McRae was known for his ability to kick goals from beyond the fifty-metre line, his fierce tackling, and his scouting of the ball spilled from the hands of taller players.
McRae retired from professional football after the 2004 Grand Final loss to Port Adelaide.
[10] In September 2021, McRae returned to the Collingwood Football Club, when he was appointed as senior coach ahead of the 2022 AFL season.
[18] On Saturday, 30 September 2023, McRae coached Collingwood to a 4 point win against the Brisbane Lions in the 2023 AFL Grand Final, giving the club its 16th premiership and their first since 2010.
Their daughter Maggie (his third child) was born the morning of the 2023 AFL Grand Final, and McRae announced her birth during the post-game presentation.