Craig McRae Acknowledges Overstepping the Mark in ‘Cheeky’ Sideline Dispute

Collingwood’s coach Craig McRae has acknowledged that his remarks from the sidelines regarding GWS player Toby Bedford crossed a line.

During Sunday’s opening round match, where the Giants triumphed over the Magpies by 52 points, McRae and GWS coach Adam Kingsley found themselves in a heated sideline confrontation.

While McRae was issued an official warning by the AFL, he was ultimately cleared of any serious misconduct after the incident was captured by live television broadcasts.

The AFL reminded both coaches that matchday conduct should always be “professionally managed.”

With both McRae and Kingsley positioned on the sidelines rather than in their coaches’ boxes during the game, it was reported that McRae shouted towards the Giants’ bench after Bedford committed a 50-metre penalty while tightly marking Pies forward Nick Daicos.

Kingsley responded to McRae’s remarks with a pointed gesture and raised his voice before McRae regrouped, turning away and taking a seat.

Reflecting on the incident and his friendship with Kingsley, McRae conceded that the display was not representative of the game’s ethos.

“I’m just being cheeky… I’ve got a good rapport with Kingers (Kingsley),” he mentioned to the media on Wednesday.

“I was having a bit of fun with him, but I quickly realised that wasn’t appropriate, especially when my wife pointed it out the next morning, saying, ‘Craig, you can’t do that.’

“I understand that this isn’t the image we want to project for the game, for the AFL, or for aspiring young coaches,” he added.

“At times, I get too cheeky, and I sincerely apologise for that.”

When a reporter queried what was wrong with two old friends enjoying light-hearted banter, McRae clarified that it is inappropriate for coaches to target opposition players, regardless of the competitive level, as it could escalate into something more significant.

“I don’t believe that’s beneficial for the game,” he remarked.

“My daughter plays Under 10s at Williamstown, and if her coach acted like that towards other players, I’d definitely be questioning their behaviour.”

“I can be playful with Kingsley during the week, but I hold a responsibility for the game.”

While McRae expressed his commitment to protecting his players, he also desires to be an exemplary role model and acknowledged that he needed to perform better on this occasion.

“I want to safeguard our players, but my responsibility as a role model matters too,” he explained.

“I uphold strong values and ethics, aiming to represent our players and the club to the best of my ability.

“There will come a time when I’m no longer in this role, so I realise I have a chance for a broader impact here.

“I had a conversation with Laura (Kane) about this and offered my apologies, saying, ‘I recognise I crossed a line, but it was just two mates who respect one another. I understand that I need to enhance my accountability in the game.’

Next up for Collingwood is a clash against Port Adelaide this Saturday night.