Collingwood coach Craig McRae has another reason to celebrate as he tries to lead the Magpies to AFL premiership glory.
The Herald Sun reports McRae and his wife Gabrielle are set to welcome their first child around mid October.
Watch every match of the 2023 NAB AFLW Season LIVE & ad-break free during play on Kayo Sports. Join now and start streaming instantly >
McRae, 50, married Gabrielle last year and the couple celebrated together in the rooms following Collingwood’s thrilling one-point win over GWS in the preliminary final.
The Magpies coach has two daughters, Charlie and Chelsea, from his first marriage.
As a player, McRae won three AFL premierships as part of Brisbane’s all-conquering side in 2001-2003, but he’ll be hoping to beat his former team on Grand Final day.
The Magpies are favourites to beat the Brisbane Lions, who defeated Carlton in the other preliminary final to book their first Grand Final berth since 2004.
He’s not the only Magpie expecting some baby joy soon after the Grand Final.
Collingwood stalwart Jack Crisp revealed his wife Mikayla is 38 weeks pregnant with their third child, but has been given her blessing to play in Saturday’s Grand Final.
“Just need to go check on my wife and make sure she hasn’t gone into labour,” Crisp joked on Channel 7 after Collingwood held on against the Giants.
“We’ve got a scan on Monday, we’ll see what happens,” said Crisp, who holds the record for the most games played in a row by a current AFL player (212)
“We’ve got family down anyway. It’s Mickey’s idea not to miss. I’ll be playing next week.”
Collingwood are aiming to win their first premiership since 2010.