Collingwood’s always in-the-controversies president, Eddie McGuire, has announced he will step down in late 2021 despite being re-elected for three years earlier this year.
The outgoing McGuire announced during a fan forum on Monday night that he would step down at the end of next year’s AFL season.
Eddie;s Controversial Career
McGuire’s position has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks following the Magpies’ worst trading scandal during which they shed a host of stars for mostly bargain-basement prices due to salary cap issues.
The biggest move was for midfielder Adam Treloar at Western Bulldogs where Collwood reportedly would add $ 1.5 million to his new contract over the next five years.
McGuire became president of Collingwood in late 1998 and earned the moniker “Eddie Everywhere” for his continued contribution to broadcasting and his communication skills.
Contributions To The Club
During his tenure, McGuire ensured that Collingwood remained one of the race’s survivors and not just that, he ensured it remains a heavyweight in the arena. On the field, the Magpies won just one flag under Maguire’s leadership – in 2010 – but also made major finals in 2002, 2003, 2011 and 2018.
McGuire played a key role in appointing Mick Malthouse as coach before the 2000 season. Malthouse has led the club to eight finals campaigns in his 12 seasons in charge.
But there was controversy when McGuire arranged the coaching staff from Malthouse to Nathan Buckley during the 2012 season. The change was not smooth and Malthouse left a chip on his shoulder.
‘2013 Resign Eddie’
McGuire has courted controversy throughout his tenure especially given his prominent role as a commentator.
There has been a lot of talk about McGuire stepping down in 2013 after he suggested that Sydney Aboriginal star Adam Goodes be used to promote King Kong music. The comments came days after Goodes was racially harassed by a Collingwood fan in a match. McGuire later blamed prescription drugs for the offensive speech.
In 2016, McGuire apologized for making a joke about the drowning of sports journalist Caroline Wilson. In 2019, he was criticized by the Sydney Swans for being “ignorant and unsympathetic” after his remarks about throwing a coin at their No. 1 ticket holder, Cynthia Banham, who had been stripped twice.
McGuire has managed to survive every controversy and now hopes to finish his top position in 2021.
