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West Coast recruit reveals McRae's departing Pies message
SEN • November 26th, 2025 4:16 pm
The West Coast Eagles have added significant depth to shake up their midfield mix in 2026.
Utilising their extra rookie list spots granted by the AFL as part of their assistance package, the wooden spooners added former Lion Deven Robertson, former Crow Harry Schoenberg and former Magpie Finlay Macrae ahead of the 2026 season.
Three talented options devoid of consistent senior opportunities, the Eagles snapped up the delisted trio following the National and Rookie Draft, building on their core unit with ready-made talent.
Macrae, brother of three-time All-Australian Jack, presents as the least experienced of the three recruits, mounting just 21 games in five seasons at the Magpies following his first-round selection in 2020.
Stuck behind a glut of Collingwood midfield talent, Macrae was unable to break into the senior setup, averaging 10 disposals and two clearances across his nine games in 2024 before managing just six VFL appearances due to injuries over 2025.
That said, Macrae’s 27 disposals and five tackles per game over his last four VFL contests mark a clear indication of the 23-year-old’s talent.
Speaking just days into his time with West Coast, Macrae revealed the messaging received by Magpies coach Craig McRae before leaving the club over the off-season.
“It was just about putting my best foot forward, and when the opportunity comes, try to take it,” Macrae told SEN WA Breakfast.
“There was probably a fair few really good players and experienced players ahead of me at different times. I didn’t quite get the opportunity I was after in extended periods.
“I’m really excited to be at West Coast, and I feel I’ve still got a lot more to offer in my AFL career. Really excited about the young group here.”
Macrae’s opportunities at Collingwood were often few and far between, and when they were granted, very rarely was he given a run within his best position.
A natural midfielder, Macrae wasn’t able to displace any of the Magpies’ elite midfield unit, although his time outside of the engine room finetuned his craft around the ground, developing skills to carry through to West Coast in 2026 and beyond.
“There were definitely times playing VFL in the last few years where I was getting a bit frustrated playing forward or out on the fat side wing at times,” he said.
“In the long run, that has definitely helped me and shaped me as a better player. Wherever the Eagles are after, I’m more than happy to play.”
That said, time spent on the fat side certainly didn’t fill Macrae with much joy.
“He wants you to run good patterns but not get a heap of the footy that day, I think!
“You want to play AFL - as soon as the opportunity comes, put your hand up. I’m more than happy to do it, but you probably don’t want to be doing it for a few weeks in a row.”
With his experience in a variety of roles, Macrae is likely to feature on and ahead of the ball in his new colours.
“I think that midfield/wing/half forward role (is where I’ll feature),” he said.
“I spoke to 'Mini' (Andrew McQualter) when I came over a month and a bit ago. It was a spot he flagged a bit of interest for me, where he could see me playing. I’m training a bit as a forward and a mid at the moment. We’ve only had two sessions so still a long way to go, but that’s where I’ve been trying my hand a bit.”
Commencing life out West, Macrae will hope to make the most of his AFL lifeline over pre-season and beyond.
Listen to Finlay Macrae's full interview below
