Craig McRae’s pointed message to Joe Richards as he weighs up offer to join Port Adelaide

Collingwood coach Craig McRae left Joe Richards in no doubt about where he thinks his future lies, publicly addressing the small forward’s future at the Magpies’ best-and-fairest count.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae made a pointed pitch to Joe Richards at the club’s Copeland Trophy on Friday night as the small forward prepares to make the biggest decision of his emerging AFL career.

Richards, 24, has to choose between taking up a longstanding three-year offer from Port Adelaide or re-sign with the Magpies, who had to upgrade their offer following the Power’s pitch.

Richards won the Harry Collier Trophy as Collingwood’s best young talent on Friday off the back of his nine games and six goals this season.

2 goals, 5 tackles, 19 pressure acts 💪

Joe Richards was the perfect example of fight and determination at the contest last night.

What was your favourite moment from Joey in his 6th AFL game? pic.twitter.com/DFyi0Yfni7

— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) July 13, 2024

McRae said in his Copeland Trophy address: “Joey Richards … (is) a really smart young player and I am excited for what he can be in a Collingwood jumper for years to come.”

Richards will likely make his decision in the coming days, with the Power aggressively chasing him throughout this year and seeing him as the small forward they need in its attacking zone.

Joe Richards broke through to play nine AFL games this year. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

The Magpies are keen to keep Richards, but they are also trying to unlock a bold trade for Dan Houston by attempting to secure pick 13 from Gold Coast as part of the deal to send John Noble to the Suns, with future picks also under consideration.

McRae praised Nick Daicos for his extraordinary season, including finishing runner-up in the Brownlow Medal to Carlton’s Patrick Cripps.

“Can you believe Nick polled 38 votes and came second in the Brownlow?,” McRae said.

Someone in the room booed when Cripps’ name was mentioned, to which the Magpies coach said: “No, we don’t boo at Collingwood.”

From teacher to AFL footballer! 👨‍🏫

Joe Richards reflects on 2024, a season where he grasped his AFL opportunity with two hands: pic.twitter.com/tqdCaom6q3

— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) September 11, 2024

Collingwood president Jeff Browne, who has indicated he will step down from the role when he considers it to be the right time, made a special mention to the Magpie Army for their support since he took over in late 2021.

“Can I take a selfish moment to thank all of you in the room and all at Collingwood for the incredible support you have given me as your 14th premiership,” Browne said.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve you and the heavy responsibility that comes with that is something I have never taken for granted.”