Collingwood coach Craig McRae’s baby news ahead of AFL Grand Final

Collingwood coach Craig McRae has another reason to celebrate as he tries to lead the Magpies to AFL premiership glory.

The Herald Sun reports McRae and his wife Gabrielle are set to welcome their first child around mid October.

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McRae, 50, married Gabrielle last year and the couple celebrated together in the rooms following Collingwood’s thrilling one-point win over GWS in the preliminary final.

The Magpies coach has two daughters, Charlie and Chelsea, from his first marriage.

As a player, McRae won three AFL premierships as part of Brisbane’s all-conquering side in 2001-2003, but he’ll be hoping to beat his former team on Grand Final day.

The Magpies are favourites to beat the Brisbane Lions, who defeated Carlton in the other preliminary final to book their first Grand Final berth since 2004.

It’s all happening for Craig McRae at the moment. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)Source: Getty ImagesCraig McRae and wife Gabrielle at the 2022 Brownlow Medal. Photo: Alice CosterSource: SuppliedCraig McRae and wife Gabrielle celebrate during Collingwood’s preliminary final win over the GWS Giants. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)Source: Getty ImagesThe Pies coach in the rooms with daughter Charlie. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

He’s not the only Magpie expecting some baby joy soon after the Grand Final.

Collingwood stalwart Jack Crisp revealed his wife Mikayla is 38 weeks pregnant with their third child, but has been given her blessing to play in Saturday’s Grand Final.

“Just need to go check on my wife and make sure she hasn’t gone into labour,” Crisp joked on Channel 7 after Collingwood held on against the Giants.

“We’ve got a scan on Monday, we’ll see what happens,” said Crisp, who holds the record for the most games played in a row by a current AFL player (212)

“We’ve got family down anyway. It’s Mickey’s idea not to miss. I’ll be playing next week.”

Collingwood are aiming to win their first premiership since 2010.