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Craig McRae’s sideline gesture during Collingwood’s draw with Hawthorn has sparked debate over gamesmanship and AFL expectations.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae has become the focus of fan debate after a late-game moment in Thursday night's draw with Hawthorn raised questions about time management and league guidelines.
With Collingwood leading by seven points and less than three minutes remaining, the ball went out of bounds near the wing and into the crowd.
A young Hawthorn supporter retrieved it and appeared unsure where to return it, before McRae gestured in their direction. The ball was thrown toward the Collingwood bench, with the coach then turning away without collecting it.
Some viewers suggested the move was a deliberate attempt to slow the restart, allowing Collingwood players a brief pause to reset defensively.
While the clock had stopped due to the ball being out of bounds, the delay may have offered a small window for players to regroup.
The moment drew mixed reactions. Some described it as quick thinking, while others questioned whether it crossed into poor sportsmanship.
The discussion has also referenced a recent incident involving Ben Keays of the Adelaide Crows, who instructed a fan not to return the ball during a match.
According to Channel 7 reporter Xander McGuire, the AFL contacted Adelaide after that incident and indicated it did not want similar actions repeated, though no formal sanction was issued.
Whether McRae's actions fall within those expectations remains unclear, but the situation has added another layer to ongoing discussions around game management and player or coach interaction with spectators.
In the end, any advantage proved minimal. Hawthorn kicked a goal after the siren to secure a draw, ensuring the moment had little impact on the final result, even if it continues to prompt debate.