Coach Craig McRae of Collingwood put on an emotional exhibition at the MCG on Thursday, demonstrating the significance of the AFL’s Anzac Day match.
His Magpies and Essendon drew parallels with the historic first Anzac Day match in 1995, which also concluded in a draw, when they engaged in an exciting 12.13 (85) to 12.13 (85) draw.
The 93,644 spectators in the MCG made a tremendous amount of commotion as McCrae was interviewed prior to kickoff.
The Magpies coach, who was attending a rugby tournament, couldn’t help but become overcome with emotion. He broke off his interview to take in the ambiance and cry a little in remembrance of the slain troops from Australia and New Zealand.
Former Adelaide AFLW player and media personality Abbey Holmes questioned McRae, saying, “You said a number of times during the week, there is nothing like it, standing in the middle of the MCG in front of 95,000, just talk us through the emotion.”
“It’s amazing to be here, in the moment, and quite emotional, to be honest,” he remarked.
“To be thankful to be here on this day is just a privilege.”
The Collingwood coach then apologized and ended the interview, looking around at the audience, grinning with wonder at the moment and shedding a tear.
“Everyone is with you.” “We’re all experiencing it,” Holmes comforted McRae.
‘It’s a very special day for all Australians and New Zealanders of course.
‘But there is a football match to be played here as well and I think we are all pretty happy with what we saw from your ‘Pies last week. How do you continue to build on that?’ she asked.
‘We’re ready to go. It’s such an incredible occasion for all those that have been impacted by war,’ he said.
‘Hopefully we will do them proud.’
The response from McRae saw plenty of footy fans praise him for the raw emotion he showed for the annual Anzac match.
‘Would love him next to me in a trench,’ one posted.
‘There is nothing that hits me in the feels more than a man embracing emotion.’ another footy fan commented.
‘He gets it,’ added another.
Masters of the tight finish under Craig McRae’s coaching tenure, Collingwood traded blows with their arch rivals during a frenetic last quarter that will go down as one of the best home-and-away games in recent times.
Both teams had their chances in the final term as Collingwood forward Brody Mihocek, who finished with three goals, kicked two gettable set shots out on the full.
‘I normally go home watch and replay with a red wine, I might have a white tonight,’ McRae said.
‘I don’t know how to feel, to be honest.
‘On a day like today, when most of the footy world would be watching, it’s a great spectacle for our game.’
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