Collingwood coach Craig McRae says he and his club will continue to strive to “role model” and win “at all levels” amid questions over the AFL’s tributes to domestic violence victims this weekend.
McRae’s Magpies surged home in the fourth quarter of a scintillating Carlton-Collingwood classic on Friday night to claim their fourth win of the season.
Pre-game, the Magpies and Blues joined arms to acknowledge and raise awareness of domestic violence and its victims, before a Robbie Williams-inspired tribute to those affected by cancer followed suit under dimmed MCG lights.
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In similar fashion to Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks — who, after Thursday night’s Showdown between the Crows and Power, addressed the AFL’s domestic violence initiative before answering any questions — McRae spared a moment at the beginning of his post-match press conference to say a few words of his own about the issue.
“Do you mind if I just start by talking about the coming together before the game?” McRae began by asking.
“(The) AFL initiative and an important message — enough is enough.
“I’m not here to change the world. I understand my position is to coach the footy team, but I do everything in my power — our power — at the Collingwood Football Club to make sure our men represent us well and the community well.
“It’s a community message, and I just want (us) to play our part. Enough is enough.”
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However, while Nicks proceeded with his press conference on Thursday, McRae was met with a follow-up on the topic regarding whether the AFL could be doing more than merely symbolic gesturing.
“It’s all actions, isn’t it?” McRae responded.
“All we can do at Collingwood is role model.
“I often talk about it — being a great father, being a great husband, giving to the community and representing us well, but also yourself.
“This … we’re talking about winning on the scoreboard. That’s important, that really is. But I’m not here to be a spokesperson.”
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McRae closed the discussion by declaring his disinterest in politics.
“I’m not into politics, I’m into role-modelling and making our young men proud young men,” said McRae.
“Winning on the scoreboard is one thing, but winning at all levels is really important for the Collingwood Football Club.”
On the night the 29th Peter Mac Cup was contested, superstar Pie Nick Daicos — who snagged the winning goal late in the final term — claimed the Richard Pratt Medal after recording 32 disposals, 15 contested possessions, seven clearances, seven tackles, seven inside-50s and two goals.
The Magpies’ triumph over their bitter foes makes it nine wins from their past 11 clashes with Carlton.
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