Collingwood coach Craig McRae was overcome with emotion after witnessing the spine-tingling pre-match Anzac Day ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). McRae, who was coaching at AFL level on Anzac Day for the third time, spoke to Channel 7 after the ceremony and struggled to hold back tears as he described the significance of the day for him and his players.
“That was incredible,” McRae said. “Just to be there, present — I’m quite emotional, to be honest.”
Struggling to hold back his tears, McRae took a small step away from the camera to compose himself. But he lost it once more when trying to describe the significance of the day for him and his players.
“It’s just a privilege, you know, to be grateful to be on this day and… sorry,” McRae said before emotions got the better of him again.
Channel 7 AFL expert Abbey Holmes handled the raw interview with class, offering her warm support to McRae.
“We’re all with you, we’re all feeling it,” Holmes said.
Eventually composing himself, McRae said his troops were “ready to go”.
“It’s such an incredible occasion, and for all those out there who have been affected by war, on this day, hopefully we’ll do them proud,” he said.
It was a touching moment from the 50-year-old, and fans watching from home loved it.
“McRae what a man!! The emotion, and I’m not even a Pies supporter,” one fan said.
“Like Nathan Buckley before him, McCrae understands Anzac Day. That was great,” another said of the interview.
“Love this. Heart of gold,” a third added.
Another noted: “The emotion from Craig McRae just truly shows how important really is. Lest we forget.”
There were similar sentiments littered throughout social media.
“Loved the emotion Craig McRae showed after the pregame ceremony symbolises what today is about love this guy wish he was coach of my team,” another added.
And it wasn’t lost on the audience how well Holmes handled the chat.
“Class act all round. Well handled Abbey,” one said.
“Craig McRae getting emotional with his interview Abbey. He’s a beautiful man, how can you not like him,” another added.
