Recently axed Collingwood midfield youngster Finlay Macrae has revealed he felt frustrated with his career progression at the Magpies, but sees a silver lining in his delisting as he looks to revive his AFL career with the West Coast Eagles in 2026.
Macrae was drafted to the Magpies as a first-round selection in 2020, but would play just 21 games in the black and white, and failed to play an AFL game in 2025, with injury keeping him on the sidelines for the majority of the year.
However, at state level, Macrae excelled, recording fewer than 20 disposals just eight times from his 55 VFL games. In 2025, the 23-year-old averaged 25.1 disposals per game for the Magpies VFL unit and kicked four goals in a hybrid midfield-forward role.
Speaking on SEN's WA Breakfast on Wednesday, Macrae said he understood where he fell in the pecking order in Collingwood's engine room, which ultimately limited his opportunity to break through into the AFL 23 consistently.
Yet, he remains confident about what he can bring to West Coast after a positive exit meeting with Collingwood senior coach Craig McRae.
“There was probably a fair few really good players and experienced players ahead of me at different times [at Collingwood]," Macrae said.
"I didn't quite get the opportunity I was after in extended periods.
"[McRae] told me it's just about putting my best foot forward and when the opportunity comes, try to take it.
“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. I'm really excited about the young group here and what I can bring to that team."
Macrae revealed he expects to play in a dynamic role under West Coast senior coach Andrew McQualter but was willing to move around the ground when required after enhancing his repertoire at VFL level this year.
“I'll play that midfield wing half-forward role," Macrae said.
"I spoke to Andrew McQualter when I came over a month ago and that was the spot he flagged a bit of interest for me and where he could see me playing.
“I'm training 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.
“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, but in the long run that's definitely helped me and shaped me as a better player.
"Whatever the Eagles the after, I'm more than happy to play. You want to play AFL, so as soon as any opportunity comes you put your hand up. I'm more than happy to do it."
As a Supplemental Selection Period signing, pre-season is well and truly underway for Macrae as he hopes to break into the Eagles Round 1 side, along with fellow SSP recruits Deven Robertson and Harry Schoenberg, quoting it as an "enjoyable" opening week.
"I do like a pre-season because it's nice to train with a big group, it's a bit more enjoyable," Macrae said.
"But I'll have to adjust to the heat here in WA big time."
