Craig McRae’s wife Gabrielle has become part of one of the AFL’s most memorable family stories, especially after giving birth to baby Maggie on grand final morning in 2023. Their blended family and quiet, supportive partnership show the human side behind Collingwood’s premiership coach.
For many AFL fans, the phrase “Craig McRae wife” pops up every time Collingwood hits the headlines – especially since the 2023 AFL grand final, when McRae revealed his wife had just given birth hours before lifting the premiership cup. Behind the public buzz sits a very private story: a second marriage, a blended family and a couple who try to put family before football wherever they can.
This article looks at Craig McRae’s wife Gabrielle, their daughter Maggie, McRae’s other children and how the Collingwood coach talks about family, without straying into gossip or unverified rumour.
Who Is Craig McRae’s Wife Gabrielle?
Public information confirms that Craig McRae’s wife is named Gabrielle, and she is his second wife. The couple married in 2022, shortly after he became senior coach of Collingwood.
Key facts we can confidently state:
- Name: Gabrielle (usually referred to by first name only).
- Marital status: Second wife of Craig “Fly” McRae, married in 2022.
- Children with Craig: One daughter, Maggie, born on the morning of the 2023 AFL grand final.
Gabrielle stays out of the spotlight. There are no verified details about her career, age or background. She appears at occasional AFL events but maintains a private life away from the media.
Many searches for “Craig McRae wife” are driven by interest in the grand final baby story, which has become one of Collingwood’s most iconic narratives.
The Fairytale Grand Final Morning-Craig McRae Wife & Baby Maggie
The moment fans began searching the term “Craig McRae wife” in huge numbers came on 30 September 2023, the day Collingwood beat Brisbane in a four-point thriller to win the AFL premiership.
That same morning, before arriving at the MCG, Craig McRae rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital, where Gabrielle had gone into labour. She called him around 5:45am telling him the baby was coming. Their daughter Maggie arrived shortly before 8am – just a few kilometres from where he later coached the Magpies to glory.
During his emotional post-match victory speech, McRae told the crowd:
“Today was already the best day of my life because my wife gave birth to a little girl this morning at 7:45.”
He then added a heartfelt message to Gabrielle that he was “coming home tonight with the cup”.
This moment solidified “Craig McRae wife” as a phrase linked with:
- The grand final baby story
- Their daughter Maggie
- The iconic image of a coach celebrating the best professional & personal day of his life in one single morning
Craig McRae Wife Gabrielle-A Supportive Partner, Not a Public Figure
Although seen with McRae at Brownlow Medal nights and other AFL functions, Gabrielle is not a public figure. Media coverage centres on:
- Her presence at major AFL events
- Her role in the grand final day celebration
- Occasional references when McRae speaks about family
She is described as a steady, supportive partner who prefers to stay in the background. McRae has shared emotional stories about how she went into labour but allowed him to sleep before calling him when things became serious.
When writing about “Craig McRae wife”, it’s important to remember:
- She is a private individual
- She does not seek publicity
- No verified information exists about her career or background
Blended Family-Craig McRae Wife, Children & Previous Relationships
Craig McRae has three daughters:
- One daughter from his first marriage
- A second daughter from a previous partner
- Maggie, his third daughter and first child with Gabrielle
This creates a blended family dynamic. McRae balances fatherhood across multiple households, while Gabrielle embraces her role within the wider family circle. McRae often talks about choosing family first, and this applies to all his children, not just Maggie.
For SEO, secondary keywords such as Craig McRae children, Craig McRae family, and Collingwood coach family life align well with how people search around the main topic.
How Craig McRae’s Wife Influences His Coaching Choices
Since becoming Collingwood’s coach, McRae has been vocal about choosing family whenever possible. This theme appears regularly in his public comments and coaching philosophy.
1. Perspective on pressure
Coaching Collingwood is one of the most demanding jobs in Australian sport. Having a newborn daughter and a young family with Gabrielle helps McRae stay grounded and balanced.
2. Behaviour & role modelling
After a widely discussed boundary-line incident during a match, McRae revealed that his wife told him he “can’t do that”. He later apologised publicly, explaining that he wants to be a better role model for his players, young coaches and his own children.
3. A culture of care at Collingwood
McRae often refers to his playing group as “44 sons”. This language aligns with how he talks about Gabrielle and Maggie and reflects his belief that family values are part of Collingwood’s identity under his coaching.
Positioning Gabrielle within McRae’s leadership style helps readers understand her meaningful, though private, influence.
The Iconic Cup Photo-Craig McRae Wife, Maggie & the Premiership
One of the defining images from the 2023 premiership story is McRae’s plan to take the premiership cup to the hospital so he could get a photo with Gabrielle and newborn Maggie.
McRae shared that:
- Tears flowed when Maggie was born
- Gabrielle went to hospital with her sister
- He promised to “steal the cup” to get their special family photo
This instantly became part of AFL folklore. It humanised the coach, blended family and football, and made Gabrielle and Maggie part of Collingwood’s premiership history even though they weren’t on the ground.
Public Appearances-Craig McRae Wife at AFL Events
Fans frequently search “Craig McRae wife” when Craig and Gabrielle appear together at:
- Brownlow Medal nights
- Collingwood club functions
- AFL red-carpet events and presentations
Photos often show the couple as stylish and connected, enjoying rare social moments outside the intensity of AFL life. Gabrielle rarely gives interviews, reinforcing her private nature.
Privacy & Rumours-What We Don’t Know About Craig McRae Wife
Because Gabrielle keeps a low profile, very little personal information is publicly known:
- Her age is not confirmed
- Her profession is unknown
- Her early life and background remain private
Major Australian outlets publish only what is verified: her first name, the marriage, Maggie’s birth and McRae’s own quotes.
Occasionally, unverified rumours circulate online. These are not supported by credible reporting. Responsible coverage avoids repeating these and focuses on what is confirmed and respectful.
Final Thoughts on Craig McRae Wife & Family Story
When people search “Craig McRae wife”, they’re not just seeking a name. They’re engaging with one of the AFL’s most heartwarming family stories – a coach who openly embraces fatherhood, partnership and vulnerability, supported by a wife who chooses privacy over the spotlight.
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