Collingwood Shortlists Cornelius Ingram and David Teague to Replace Craig McRae After Emotional Exit
The Collingwood Football Club has moved swiftly to address one of the most significant leadership voids in its modern history, shortlisting two experienced AFL coaches โ Cornelius Ingram, former Hawthorn head coach, and David Teague, ex-Carlton coach โ as the leading candidates to succeed Craig McRae.
The decision follows McRaeโs heartbreaking announcement of his immediate retirement from coaching after being diagnosed with leukemia, a condition that has required surgery and forced him to accept medical advice to step away from the profession he loves. His departure has not only shaken the Collingwood faithful but also left the broader AFL community in shock.
McRaeโs Courageous Goodbye
McRaeโs sudden exit came as an emotional blow to Collingwood. Known affectionately as โFly,โ he guided the Magpies to a premiership and re-established them as a powerhouse of the AFL. His open and courageous acknowledgment of his health struggles drew admiration across the sporting landscape.
In announcing his retirement, McRae explained that his doctors had advised him to prioritize his long-term health over the relentless demands of elite coaching. โItโs the toughest decision of my life,โ he said. โBut I want to live many more years with my family, and I cannot do that if I ignore my bodyโs warnings.โ
The Magpies, who admired his honesty and unwavering leadership, have vowed to honor his legacy by ensuring stability during the transition period. President Jeff Browne described McRaeโs contribution as โimmeasurable,โ noting that โhe brought heart, vision, and belief to Collingwood, and we will carry that forward.โ
The Search for a Successor
While the club continues to rally around McRae and his family, Collingwoodโs football department knows the AFL season waits for no one. With preseason planning looming, the Magpies have moved to identify a successor who can sustain their winning culture while also guiding a squad with premiership ambitions.
After a rapid but thorough review process, the shortlist has been narrowed to two candidates: Cornelius Ingram and David Teague.
Cornelius Ingram: The Tactical Reformer
Cornelius Ingram, remembered for his tenure at Hawthorn, has built a reputation as a tactical innovator. While his time as senior coach ended prematurely, he has remained deeply involved in football as an assistant and consultant. Ingram is highly respected for his ability to modernize game plans and foster disciplined defensive structures.
For Collingwood, Ingramโs biggest appeal lies in his reputation as a reformer who thrives in rebuilding and recalibrating teams. Analysts argue that he could add sharper edges to the Magpiesโ style of play, particularly in contested situations and midfield rotations.
A source close to the club explained: โCornelius is a detail-driven operator. He knows how to structure a squad to get the best out of its role players. With Collingwood already a top-tier contender, his tactical mind could give them the 2โ3% edge needed in finals.โ
Critics, however, point out that Ingram has not been a head coach for several years and faces the challenge of stepping back into the most scrutinized job in football. Yet, his renewed hunger to prove himself and his strong rapport with younger players make him a compelling choice.
David Teague: The Playerโs Coach
On the other side of the shortlist is David Teague, the former Carlton coach who built a reputation as one of the most empathetic and player-focused leaders in the AFL. Although his tenure at Carlton ended in disappointment, Teague earned widespread respect for his communication skills and ability to build close relationships with his players.
Teague has since spent time as an assistant coach across several clubs, gaining valuable experience away from the pressures of the senior role. Many insiders now believe he is ready for a second opportunity to lead.
For Collingwood, Teagueโs appeal lies in his emotional intelligence and his capacity to stabilize a club during a period of grief and transition. In the wake of McRaeโs departure, the Magpies may prioritize a coach who can protect player morale and foster unity.
โTeague has always been known as a โplayerโs coach,โโ said one AFL pundit. โCollingwood has the talent to contend โ what they need is someone who can hold the group together emotionally, and thatโs Teagueโs strength.โ
Balancing Legacy and Future Ambition
The choice between Ingram and Teague highlights Collingwoodโs dilemma: do they double down on tactical innovation with Ingram, or embrace emotional stability and cultural cohesion with Teague?
Collingwoodโs board and football committee are said to be weighing these factors carefully. They are acutely aware that replacing a figure as beloved as Craig McRae is not merely about wins and losses but about preserving the fabric of the club.
The appointment, expected in the coming weeks, will also shape how Collingwood approaches its list management and development strategy. With a talented core group in their prime and a crop of emerging stars, the Magpies are determined to remain competitive at the top level.
Support for McRae Continues
Throughout the transition, Collingwood has pledged to keep McRae closely involved in the clubโs culture, even if not in a coaching capacity. Players and staff have been united in expressing their support for him. Several senior players visited him in hospital following his surgery, while fans have launched campaigns to celebrate his achievements.
Club captain Darcy Moore summed up the mood: โWeโre devastated to lose Fly as our coach, but weโre grateful for everything heโs given us. More importantly, we want him to focus on his health and family. Weโll keep playing in his spirit.โ
Looking Ahead
As Collingwood faces this unprecedented moment, the choice between Cornelius Ingram and David Teague carries enormous weight. Both men represent different strengths and pathways, but either would inherit a squad capable of contending for silverware.
For now, the football world watches closely, aware that this appointment is not just about replacing a coach but about charting the Magpiesโ direction for years to come.
Craig McRaeโs courageous departure has left an unfillable emotional void, but the club he shaped with resilience and belief is determined to honor him by rising again. Whoever takes the reins โ whether the tactical Ingram or the empathetic Teague โ will be charged with carrying forward a legacy built on courage, unity, and an unshakeable love for the game.
