“USELESS” — Head coach Craig McRae angrily pointed out the THREE WORST PLAYERS on the team after today’s 119-65 loss to the Brisbane Lions.

In one of the most scathing post-match outbursts in recent Collingwood history, Magpies head coach Craig McRae did not hold back as he addressed his players and the media following a humiliating 54-point defeat to the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Thursday night. The final score read Brisbane 17.17 (119) to Collingwood 10.5 (65), a result that exposed deep vulnerabilities in the Pies’ lineup and left McRae visibly furious.

McRae, usually measured and optimistic even in defeat, unleashed a rare display of raw anger in the coaches’ box and later in the dressing room. According to multiple sources close to the club, he singled out three specific players, labeling their performances as “useless” and demanding immediate accountability. While he stopped short of naming them publicly in the press conference, insiders confirmed the trio included players who failed dramatically in key areas: contested ball, defensive structure, and forward pressure.

The loss was comprehensive from the opening bounce. Brisbane, missing several key personnel due to injury, still dominated proceedings, winning the contested ball 131-93 and stoppages 42-24. The Lions swarmed the contest with relentless pressure, particularly in the forward half, while Collingwood struggled to transition from defense to attack. McRae later admitted his side was “outplayed for most of the night,” but his private comments were far more pointed.

“Some of you were absolutely useless out there tonight,” McRae reportedly told the group. “Three of you let the entire team down with your lack of effort, poor decision-making, and inability to compete at the level required. This is not acceptable for a Collingwood side.”

The defeat came without superstar midfielder Nick Daicos, who was a late withdrawal with a corked calf. McRae had hoped Daicos would play after managing the injury throughout the week, but the champion’s absence was keenly felt. Scott Pendlebury, battling a minor Achilles issue, is expected to return for Gather Round, but even the veteran’s potential inclusion cannot mask the broader issues McRae highlighted.

Collingwood’s usually reliable aerial strength was brutally exposed. The Lions won the majority of one-on-one contests in the air, turning the Pies’ forward line into a wasteland for long periods. Dan McStay kicked four goals for Collingwood in a lone bright spot, but the rest of the forward setup struggled against Brisbane’s disciplined defense. Meanwhile, the Magpies’ backline leaked goals at an alarming rate, particularly in the final quarter when Brisbane piled on 40 points to seal the result.

McRae’s frustration stems from a pattern that has lingered since the end of last season. Collingwood entered the match with a respectable 2-1 record but looked a shadow of the competitive unit that has challenged for premierships in recent years. The coach emphasized that the team had invited pressure through excessive handballing and poor stoppage work, areas Brisbane exploited mercilessly.

In the post-match media conference, McRae was more diplomatic but still conveyed his disappointment. “We got exposed tonight,” he said. “The aerials, normally one of our great strengths, we got exposed. They were just swarming to the next contest. There’s a lot of stuff right in front of us we can fix really quickly and we need to get to work on that.”

He refused to use Daicos’ absence as an excuse, stressing that the team must perform regardless of individual availability. “You win the ball, you’re out, you’re gone. You don’t? Good luck,” McRae added, underscoring the brutal reality of modern AFL football where contested possession often decides games.

The three players targeted by McRae are understood to have been key figures expected to provide leadership and grunt. Their failure to impact the contest in meaningful ways — whether through tackles, spoils, or clean disposals — reportedly left the coach seething. One insider described the dressing room atmosphere as “tense,” with McRae demanding that those individuals “look themselves in the mirror” before the next training session.

This heavy loss arrives at a critical juncture for Collingwood. The club has invested heavily in its list and coaching staff, with McRae entering what many see as a make-or-break period. Supporters, known for their passionate backing, will be demanding a swift response when the Magpies face Fremantle in Gather Round at Adelaide Oval.

Brisbane, on the other hand, celebrated a statement victory. Despite being undermanned, the Lions flexed their premiership credentials under coach Chris Fagan. Key contributors included standout performances from players like Lohmann (four goals), Morris, and Allen, who combined to dismantle Collingwood’s structure. The win moves Brisbane further up the ladder and signals they remain genuine contenders in 2026.

For McRae, the immediate priority is rebuilding confidence and addressing the specific deficiencies he identified. Training this week is expected to be intense, with a strong focus on contested situations, defensive cohesion, and forward connection. The coach has a reputation for getting honest responses from his players, and this latest tirade may serve as the catalyst for a turnaround.

Yet questions remain about the Magpies’ depth and resilience without their star midfielders firing. Nick Daicos’ calf is expected to improve with a short break, but repeated soft-tissue concerns could linger. The team’s reliance on a handful of elite talents has been a talking point for seasons, and Thursday’s collapse only amplified those concerns.

Collingwood fans have grown accustomed to highs and lows under McRae, from grand final appearances to periods of inconsistency. This latest defeat, however, feels different — not just because of the margin, but because of the uncharacteristic public and private fury from a coach who typically prefers calm analysis over emotional outbursts.

As the Magpies prepare for their next assignment, the message from McRae is clear: mediocrity and “useless” performances will not be tolerated. The three players named in his angry assessment now face the challenge of proving their worth or risking their spots in a competitive senior side.

The AFL season is long, and one heavy loss does not define a campaign. But for Craig McRae and the Collingwood Magpies, Thursday night at the Gabba served as a brutal wake-up call. How they respond in the coming weeks will determine whether this result becomes a footnote or the start of a deeper slump. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on those who fell short when the team needed them most.