🆁 █☰ ▞▚ 🅺 █ ▛▟ 🅶 ░B░R░E░A░K░I░N░G ░B░R░E░A░ 🅱🆁🅴🅰🅺SHOCKING ANNOUNCEMENT: In the Wake of a Deeply Personal Revelation from Collingwood Head Coach Craig McRae and His Wife Gabrielle McRae, Shared News Regarding Their Personal Circumstances, Prompting a Wave of Empathy and Encouragement Across the AFL. In a Brief Statement, The Couple Thank’s Supporters For their Kindness and Support Through out Their Marriage Even Though McRae Insist On Idea Of Taking Another Wife Due to….

In a move that has sent ripples through the Australian Football League community, Collingwood Magpies head coach Craig McRae and his wife, Gabrielle, have issued a candid and heartfelt statement about their marriage. The couple, married since 2022, revealed details of their personal journey that have left fans, players, and fellow coaches reeling with a mix of surprise, support, and overwhelming empathy. What began as a private reflection on family life has ignited a broader conversation about love, commitment, and the pressures of public life in the high-stakes world of AFL.

The announcement, shared via a brief but poignant social media post from the McRae family account, comes at a time when McRae—now in his fourth season at the helm of the Magpies—has been navigating both professional triumphs and personal milestones. “We want to thank everyone who has been part of our story,” the statement read. “Through the highs of premiership glory and the quiet moments of building a family, your kindness has meant the world to us. As we continue to grow together, we ask for understanding and space during this time.”

At the heart of the revelation is McRae’s insistence on exploring the idea of taking another wife—a concept rooted in a desire to expand their family in unconventional ways amid the coach’s demanding schedule and Gabrielle’s own reflections on their blended family dynamic. McRae, a father of three daughters from previous relationships and now a proud dad to two-year-old Maggie (born dramatically on the morning of Collingwood’s 2023 premiership win), has long spoken openly about balancing his “44 sons” on the field with his home life. Sources close to the couple say the discussion emerged from late-night conversations about legacy, love, and the evolving nature of their partnership, especially after Gabrielle’s transformative pep talks helped steer McRae through Collingwood’s rocky 2022 season.

“It’s not about dissatisfaction—far from it,” a family friend told AFL Insider on condition of anonymity. “Craig and Gabby have built something beautiful, but with his all-consuming role at the club, they’ve been honest about what their future might look like. It’s brave, it’s raw, and it’s prompted some deep soul-searching for both of them.”

The AFL world wasted no time in rallying around the McRaes. Tributes poured in from across the league, with Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan—McRae’s former mentor and premiership teammate—posting: “Craig’s courage in sharing this reminds us all that behind the whistle, we’re just people navigating life’s curveballs. Sending love to you both. #FamilyFirst.” Collingwood captain Darcy Moore echoed the sentiment, calling McRae “a leader on and off the field” and praising the couple’s “unwavering honesty.”

Even rivals joined the chorus. Essendon coach Brad Scott, known for his no-nonsense style, shared a simple message: “Empathy over judgment. The footy family has your back, McRaes.” Social media lit up with #SupportTheMcRaes trending nationwide, as fans shared stories of their own marital challenges and celebrated the couple’s vulnerability. One viral post from a Melbourne supporter read: “From grand final babies to grand gestures—Craig and Gabby are redefining what it means to be AFL strong.”

McRae’s tenure at Collingwood has been nothing short of transformative. Appointed in 2021 amid a turbulent period for the club, he led the Magpies to a drought-breaking flag in 2023, announcing Maggie’s birth to a roaring MCG crowd just hours after the four-point thriller against Brisbane. Yet, the coach has never shied away from the personal toll. In a 2024 interview, he confessed to struggling with work-life balance, joking about still searching for “five minutes to not be the Collingwood coach.” Gabrielle, a steadfast presence at games and a key voice in his decision-making, has been credited with pivotal moments—like her post-loss rallying cry in 2022 that sparked the team’s resurgence.

This latest chapter, however, marks a departure from the fairy-tale narratives. Insiders speculate that McRae’s idea stems partly from cultural explorations during off-season travels and a broader desire to honor Gabrielle’s wishes for a larger, more extended family unit. “It’s about evolving together, not ending,” the friend added. “They’re committed to counseling and open dialogue, and the club is fully supportive.”

Collingwood officials released a statement affirming their backing: “Craig is more than our coach—he’s a pillar of our community. We respect the McRaes’ privacy and stand ready to support them through whatever comes next.” No timeline has been set for further updates, but the couple hinted at a family-focused holiday to process the road ahead.

As the dust settles on this shocking yet sincere disclosure, one thing is clear: the McRaes have once again humanized the AFL spotlight. In a league where triumphs are measured in points and premierships, their story underscores that the real wins happen in the heart. From the terraces to the boardrooms, the wave of encouragement serves as a reminder—love, like footy, is a team sport.