Collingwood coach Craig McRae has revealed he will miss the start of the AFL pre-season later this year after double-booking himself.

The Magpies are still in the midst of celebrating their premiership victory but, as ever, attention has already turned to what comes next. And after winning three grand finals in a row as a player McRae is leaving no stone unturned to keep Collingwood ticking over in the years to come.

Analysis, local footy and the biggest moments, Seven and 7plus are the home of footy shows for every fan. Stream them all for free on 7plus

The 50-year-old will be absent when Pies players formally begin their 2024 preparations in December because he is heading to Harvard University in Boston for a week-long leadership course.

“I think I’m in an interesting conundrum a little bit at the moment,” McRae told the Empowering Leaders podcast.

“I’m really excited for it (but) it coincides with the first week back at training. The first week back in this campaign, I want to make sure we get the right messaging going early.

“I feel a bit compromised, but I might zoom myself in. If I’m saying to our playing group ‘we’re getting better, there’s no ceiling on this, why can’t we just go through the roof?’ and I’m in Boston on a seven-day leadership course, I think that could send the right message too.

“We might have had success we’re not standing still here. But I’ve got to get the balance of that right – if you’re not there, what message does that send?”