Eddie McGuire has lashed the GWS Giants following their poaching of Adelaide youngster Phil Davis, accusing the AFL’s newest team of cheating and demanding an investigation into their actions.
McGuire, speaking on his Triple M breakfast show, attacked the Giants for ‘cheating’ after they all-but signed Davis for a reported $750,000 or more deal.
“I’ve been saying this for ages, that sooner or later this is just really going to blow up and everyone’s going to do their lid on this one and I reckon this in an absolute insult to everyone in the AFL competition,” said McGuire this morning.
“We bang on about the salary cap and all the rest of it – they’re cheating on their first signing. What the hell is going on?”
While Davis announced his future to the Adelaide Crows, the waters were muddied by an unusual statement from GWS chief executive Dave Holmes, who actively attempted to frame his club as playing by the AFL’s strict uncontracted players rules:
“Under the AFL rules regarding uncontracted players, we are not in a position to officially agree to terms or come to any arrangement, agreement or understanding with Phil and his management team until after the conclusion of the season,” Holmes said.
“We discussed an opportunity with Phil’s management during the year, however that is all we are able to confirm at this stage of the season.”
However, McGuire was having none of it.
“It’s just ridiculous and they’re treating people like morons.
“Seriously if this is not a complete joke, Adrian Anderson must pick the phone up to Dale Holmes and belt him and hit him with whatever the sanctions are for breaking this rule.
“You tell me, if I offer you a job and you announce you’re going to leave your club, your home, your family, are you going to go to Greater Western Sydney where it hasn’t even started and in three months time we’ll discuss wages with you?
“That’s why Phil went in and resigned yesterday and said I’ve got a truckload of cash that I can’t jump over.
“Why would I want to go and live in GWS when I play at a club like the Adelaide Crows?
“I’m from Prince Alfred College around the corner, a local hero – no, I want to go and live in Penrith.”
“It’s going to be hard to keep players if they’re going (to GWS) without even having a deal on the table”
Things heating up in Canberra!
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
GWS captain Toby Greene has been suspended for the eighth time in his career after failing in his bid to clear himself of a…
Damien Hardwick has predicted Toby Greene's one-match suspension will be upheld by the AFL tribunal, but the triple-premiership coach says he wouldn't ban the…
Adam Kingsley leant on the "Toby tax" sentiment in defending Toby Greene, but the GWS captain has received a one-match suspension for a high…
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
