Tears, ‘goosebumps’ as Pies relive Grand Final win at Hoyts film premiere

The baby daughter of Collingwood coach Craig McRae was joined by the team’s stars at the inner sanctum screening of the Pies’ premiership documentary Take The Steps on Wednesday night.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae relived some of his greatest moments of 2023 as the club launched its premiership documentary called Take The Steps on Wednesday night.

McRae brought his daughter Maggie, born on grand final morning last year, to the screening of the inner sanctum production at Hoyts Melbourne Central.

“Life’s really kind to us,” McRae said.

“I cry at the end, it’s really special to think of this journey we’re on with my own family and the Collingwood family.”

Craig McRae with daughter Maggie at the red carpet arrivals for the Collingwood documentary at Hoyts, Melbourne Central. Picture: Jason Edwards

Isaac Quaynor, Darcy Moore, Steele Sidebottom, Nick Daicos and Scott Pendlebury at the doco premiere. Picture: Jason Edwards

McRae was also accompanied by wife Gabrielle and his other daughters Charlie and Chelsea.

“Gab watched the first 20 minutes and she said oh it’s a lot about you,” McRae said.

“There are lots of things we could have shown more of, we could have made another three movies.

“I hope people see the hard work, it’s a terrific production from our digital team. The storytelling of bringing families along for the ride.”

Darcy Moore and his dad, Peter. Picture: Jason Edwards

Brody Mihocek, Nick Daicos, Steele Sidebottom, Scott Pendlebury, Darcy Moore Isaac Quaynor. Picture: Jason Edwards

Most of Collingwood’s premiership stars turned out for the premiere, including those who feature in it most – captain Darcy Moore, veteran Scott Pendlebury and rising star Nick Daicos.

“I’m curious to see it, there’ll definitely be some goosebumps,” said defender Isaac Quaynor.

The film opens with never-before-seen footage of the squad climbing the MCG steps in December 2022 – the ultimate metaphor for the year ahead.

“There’s no lift to the top of the AFL. But if you take the stairs, there could be a premiership cup,” McRae tells the squad as they sit in level four of the MCG.