Collingwood coach Craig McRae says his sideline interplay with a GWS participant was a nasty search for the sport, and has vowed to turn into a greater position mannequin.
McRae escaped sanction from the AFL however was given an official warning for saying “nicely executed” to Toby Bedford after the Giants tagger gave away a free kick in Collingwood’s 52-point loss on Sunday.
GWS coach Adam Kingsley instantly exchanged phrases with McRae after seeing the incident.
The AFL launched an investigation earlier than confirming no additional motion can be taken towards McRae.
The 2023 premiership coach expressed his remorse concerning the incident when he fronted the media on Wednesday.
“I am cheeky. I’ve bought an ideal relationship with Kingers [Kingsley], so I’ve a little bit of banter with Kingers,” McRae stated.
“However then I realised actually shortly [it was wrong], notably when my spouse tells me the subsequent day, ‘You may’t try this Craig.’
“And I perceive for the look of the sport it isn’t what we wished, for the AFL or for younger coaches aspiring to be greater than that.
“I apologise for that. I do not assume it is good for the sport.”
McRae stated he wanted to face up for his gamers in a extra measured manner.
“I really like to guard our gamers. However there is a degree in there that is throughout the position mannequin that I wish to be,” he stated.
“I stand right here with nice values and morals, and I wish to symbolize us, our gamers, rather well.”
McRae labored alongside Kingsley as an assistant coach at Richmond, saying they had been mates who had nice respect for one another.
However when the query was put to McRae that the larger concern was his interplay with an opposition participant somewhat than Kingsley, he was much less forthcoming.
“I feel I’ve made sufficient feedback about that. I feel we’re all good with that, aren’t we?” McRae stated.
“I take accountability for all my actions. I wish to be position mannequin.”
The AFL has been fast to crack down on coaches confronting rival gamers.
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley was fined $20,000 final yr for his heated change with Hawthorn gamers throughout the finals.
The Magpies can be aiming to bounce again from their insipid loss to the Giants once they host the Energy on the MCG on Saturday evening.
Josh Daicos (ankle) and Jeremy Howe (knee) are doubtful to play, whereas Jordan De Goey continues to be unavailable whereas he builds up his health.
Ruckman Mason Cox has been cleared to play after recovering from a finger harm.
AAP
