A premiership player for the Collingwood Magpies AFL club, Beau McCreery is known for his powerful explosion, speed and aggression on the footy field. It’s only fitting, then, that his premier ride of choice is in a similar vein: a 1000rwhp, blown Dart-blocked VF GTSR. We had a chat with Beau about the recently completed build and his love of fast, tough machines.

How did you get into cars?

From my old man and my family, really. I’ve been around it my whole life with cars and motorbikes. Obviously, growing up in Adelaide, Holdens were everywhere as well. Dad always had cool cars, including an FPV BF GT that my mum got him as a present. So, when I’m not doing footy, I just love getting into the cars and bikes as much as I can.

What rides have you had over the years?

After I got drafted by Collingwood in 2020 and moved to Victoria, I saved everything I could and got an FG XR6 Turbo. It was pretty quick, with 400kW [536hp], and that was good fun. But I always loved the sound of V8s, so once I started making a bit more money, I got myself a VF Clubby. It was pretty spicy and made 566kW [759hp], but that was it fully tapped out – and I wanted more!

And that’s how you came to own this GTSR?

For sure, mostly because it already had the 427 Dart block in it. It made 550kW [738hp] with the standard LSA blower, but it was a bit sluggish. I ended up speaking to the guys at Harrop, and they hooked me up with one of their 2650i blowers. I can’t thank them and the guys at Tyre Worx Auto Care enough; they sorted it for me beautifully. It made 754rwkW, or 1012rwhp.

That must be plenty to keep you satisfied for a while.

Yeah, and with the manual, it’s a bloody wild thing. I don’t know how many of them out there are making 1000rwhp, but it probably isn’t many, and it’s such a difference to what I’ve had before. We had to do the six-bolt heads shortly after, so I haven’t driven it heaps. I can’t wait to get out and use it more.

It might be hard with your busy schedule, but do you get to many car events?

I try, but obviously with work it gets a bit tricky – I can’t just call in and take a day off, of course. But I went to Summernats this year with my old man; it was my first time, and I loved it. I love Powercruise as well; that’s definitely my type of event, so I’m keen to get up to Sydney and have a go at one of those. I got to MotorEx one day this year as well and enjoyed that. I definitely prefer driving over being a spectator though, which is why I’m keen on Powercruise, and I love getting out and cruising when I can.

Are there any other machines in the stable with the GTSR?

I’ve got a few bikes, and a Ranger Raptor as the daily. I’ve also got an S13 Silvia with a 300kW [402hp] LS – that’s the drift car, and I love ripping that thing. I’ve driven it to work a few times, but it’s a bit wild for that. I might build a more dedicated drag car one day, but I’m more keen on the drifting side of motorsport right now.

Is there anyone else in the Magpies or AFL in general who you share the car passion with?

Not many, but [recently retired Collingwood player] Will Hoskin-Elliott has an XW Falcon he’s getting fixed and doing up, so he and I get around the car stuff a bit. I know there’s a few other players out there who’re into it as well from other clubs, but I kind of enjoy getting away from AFL and just enjoying cars. That’s what I loved about Summernats this year: getting to enjoy cars without having to talk footy all the time.

Photos: 850Visuals