Collingwood has shared the first photo of coach Craig McRae with his newborn baby girl after his bombshell announcement his wife had given birth just hours before their premiership win.
During his speech on Saturday after their four-point win over Brisbane, the 50-year-old revealed Gabrielle delivered their first child at 7.45am that morning.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Craig McRae drops baby news in premiership speech.
Analysis, local footy and the biggest moments, Seven and 7plus are the home of footy shows for every fan. Stream them all for free on 7plus >>
On Monday night, the first photo of the little girl was shared via Collingwood FC’s Instagram page, with the caption: “Fly and Maggie”.
It showed McCrae holding his medal in one hand and his daughter, wrapped in a Collingwood scarf on top of the premiership cup, in the other.
The first photo was shared via Collingwood FC’s Instagram page, with the caption: ‘Fly and Maggie’. Credit: Instagram
Commenters were quick to dub the newborn “Collingwood’s Princess” as they congratulated the parents.
“Just when you think Collingwood can’t possibly get any more wholesome or fairytale-like,” one person wrote.
Another said: “So gorgeous! Maggie is going to have 44 very special brothers to look after her. Congratulations.”
McRae, who won three premierships as a player with Brisbane, made the announcement moments after Collingwood’s win to a standing ovation at a packed MCG.
“Today was already the best day of my life, because my wife gave birth to a little girl this morning at 7.45,” he said.
“So darling, I’m coming home tonight with the cup. I love you!”
Josh Daicos’ raw admission in emotional family interview
Mason Cox in tears on live TV as fans go wild
Speaking to Channel 7 after the grand final, McRae revealed the newborn’s fitting name: Maggie.
He also confirmed he was able to witness the birth — albeit only just making it in time.
“My wife’s incredible. She went into labour yesterday afternoon, didn’t tell me, she just said she wasn’t feeling very well,” McRae told Channel 7.
“I got a phone call this morning about quarter to six saying ‘You better get to hospital, this baby’s coming’.
“Amazing day, it’s already the best day of my life — it just seems to have gotten a bit better.”
Craig McRae and his wife Gabrielle celebrate reaching the grand final. Credit: Getty Images
McRae and Gabrielle’s pending arrival was only revealed publicly last week.
She had planned to be at the grand final on Saturday, before going into labour.
Collingwood defender Jeremy Howe later told Channel 7 the newborn’s full name is Maggie Grace.
If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your Cookie Settings.
To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.
The new addition is McRae’s third child, with two daughters — Charlie and Chelsea — from his first marriage.
McRae coached every game this season with a message on his collar about the Collingwood playing list being his 44 sons.
Craig McRae. Credit: 7AFL
“Every one I hugged (in the celebrations) I just told them how much I love them,” he told Channel 7.
“I love them very much.”
Bobby Hill caps off remarkable comeback from cancer with Norm Smith Medal
Fans savage AFL’s half-time entertainment: ‘Mood killer’
If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your Cookie Settings.
To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.