“I told Ross… I wasn’t just coming to pad the super.”
Jack Macrae is excited about his fresh start at St Kilda after a challenging end to his time with the Western Bulldogs, where he struggled to find a spot in the midfield rotation.
In an interview with Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary, Macrae expressed his enthusiasm for the move, viewing it as a chance to regain his best form after being played out of position in recent years. The three-time All-Australian midfielder faced difficulties, including being relegated to the VFL and often serving as a substitute in 2024, but his passion for the game remained strong.
“It’s really exciting; I feel like a new draftee,” Macrae said. “I told Ross (Lyon) early on that I wouldn’t make this move if I didn’t believe I was just coming to pad the super. I really felt I could get back to my best football.”
Traded to the Saints for pick 45 during the 2024 AFL Trade Period, Macrae reflected on his bittersweet departure from the Bulldogs. “Two or three years ago, I would have envisioned being a one-club player, but it hasn’t worked out that way,” he noted. However, he emphasized that there’s no animosity towards his former club, including coach Luke Beveridge, who sent him a kind message after the trade.
Speculation has surrounded Beveridge’s relationships with players, particularly regarding decisions that affected Macrae’s positioning, which led to a decline in his performance. After averaging over 30 disposals per game in 2022, Macrae’s numbers dropped to just 18.4 in 2024, as younger players like Ed Richards and Adam Treloar took on bigger roles in the Bulldogs’ midfield.
St Kilda is eager to have Macrae join, with football boss David Misson praising his experience and leadership. Macrae is expected to help fill the void left by Seb Ross and potentially Brad Crouch, who is dealing with knee issues. He may also mentor the Saints’ younger midfielders, drawing on the knowledge he gained while playing alongside elite talent at the Bulldogs.
As he approaches his 250th game in Round 1 of the 2025 season, Macrae is determined to show he still has plenty of strong football ahead. He has the chance to revitalize his career and get back to the level of play that made him one of the league’s most successful midfielders with his move to St Kilda. As the Saints look to move up the league in 2025, supporters will be watching intently, hoping Macrae can bolster the midfield and help up-and-coming players like Mattaes Phillipou and possible new draft pick Josh Smillie. After a difficult recent draft history, the Saints are under pressure to make the most of their selections with picks 7 and 8 in the upcoming National Draft.