Jordan Roughead has given his first impressions of Craig McRae after meeting the new Collingwood coach.
The Magpies appointed the three-time Brisbane premiership player two weeks ago, with his former Lions teammate Justin Leppitsch and ex-Carlton coach Brendon Bolton joining him at the Holden Centre this week.
Defender Roughead has had the pleasure of speaking with the man affectionately known as ‘Fly’ and has already been impressed by the former Richmond and Hawthorn assistant.
“I met Craig last week, he seems like a ripper,” Roughead said on SEN Breakfast.
“It’s been out there in the media that it’s not the most ‘Collingwood’ appointment of all-time, but he’s great.
“From initial conversations I think we’ll get on really well and it’s obviously great to have strong people around him in ‘Leppa’ and Brendon Bolton.”
Roughead explained just a small part of McRae’s philosophy and how such a massive change for the Magpies can only provide greater opportunity.
“He’s a really values based person,” he added.
“He came in and said I really want to empower the boys and let them explore who they are and who they want to be both in terms of footballers and as people. That there’s real opportunity in all change.
“Obviously this is significant change for our club and that means whether you’re older or younger, there are going to be opportunities in it.
“There’s probably going to be guys playing in positions that they’re not that accustomed to but it’s all growth and learning opportunity as well.”
The former Bulldog also touched on the 2016 premiership, his ex-teammate Jack Macrae as well as his involvement with the Ladder Project Foundation.
Catch the full chat below: