McRae named Coburg Tigers coach
richmondfc.com.au
6:40 PM Tue 09 June, 2009
Richmond development coach Craig McRae has been appointed senior coach of the club’s VFL affiliate, Coburg Tigers.
McRae replaces Jade Rawlings, who coached his final game with Coburg last Sunday after moving into the vacant Richmond coaching spot.
“Craig, like Jade Rawlings before him, will bring a depth of talent to this position and we are looking forward to having him on board,” Coburg President Bill Balakis said.
“Craig has spent a significant amount of time with the Coburg players, both assisting Jade and also in his role as development coach with Richmond, and this will hold him in good stead,” Balakis said.
McRae was the coach of the QLD under 18s in 2005 and 2006, culminating in his side winning the national championships in 2006.
“Twelve of his players were picked up in the national draft that year, and we are now seeing the impact of many of these players in seniors ranks, including the likes of Kurt Tippett, Rhan Hooper and Ricky Petterd,” Coburg Football Club General Manager Ryan O’Connor said.
“We would like to thank Jade for his work with the club, and we congratulate him on his elevation to the Richmond senior coaching role. We are proud he has been given the opportunity to coach at AFL level,” O’Connor said.
McRae said: “I am really excited about this challenge and I feel I know the Coburg Football Club intimately, having worked behind the scenes for the last few years.”
“There is a great culture there and some terrific people are involved with the club. Jade has left some big shoes to fill but I am thankful for the support network I will have around me and I’m confident I can build on his good work,” McRae said.
Craig McRae profile: Games with Brisbane (1995-04): 195
Goals: 232
Honours: Triple Brisbane premiership player (2001-03); winner of Brisbane’s Best First Year Player award 1995; Australian representative in International Rules Series in 1999.
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