Collingwood’s Craig McRae reveals baby joy ahead of grand final

Craig McRae is hoping for the ultimate on-field success. But off-field he has also been preparing for an exciting life change that he’s so far kept quiet.

Craig McRae and wife Gabrielle with his daughter Charlie. The Collingwood coach is expecting his third child in mid October. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL

Collingwood coach Craig McRae and wife Gabrielle have extra reason to smile — they are due to welcome their first child next month.

In more heartwarming news for the Magpies who are playing Brisbane in the grand final on Saturday, the coach is also preparing for ultimate off-field joy around mid October.

McRae, who celebrated his 50th birthday on Friday, has two daughters, Charlie and Chelsea.

He married Gabrielle early last year and the couple have created a strong and inclusive family environment around the club.

He has often referred to having “44 sons” as well as two daughters.

McRae, the triple Brisbane Lions premiership star, was ironically just weeks ago in Brisbane for the club’s premiership reunion.

Craig McRae and wife Gabrielle at the 2022 Brownlow night Picture: Alice Coster

In more exciting baby news, Magpies midfielder Jack Crisp and wife Mikayla are due with their third child any day now.

Crisp said after Friday night’s preliminary final win over GWS Giants that the first thing he did was check how his wife was doing.

In good news the Crisps, who have two daughters, have already agreed the important midfielder won’t miss the match for the birth.

“Go check on my wife and make sure she hasn’t gone into labour,” he said.

“We’re 38 weeks. We’ve got a scan on Monday, we’ll see what happens. Miki’s idea not to miss (footy) so I’ll be playing next week.”