Frustrated Collingwood coach Craig McRae addresses wild rumours his marriage is on the rocks forward of MCG blockbuster – and denies he’s eyeing off a shock transfer to arch-rivals Carlton

Craig McRae has addressed ‘annoying’ rumours surrounding his marriage – and dismissed talk he wants out of Collingwood.

Speaking ahead of the Magpies’ first-round clash with St Kilda at the MCG on Sunday night, the premiership-winning coach said focus on his personal life has been a source of frustration. 

‘There’s a lot of fiction going on out there,’ McRae told 9News’ Tony Jones.

‘Rumours being spread about me which are completely untrue…its been a bit annoying….its just been lingering around.’

His wife Gabrielle also brushed off the scuttlebutt.

‘It’s just one of those things. People always tell stories, we just focus on what’s real,’ she said.

Craig McRae has addressed ‘annoying’ rumours surrounding his marriage – and also dismissed talk he wants out of Collingwood (pictured, with his wife Gabrielle)

McRae also said a rumour that a Carlton figure reportedly approached him to replace Michael Voss as head coach ‘doesn’t make sense to me’ 

Earlier this week, Collingwood chief executive Craig Kelly condemned the ‘completely false’ and ‘unfair’ rumours about McRae.

‘We should never be in a situation where a coach feels he needs to address his playing group over online rumours,’ he said in a statement.

‘Everyone needs to be aware how this reckless and irresponsible speculation can impact people, and we are not going to stand for it.

‘Craig’s leave was planned in December last year, and he was always going to return to work when he did and there was never anything more to it.

‘Since walking into the club (ahead of the 2022 season), Craig has led the AFL program with authenticity, integrity and strong family-first values, and we will continue to support him and his family.’

McRae also said a rumour that a Carlton figure reportedly approached him to replace Michael Voss as head coach ‘doesn’t make sense to me’.

‘Oh, that’s not true. Geez, I’m caught up in a lot of things at the moment, aren’t I?,’ he told reporters.

‘No, look, I’ve got a contract here (until 2028). I’ve just extended thankfully enough, and (don’t forget) my best mate (Voss) works there,’ he said.