaching team to respond. A strong second half of the season could quiet critics and reignite premiership hopes. A continued slide, however, would inevitably raise louder questions.
Whether Malthouse’s comments are a spark for change or simply a ripple in the media cycle remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: when a club legend speaks, the football world listens.
Final Thoughts
Mick Malthouse’s message to Craig McRae is more than just a veteran coach speaking his mind. It reflects a broader conversation about what leadership looks like in today’s AFL—about where old-school toughness meets new-school trust.
As the Collingwood faithful hold their breath, one can only hope that the team finds the clarity and resilience to march forward—guided by both the wisdom of the past and the promise of the present.