BREAKING NEWS: Former collingwood football head coach Mick Malthouse who now involved in ABC Radio sent a message to collingwood head coach craig Mcrae concerning….

In a moment that has stirred raw emotion and sparked serious reflection across the AFL world, former Collingwood Football Club head coach Mick Malthouse, now a veteran football analyst and respected commentator on ABC Radio, has sent a powerful, heartfelt message to current Magpies coach Craig McRae.

The message—described by insiders as part critique, part encouragement, and deeply personal—was reportedly delivered both privately and through subtle public remarks on air during a post-match analysis. Its contents have now begun circulating throughout AFL circles, igniting discussion from fans, ex-players, and media pundits alike.

At its core, Malthouse’s message speaks to the legacy, responsibility, and pressure that comes with coaching the mighty Collingwood Football Club, especially in the wake of their 2023 premiership victory and current challenges on and off the field.

“This Isn’t Just a Club—It’s a Nation”

Malthouse, who famously led Collingwood to its 2010 premiership and coached the club from 2000 to 2011, made it clear that his message to McRae came from a place of respect and concern, not criticism.

“I know what it’s like to wear that black-and-white polo week in and week out. It doesn’t just represent a football club—it represents a nation. A community of millions,” Malthouse said during his ABC Radio segment following Collingwood’s round 17 loss to Carlton. “Craig’s done an exceptional job, but the storm that comes after a flag is unlike anything else. It will test everything—your philosophy, your patience, and your people.”

Sources within the ABC confirmed that Malthouse followed up his public remarks with a personal letter to McRae. Though the letter has not been fully released, key portions have been leaked to AFL media, giving insight into the wisdom—and warning—it carried.

The Burden of Greatness

Malthouse’s message acknowledged the impressive rise of McRae, who took over the Magpies in 2022 and delivered a premiership in just his second season as senior coach. He praised McRae’s modern, player-first approach but offered a sobering reminder:

“After 2010, we thought we were building a dynasty. We had the best list, the best form. But success is fleeting, and even one wrong decision—on the list, in selection, in culture—can send you tumbling.”

He went on to reference the “premiership hangover” theory, something Collingwood has wrestled with throughout 2024 and 2025. While still a finals contender, the club has struggled with injuries, inconsistent form, and an increasing level of internal pressure.

“The media turns. Fans grow restless. Players feel the weight. You’re coaching with a target on your back now,” Malthouse warned. “This is when your leadership matters most—not when you’re winning, but when you’re weathering the storm.”

A Reflection on the Past

Malthouse also used the message to reflect on his own experiences at Collingwood, particularly the infamous 2011 transition saga, when club president Eddie McGuire orchestrated the handover to Nathan Buckley, leading to Malthouse’s controversial departure after a grand final appearance.

“I didn’t always handle things right. My own pride got in the way. I wanted to win more than I wanted to change,” Malthouse admitted. “But I learned, sometimes too late, that the legacy of a coach is not just built on wins—but how you guide the club through identity and adversity.”

Those words have resonated strongly across the AFL community. Footy analysts are calling Malthouse’s message one of the most honest reflections ever offered by a legendary coach to his successor.

Craig McRae Responds

When asked about the message in a press conference ahead of Collingwood’s clash with the Western Bulldogs, McRae smiled, visibly humbled.

“Mick’s a legend of our game. What he built here was phenomenal. I take his words with deep respect,” McRae said. “He knows what it’s like to carry this club through high times and hard ones. I’m grateful that he still cares enough to offer guidance.”

McRae acknowledged he had read the letter and confirmed he had spoken with Malthouse by phone.

“He didn’t pull any punches, but that’s Mick. He told me to trust my gut, stick with the people I believe in, and remember that premierships are earned every year—they’re never owed.”

A Cultural Legacy

Malthouse’s message also highlighted the importance of upholding Collingwood’s cultural identity, especially during a period of generational transition. With veterans like Scott Pendlebury nearing the end of their careers and a new wave of talent emerging—Nick Daicos, Josh Carmichael, Fin Macrae—the next era of Magpies is already forming.

“You’re not just building a team, Craig. You’re building the next 10 years. What you teach these boys now will be the foundation for the club they one day lead,” Malthouse wrote.

Fans have taken particular notice of this line, with many praising Malthouse for keeping the spirit of the club front and center in the modern game—where analytics, tactics, and media narratives often overshadow values like loyalty, resilience, and tradition.

The Broader Reaction

Across Melbourne, the footy world has erupted in response. Current and former players have weighed in on social media and in interviews, lauding Malthouse for showing leadership long after retirement.

Luke Ball, a former Collingwood midfielder under Malthouse, said:

“That’s what separates Mick from others—he still feels the game. He doesn’t just talk footy; he lives it. Craig will benefit massively from this.”

Daisy Thomas, another former player, tweeted:

“Mick didn’t always say what we wanted to hear. But he always said what we needed. Big respect.”

On radio and television, commentators have praised the interaction as a rare moment of inter-generational mentorship, something often missing in high-pressure coaching environments.

What’s Next for Collingwood?

With the Magpies still within reach of a top-four finish and expected to regain key players in the final rounds of the season, the pressure remains firmly on McRae to rediscover the club’s championship form.

Malthouse’s message may have arrived at the perfect time—not as a warning of doom, but as a reminder that resilience, clarity, and connection to the club’s roots can be just as powerful as any game plan.

As one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“When a legend like Mick Malthouse writes to your coach, it’s not interference—it’s Collingwood looking after its own.”

Final Thoughts

In the often cold and calculated world of modern AFL, where contracts, statistics, and media cycles dominate, Mick Malthouse’s message to Craig McRae has offered a moment of authenticity and heart. It’s a reminder that behind every clipboard, whistle, and halftime speech is a deeper story—one that stretches back through generations and touches millions of fans.

Malthouse may no longer pace the boundary line at the MCG, but his influence, wisdom, and care for Collingwood Football Club remain etched in the foundation of the club’s identity.