Collingwood coach Craig McRae reveals the texts from players that made him break down in tears in his car

Collingwood coach Craig McRae has revealed a series of text messages from the Magpies playing group left him crying in his car as they faced a huge early hiccup in their quest to claim back-to-back AFL premierships.

Following the disappointing defeat at the hands of St Kilda on March 21, McRae was searching for answers with his team sitting at 0-3 and some fans and pundits ruled him out as a chance to win this year’s flag.

McRae messaged each of his players individually to let them know he supported them 100 percent, and the collective response was telling.

“Within 10 or 15 minutes of texting everyone, everyone responded at the same time, and the level of unconditional love and support this group has… man, there were some tears in the car, I’ll give you some advice ‘ McRae told SEN Radio.

“It was nice and I just wanted the players to realize that winning depends on the pressure and the result.”

‘The processes of care, support and all the aspects necessary to be successful are still there.

‘Understand, and we will fix these little layers, but under all adversity, things begin to tear apart and we do not need to tear ourselves apart. The unconditional support is still there and is very strong.”

The group of players then beat the Brisbane Lions last time out at the Gabba in a grand final replay to get their stuttering season back on track.

Attention now turns to Hawthorn on April 7 at Adelaide Oval as part of the Gather Round.

Former Collingwood young gun Jack Ginnivan will be a key figure for the Hawks, and the forward has explained why he knew he had to move on in the off-season, despite winning a flag last September.

It followed Ginnivan attending Moonee Valley Racecourse the night before the Grand Final at the MCG.

“My partner and I went there (the track) at 6.30pm and got home at 9.30pm, it wasn’t a big deal actually,” the 21-year-old told the Tommy Talks podcast.

‘I don’t think it’s a mistake on my part, but probably just how people perceived it.

“Actually, nothing came up until ‘Fly’ (McRae)’s press conference (after the Grand Final), where he told Ginnivan to ‘read the room’… and my exit meeting, that’s when I knew that should probably go.

“That exit meeting was a bit of an eye-opener.”