Video of Craig McRae’s press conference after Carlton Blues’ loss to Collingwood Magpies, violence against women initiative, reaction, comments, latest news

Collingwood coach Craig McRae says he and his club will continue to strive to be a “role model” and win “at every level” amid questions over AFL tributes to victims of domestic violence this weekend of week.

McRae’s Magpies came home in the final quarter of a brilliant Carlton-Collingwood classic on Friday night to claim their fourth win of the season.

Before the game, the Magpies and Blues came together to recognize and raise awareness of domestic violence and its victims, before a Robbie Williams-inspired tribute to those affected by cancer did the same under the dimmed lights of the MCG.

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Similar to Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks, who, after Thursday night’s clash between the Crows and Power, addressed the AFL’s domestic violence initiative before answering any questions, McRae took a moment at the start of his post-match press conference to say a few words of his own on the subject.

“Do you mind if I start talking about togetherness before the game?” McRae started by asking.

“(The) AFL initiative and an important message: enough is enough.

“I’m not here to change the world. I understand that my position is to coach the football team, but I do everything in my power (our power) at the Collingwood Football Club to ensure that our men represent us and the community well.

“It’s a community message and I just want (us) to do our part. Enough is enough.”

However, as Nicks proceeded with his press conference on Thursday, McRae encountered a follow-up question about whether the AFL could be doing more than just symbolic gestures.

“They’re all actions, right?” McRae responded.

“All we can do in Collingwood is be a role model.

“I often talk about that: being a great father, a great husband, giving to the community and representing us well, but also yourself.

“This… we’re talking about winning on the scoreboard. That’s important, it really is. But I am not here to be a spokesperson.”

McRae closed the discussion by declaring his disinterest in politics.

“I’m not interested in politics, I’m interested in being a role model and making our young people proud,” McRae said.

“Winning on the scoreboard is one thing, but winning at all levels is really important for the Collingwood Football Club.”

On the night of the 29th Peter Mac Cup, superstar Pie Nick Daicos, who scored the winning goal late in the final period, claimed the Richard Pratt Medal after recording 32 disposals, 15 contested possessions, seven clearances , seven tackles and seven interior shots. 50 and two goals.

The Magpies’ triumph over their bitter enemies makes it nine wins in their last 11 meetings with Carlton.