In a red-letter day for the Club, Craig McRae and Scott Pendlebury have today committed to the Pies’ future by signing new deals with the Club.

Collingwood’s second-year Senior Coach Craig McRae has penned a two-year contract extension that will see him in the top job until the end of 2026, while former skipper Scott Pendlebury will be retained until at least the end of next year which will see him play an incredible 19 seasons in the black-and-white.

“Leading this team and being a part of this great Club is something I am incredibly grateful for and I look forward to continuing on this journey at Collingwood,” McRae said.

“In my 16 years of coaching, I haven’t seen a group quite like this one – there is an incredible fight and real belief, but above all there is a genuine support and care for each other.

“I wanted to acknowledge the Magpie Army who show their support week in, week out and we look forward to building on that connection with our passionate Members and fans over the coming years.

“I want to extend my thanks to the whole football department who all work tirelessly to make our side better.

“It is not lost on me that I have a key role to play at this Club but so too does every player and member of staff. We are committed to getting better together.”

The decision to extend Craig McRae was endorsed by President Jeff Browne and the Club Board who ratified the recommendation from CEO Craig Kelly and General Manager of Football Graham Wright.

In September 2021, McRae became only the 16^th VFL/AFL senior coach in the Club’s 129-year history.

In his first season as Coach, McRae reinvigorated the AFL program from a 17^th-placed ladder position in 2021 to a Preliminary Final finish in 2022. The 49-year-old was awarded the Monjon Allan Jeans Senior Coach of the Year at the 2022 AFL Coaches Association Awards.

In the same year, the Club’s longest-serving Captain Scott Pendlebury made the decision to hand over the reins ahead of the 2023 campaign. Pendlebury was recognised with a Life Membership Award for his years of service.

Pendlebury continues to break Club and league records – the 35-year-old has played 370 games for the Club and led Collingwood as Captain on 206 occasions. Both are Club records. He has played (232 games) and, as of Round Nine this year, has won (140 games) more matches at the MCG than any player in league history.

“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be a part of this Club for one more year, at least,” Pendlebury said.

“I have completely bought in to what ‘Fly’ and the coaches have created, and I am loving it.

“Being a one-club player was one thing, something I am proud of, but my main motivation is to do all I can to assist the coaching group to develop our squad.

“As a collective we are loving our football and have an appetite to just getting better and succeeding which really excites me.”

Collingwood General Manager of Football Graham Wright said today’s news is a display of investment in the future of our football program.

“The Club is pleased to come to an arrangement with Craig and Scott, who have both been instrumental to the development of our football program,”’ Wright said.

“There is stability with ‘Fly’ as the Senior Coach for another three terms, and Scott as a key leader of the side for at least another season.

“The commitment from both men today speaks volumes for the future of this football program.”

Due to the bye-week, the program is on leave from the Club and will return on Monday, June 19.