Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Craig McRae revealed during a Fox Footy appearance on Monday night that his famous “give me players, not picks” statement did not reflect his personal list-building philosophy. The Collingwood Magpies coach said football boss Justin Leppitsch asked him to deliver the message publicly to help support a trade.
The statement followed the Collingwood Magpies’ failure to reach the 2024 AFL finals as defending premiers. Dan Houston, Harry Perryman and Tim Membrey subsequently joined the club during a busy off-season.
Elsewhere, Izak Rankine is driving the Adelaide Crows’ finals push as the AFL season approaches its closing rounds.
“I honestly haven’t spoken about this ever. I’ve just let it be out there for the narrative that’s been written about that quote. But that was never my agenda or philosophy,” Craig McRae said.
“Funnily enough, Justin Leppitsch asked me to say that publicly, so it would support a trade. But that’s so far from my philosophy or my want.”
Craig McRae said he preferred a balanced approach across trades, free agency and the draft. He believes each recruitment period must be judged on its own needs rather than through one fixed policy.
The Collingwood Magpies now hold their full set of draft selections and have room in their salary cap. The club’s official 2024 draft summary confirms the arrivals of Dan Houston, Harry Perryman and Tim Membrey.
Caroline Wilson described Craig McRae’s comments as “beyond the pale” and said tension existed between the coach and Justin Leppitsch. Tom Morris suggested the episode showed how far clubs might go publicly to assist trade talks.
The trade linked to the original statement remains unidentified. However, Craig McRae’s disclosure has placed fresh attention on decision-making inside the Collingwood Magpies.
