Collingwood Magpies Coach Craig McRae Signals Major List Overhaul After Brisbane Lions’ Success
Collingwood Magpies senior coach Craig McRae has delivered a stark message to the club’s playing group and supporters following the completion of the club’s post-season evaluation phase. In a candid interview, McRae admitted that witnessing the sustained success of the Brisbane Lions has prompted deep reflection, leading him to conclude that it is time to part ways with several Collingwood players who no longer align with the club’s long-term vision or deliver the consistent performance required at the elite level.
“The evaluation phase is complete. Witnessing the success of the Brisbane Lions has taught me a lot. I realize it’s time to let go of Collingwood Magpies players who don’t fit the club’s goals and aren’t delivering the required performance,” McRae emphasized. He went further, revealing that five players will definitely be moved on this summer as the Magpies look to refresh their list and build a squad capable of challenging for premiership glory in the years ahead.
The comments come at a pivotal moment for Collingwood. The Magpies have remained competitive under McRae, reaching preliminary finals in recent seasons, but fell short once again when they faced the Lions in the 2025 finals series. Brisbane’s back-to-back premierships in 2024 and 2025, capped by a dominant grand final victory over Geelong, have set a new benchmark in the competition. Their blend of ruthless efficiency, youthful dynamism, and structural cohesion has clearly left an impression on McRae, who has used the Lions’ model as a lens through which to assess his own roster.
For McRae, the evaluation was not merely about individual statistics but about how players fit into the broader system. The Lions have demonstrated the value of having every member of the squad pulling in the same direction, with high levels of contested ball wins, forward pressure, and defensive accountability. In contrast, Collingwood’s list shows signs of aging in key areas and inconsistencies in others, prompting the coach to prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term sentiment.
Sources close to the club indicate that the five players targeted for departure include a mix of established stars and veterans whose contracts are either expiring or up for review. While McRae stopped short of naming names publicly, the list is understood to feature some of the Magpies’ most recognizable and previously important figures. These are players who have contributed significantly in the past but whose output has plateaued or whose skill sets no longer match the evolving demands of modern AFL football.
Veterans such as Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom, both entering their later career stages, have been pillars of the club for nearly two decades. Pendlebury’s leadership and experience remain invaluable for mentoring younger players, yet questions linger about his capacity to maintain the physical intensity required week in, week out. Sidebottom continues to set personal bests in training, but the club must balance respect for their legacies with the need to inject fresh legs and speed into the midfield.
Other names frequently mentioned in trade speculation include Jack Crisp, Jeremy Howe, and Tim Membrey. Crisp has been a reliable midfielder, but Collingwood’s recent struggles in centre clearances and contested possessions highlight the need for greater dynamism in the engine room. Howe’s intercept marking and rebound ability are still assets, though recurring calf issues have limited his reliability. Membrey, brought in to bolster the forward line, has shown glimpses but must prove he can consistently deliver in a high-pressure environment.
The decision to offload players is never easy, particularly when it involves household names who have worn the black and white with distinction. McRae acknowledged the emotional weight of these choices, noting that loyalty and gratitude for past contributions remain important. However, he stressed that sentiment cannot override the club’s ambitions. “We owe it to our supporters and to the players who are committed to the long-term plan to make the tough calls,” he said.
This overhaul aligns with Collingwood’s recent list management strategy. In the lead-up to 2026, the club delisted several players including premiership contributor Oleg Markov, Charlie Dean, Ash Johnson, and Finlay Macrae. They also allowed key forward Brody Mihocek and ruckman Mason Cox to explore opportunities elsewhere, with Mihocek eventually moving to Melbourne. Trades brought in fresh talent such as Jack Buller from Sydney, while the draft added promising youngsters like Tyan Prindable, Sam Swadling, Zac McCarthy, and Angus Anderson.
The injection of youth is already noticeable. McRae has spoken positively about the “wow” factor shown by some draftees in pre-season training, and the list is reportedly younger heading into 2026. Players like Ned Long and Roan Steele have taken significant steps forward, offering the kind of athleticism and upside that mirrors the Lions’ successful model. Emerging talents in the backline and midfield are being groomed to take on larger roles, reducing reliance on veterans who may struggle with the increasing pace and physicality of the game.
Financial considerations also play a role. By freeing up salary cap space—through earlier moves such as paying out portions of contracts like Brodie Grundy’s—the Magpies have positioned themselves to pursue high-value targets in future trade periods or free agency. Speculation has linked Collingwood to players like Zak Butters, Ben King, or Zac Bailey, though securing such stars would require careful negotiation and the creation of additional list spots.
McRae’s approach reflects a broader shift in AFL list management. Successful clubs like Brisbane have shown that sustained success comes from continual evolution rather than resting on past achievements. The Lions’ ability to integrate young stars such as Will Ashcroft while maintaining a strong core has allowed them to dominate. Collingwood, having tasted premiership success under McRae in 2023, now faces the challenge of rebuilding momentum without slipping into mediocrity.
Supporters may feel a sense of unease as familiar faces potentially depart, but McRae has urged patience and trust in the process. “This is about building something that can compete consistently at the top,” he explained. “We’ve learned from the best, and now we’re applying those lessons to make Collingwood stronger.”
The upcoming trade period and draft will be critical. With five confirmed departures, Collingwood will have opportunities to reshape their midfield, forward structure, and defensive depth. The club’s recent rule changes allowing greater flexibility in trading future picks could also prove advantageous, enabling bolder moves if the right opportunities arise.
As the 2026 season progresses, McRae will be judged not only on results on the field but on how effectively he executes this transition. Early signs suggest the Magpies are committed to a more youthful, energetic brand of football. Struggles in areas like contested possessions and forward efficiency in recent matches against strong opponents, including losses to Brisbane, have only reinforced the need for change.
Ultimately, McRae’s message is one of realism and ambition. By letting go of players who no longer fit, Collingwood aims to create space for those who can drive the club forward. The Brisbane Lions have set the standard; now the Magpies must rise to meet it. For a proud club with a passionate fan base, this summer’s list purge represents both an ending and a new beginning—one that could define the next chapter in Collingwood’s storied history.
