Craig McRae, the head coach of the Collingwood Football Club, has been instrumental in leading the team to remarkable success in recent years. His coaching philosophy, leadership style, and the team’s journey under his guidance have been captured in various documentaries and interviews. These productions offer fans and sports enthusiasts an in-depth look into McRae’s methods and the inner workings of the club. Below is a comprehensive overview of these documentaries and interviews, providing insights into McRae’s impact on Collingwood.ABC News
1. “Take the Steps” (2024)
“Take the Steps” is a feature-length documentary produced by the Collingwood Football Club in collaboration with AFL Studios. Released in February 2024, the film provides an intimate look into Collingwood’s triumphant 2023 AFL season, culminating in their premiership victory. The documentary focuses on four central figures: head coach Craig McRae, captain Darcy Moore, veteran player Scott Pendlebury, and rising star Nick Daicos.Wikipedia+9Wikipedia+9Collingwood FC+9Sport Today+6Collingwood FC+6Wikipedia+6
The title, “Take the Steps,” originates from a motivational mantra introduced by McRae during the 2023 season. This concept involved painting a step on a ladder after each victory, symbolizing the team’s progress toward their ultimate goal. This ritual not only fostered a sense of accomplishment but also reinforced the team’s commitment to a step-by-step approach throughout the season. YouTube+10Collingwood FC+10ZeroHanger+10
Directed by Luke Winzar and James Moriarty, the 83-minute film combines candid interviews with behind-the-scenes footage, offering viewers a comprehensive perspective on the team’s dynamics, challenges, and celebrations. The documentary premiered at HOYTS Melbourne Central on February 28, 2024, and was subsequently screened exclusively at HOYTS cinemas nationwide. IMDb+1Wikipedia+1IMDb+1Wikipedia+2ZeroHanger+2Collingwood FC+2
Critics lauded “Take the Steps” for its authentic portrayal of the team’s journey. Jonathan Horn of Guardian Australia highlighted the film’s ability to capture the club’s relaxed yet focused atmosphere, noting that it “taps into something else… well beyond old-school thinking and home-ground editing.” However, he also pointed out the documentary’s omission of certain challenging moments, such as the exclusion of defender John Noble from the finals series after playing 83 consecutive games. Wikipedia
For those interested in a visual preview, the Collingwood Football Club released a teaser for the documentary, providing a glimpse into the themes and narratives explored in the film.
2. “Inside The Mind Of A Premiership Winning Coach” (2024)
In addition to “Take the Steps,” Craig McRae participated in an in-depth interview on “The Howie Games” podcast, titled “Inside The Mind Of A Premiership Winning Coach.” Released in early 2024, this interview offers a personal perspective on McRae’s coaching philosophy, career journey, and the experiences that have shaped his approach to leadership.YouTube
Throughout the conversation, McRae delves into his formative years, his playing career, and the transition to coaching. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and fostering a positive team culture. Listeners gain insight into the strategies and mindset that propelled Collingwood to their 2023 premiership win.YouTube+1Wikipedia+1YouTube+1
This interview serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the nuances of coaching at the highest level and the personal attributes that contribute to success in the AFL. YouTube
3. Upcoming Netflix Documentary Series (2025)
Building on the success of previous productions, Netflix announced in January 2025 the development of a comprehensive documentary series centered on the Collingwood Football Club. Scheduled for release later in the year, this series aims to chronicle the club’s rich history, significant milestones, and the contemporary era under head coach Craig McRae and captain Darcy Moore.Collingwood FC+3Sport Today+3YouTube+3
The series intends to provide an in-depth exploration of Collingwood’s evolution, highlighting key moments such as premiership victories and the challenges faced during various seasons. A significant focus will be on the leadership styles of McRae and Moore, offering viewers an inside look into their decision-making processes, motivational techniques, and the cultural shifts implemented within the club.
While specific details about the series’ content are still under wraps, anticipation is high among fans and the broader sports community. The collaboration with Netflix suggests a production of high quality, aiming to reach a global audience and provide an unprecedented look into one of Australia’s most storied football clubs.
Conclusion
The recent surge in documentaries and interviews focusing on Craig McRae and the Collingwood Football Club reflects a growing interest in understanding the elements that contribute to a team’s success in the AFL. “Take the Steps” offers a behind-the-scenes look at the 2023 premiership season, highlighting the rituals, challenges, and triumphs that defined the year. The “Inside The Mind Of A Premiership Winning Coach” interview provides personal insights into McRae’s philosophy and journey, enriching the narrative presented in the documentary.
The forthcoming Netflix series promises to expand on these themes, offering a comprehensive exploration of Collingwood’s history and the current era under McRae’s leadership. For fans, aspiring coaches, and sports enthusiasts, these productions serve as valuable resources, offering lessons in leadership, resilience, and the intricate dynamics of team sports.
As the Collingwood Football Club continues to build on its legacy, the stories captured in these documentaries and interviews not only celebrate past achievements but also inspire future generations to “take the steps” toward their own successes.