‘Cheeky’ McRae vows to be a better role model after Giants incident

Collingwood coach Craig McRae says his sideline interaction with a GWS player was a bad look for the game, and has vowed to become a better role model.

McRae escaped sanction from the AFL but was given an official warning for saying “well done” to Toby Bedford after the Giants tagger gave away a free kick in Collingwood’s 52-point loss on Sunday.

GWS coach Adam Kingsley immediately exchanged words with McRae after seeing the incident.

The AFL launched an investigation before confirming no further action would be taken against McRae.

The 2023 premiership coach expressed his regret about the incident when he fronted the media on Wednesday.

“I’m cheeky. I’ve got a great relationship with Kingers [Kingsley], so I have a bit of banter with Kingers,” McRae said.

“But then I realised really quickly [it was wrong], particularly when my wife tells me the next day, ‘You can’t do that Craig.’

“And I understand for the look of the game it’s not what we wanted, for the AFL or for young coaches aspiring to be more than that.

“I apologise for that. I don’t think it’s good for the game.”

McRae said he needed to stand up for his players in a more measured way.

“I love to protect our players. But there’s a level in there that’s within the role model that I want to be,” he said.

“I stand here with great values and morals, and I want to represent us, our players, really well.”

McRae worked alongside Kingsley as an assistant coach at Richmond, saying they were friends who had great respect for each other.

But when the question was put to McRae that the bigger issue was his interaction with an opposition player rather than Kingsley, he was less forthcoming.

“I think I’ve made enough comments about that. I think we’re all good with that, aren’t we?” McRae said.

“I take responsibility for all my actions. I want to be a good role model.”

The AFL has been quick to crack down on coaches confronting rival players.

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley was fined $20,000 last year for his heated exchange with Hawthorn players during the finals.

The Magpies will be aiming to bounce back from their insipid loss to the Giants when they host the Power at the MCG on Saturday night.

Josh Daicos (ankle) and Jeremy Howe (knee) are in doubt to play, while Jordan De Goey is still unavailable while he builds up his fitness.

Ruckman Mason Cox has been cleared to play after recovering from a finger injury.

AAP