MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 07: Magpies head coach Craig McRae talks to his players during the round eight AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 07, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

First-year Collingwood steward Craig McRae has been hailed by his peers as the AFLCA Coach of the Year for the 2022 season.

After inheriting a roster at its lowest ebb following its 17th placed finish in 2021, McRae commandeered Collingwood's rapid rise up the ladder, finishing 2022 just one-point shy of a miraculous grand final berth.

McRae ended the peer-assessed count with 249 votes, edging Sydney's John Longmire (201) and Geelong's Chris Scott (174) for the honour.

The long-term assistant became just the fifth first-year coach to be awarded the prize, named in honour of legendary St Kilda and Hawthorn leader, Allan Jeans, following in the footsteps of Paul Roos (2003), Neil Craig (2005), Ken Hinkley (2013) and Luke Beveridge (2015).

McRae was gifted his trophy by former mentor Leigh Matthews on Tuesday via Zoom, claiming it was the efforts of many that had allowed his to shine.

"It is a reflection of the combined efforts of everyone involved in the football program and the wider club this season, and affirmation of their hard work and perseverance," McRae stated.

"I have enormous pride in our people and, as a club, we will continue to strive to be better each and every day over the course of the pre-season and into 2023."

McRae and his team of assistants led Collingwood from a 6-16 record in 2021 to a 17-8 finish this season.

The South Australian had previously held posts with both the Richmond and Hawthorn Football Clubs ahead of his ascent to the top-job at the AIA Centre.

Melbourne steward Simon Goodwin was lauded as last season's victor ahead of the Demons' drought-breaking win in the west.