"It rejuvenated me": How McCartney's time at Collingwood rekindled his desire to coach
New Port Melbourne coach Brendan McCartney has found renewed energy and inspiration following his recent tenure at Collingwood. The 64-year-old, who previously served as head coach for the Western Bulldogs between 2012 and 2014, spent two seasons in a part-time development role with the Magpies. This experience offered McCartney fresh perspectives on coaching and football club culture, reinvigorating his approach to the game.
McCartney’s time at the AIA Centre stood out as an eye-opening experience. After decades in the AFL coaching circuit, from 1998 to 2019, he was struck by the stark differences in the environment fostered by Collingwood. The modern, relaxed atmosphere created by head coach Craig McRae left a lasting impression on McCartney, who contrasted it with the more rigid and intense settings he was accustomed to in earlier years.
Reflecting on his time with the Magpies, McCartney told SEN Breakfast, “It was probably just the environment that I saw. I looked at it and thought, you know, maybe you can do it a bit differently, and the way Fly [Craig McRae] does it is remarkable really. They teach the game incredibly well. There’s a lot of high-level football intellect in that club and in the coaching group, but it’s also a super relaxed environment, and that’s the way sport is going, and I’m fully supportive of that.”
McCartney’s admiration for McRae’s methods was evident. The relaxed yet high-performing culture at Collingwood challenged McCartney’s long-held perceptions of coaching, reigniting his passion for the profession. “The way he coached sort of woke me up a little bit,” McCartney shared. “I was still coaching in Ballarat and having a lot of fun with some boys up there. But it waking me up a little bit, I guess, is the best way to describe it. It refreshed me and made me realise that footy clubs are just such fantastic places to be, especially high-performing ones that combine banter and fun with excellence.”
Energised by this fresh perspective, McCartney has embraced his new role as head coach of Port Melbourne in the VFL. He aims to incorporate the lessons learned from Collingwood into his work at North Port Oval, particularly the innovative approaches to game preparation and team dynamics.
Discussing these insights, McCartney highlighted the collaborative and lighthearted nature of pre-game routines under McRae. “The collaborative approach was around in my day, but back then, team meetings were very much about chalk and whiteboards,” he said. “But Fly’s first pre-game that I sat in was like a comedy show. I started to laugh at the first gag and thought, ‘Oh, jeez, I can’t laugh in a meeting like this,’ but I couldn’t stop. It was hilarious.”
McCartney described how this unique atmosphere transitioned seamlessly into focused performance on the field. “This was about an hour before the game. They walk out onto the ground, and then it’s like a nightclub for about 15 minutes. Then out they go, and they know their roles, their position requirements, and they just get on with it. It’s definitely been a change, and it’s refreshing,” he added.
While McCartney admires the relaxed approach, he was quick to emphasise the exceptional level of coaching and education still present at the AFL level. “Don’t get me wrong,” he said. “The level of coaching and education at AFL level is still extraordinary. They’re teaching the game incredibly well, and it was a reminder of just how many brilliant young coaches there are. They understand people and how to teach and coach so well.”
McCartney’s appointment as Port Melbourne’s head coach marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for both him and the club. His deal extends through to the end of the 2027 VFL season, providing ample time to implement his vision and draw on the best practices he observed at Collingwood. By integrating the intellectual rigor of coaching with a more relaxed and engaging environment, McCartney hopes to create a culture of success and enjoyment at North Port Oval.
His leadership will undoubtedly focus on fostering a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere, ensuring that players not only develop their skills but also enjoy their time at the club. McCartney’s commitment to embracing modern coaching methods while respecting the fundamentals of the game positions Port Melbourne for a promising future under his guidance.
