Craig McRae Family : Parents, Wife and Children

Craig McRae began his football career with Glenelg Football Club in the SANFL, playing from 1993 to 1994. In his time there, he made 41 appearances and kicked 59 goals, showcasing his talent as a forward.

In the 1994 AFL Draft, McRae was picked up by the Brisbane Bears as the 22nd overall selection. He made an immediate impact in his debut season in 1995, kicking two goals in his first game and playing every match that year.

 Known for his long-range goal-kicking, relentless tackling, and ability to capitalize on opportunities created by taller players, McRae quickly established himself as a valuable asset to the team. He played for the Bears until 1996, finishing with 39 games and 56 goals before the club merged to become the Brisbane Lions.

Craig McRae Family and Parents

Craig McRae, born on September 22, 1973, in South Australia, has had a distinguished career in Australian rules football, both as a player and a coach.McRae has spoken about his father's influence on his life and career. 

In an interview, he became emotional discussing his father's experiences and the impact they had on him, especially in relation to an inspiring speech he delivered on Anzac Day in 2023. 
7NEWS

While McRae is open about certain aspects of his personal life, detailed information about his parents remains private. His journey reflects a balance between his professional achievements and personal experiences, highlighting the significant role of family in his life.

Craig McRae Wife

Craig McRae has been married twice. He has a daughter from his first marriage and another from a previous relationship. In 2022, he tied the knot with Gabrielle, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Maggie, on the morning of the 2023 AFL Grand Final—a moment that made an already special day even more unforgettable.

How many kids does Craig McRae have?

Craig McRae has three daughters. one from his first marriage, another from a previous relationship, and his youngest daughter, Maggie, whom he welcomed with his wife Gabrielle in 2023.

What position did Craig McRae play?

Craig McRae played as a small forward during his AFL career. He was known for his goal-scoring ability, forward pressure, and tackling, making him a key player for the Brisbane Bears and later the Brisbane Lions.

Craig McRae Professional Career

Craig McRae’s football journey started with Glenelg Football Club in the SANFL, where he played from 1993 to 1994. His impressive performances earned him a spot in the 1994 AFL Draft, where he was selected 22nd overall by the Brisbane Bears. 

He made an immediate impact in his debut season in 1995, playing every game. When the Bears merged with Fitzroy in 1997 to form the Brisbane Lions, McRae became a key part of their forward line.

As a small forward, he was known for his goal-scoring ability, fierce tackling, and sharp instincts around the contest. His efforts played a vital role in Brisbane’s dominance in the early 2000s, helping the team win three consecutive AFL Premierships in 2001, 2002, and 2003. By the time he retired in 2004, he had played 195 games and kicked 232 goals, leaving behind a strong legacy.

After retiring, McRae transitioned into coaching, taking on development and assistant coaching roles at several AFL clubs. He worked as the Head of Development at Richmond (2010–2016), briefly assisted Collingwood in 2011, and later joined the Brisbane Lions (2017–2020) in a similar role. 

In 2021, he moved to Hawthorn as a Senior Assistant Coach. His coaching career took a significant leap in 2022 when he was appointed head coach of Collingwood. In just his second season, he led the club to an AFL Premiership in 2023, marking a remarkable achievement in his coaching career.