'Best day of my life': Coach's wife gives birth before win

It's not every day that you have a baby and win a premiership in the space of a few hours.

But for Collingwood coach Craig McRae, he's done just that.

His wife gave birth to their daughter Maggie on Saturday morning at 7.45am, hours before McRae and his Magpies went on to win an instant classic grand final over Brisbane by just four points.

AS IT HAPPENED: Re-live every moment from the epic AFL grand final

IN PICTURES: The best shots from the 2023 AFL grand final

"Today was already the best day of my life because my wife gave birth to a little girl this morning at 7.45," McRae said to 100,000 people from the MCG stage.

"So darling, I'm coming home tonight with the cup. I love you."

This is McRae's third daughter, with his newest addition aptly named 'Maggie', a very possible inspiration from the team he loves so much.

"We've called her Maggie, a little girl — Maggie," he said.

As for his wife, McRae believes she kept her labor a secret as to not worry him ahead of one of the biggest days of his coaching life.

"She went into labor yesterday afternoon — didn't tell me — said she wasn't feeling very well," McRae said.

"I went to bed last night thinking everything's fine and I got a phone call this morning about quarter-to-six saying 'you better get to the hospital' this baby is coming."

McRae, who played in Brisbane's three-peat in 2001, 2002 and 2003, thanked his coaching opponent, Lions coach Chris Fagan, for what was a grand final for the ages.

"I'd like to pay my respect to Fages and the Brisbane Lions. I always have a soft spot for your guys. It is one of the best games I've been involved in. Congratulations on your year," McRae said.

It was a "special" year for the Magpies, who went from strength to strength, finishing minor premiers and grinding out three crucial wins to take home the flag.

"I thought this group was a special one. I can see special things happening throughout training and we kept getting better every day," McRae said.

"Now they are a premiership team. Congratulations, we love you very much."

But McRae's journey to the top, although quick, wasn't an overnight success story.

When he took over at the start of 2022, the Magpies had slumped to a lowly 17th on the ladder during the 2021 season.

In just two years, he managed to take the Magpies from the bottom of the table to a preliminary final in 2022, then a premiership a year later.

The coach was sure to send his thanks to Collingwood's 'Magpie army', which they dubbed their '19th man' during the season and all the way into the grand final.

"Two years ago we started our journey, this campaign, one of the major focuses was to bring the fans along for the journey. It's been a hell of a ride," he said.

"Thank you to the Magpie army, we love you very much. You are incredible and you drive us every week to win the close games. You inspire us. This one is for you."