Whenever one mentions the name “Eddie McGuire”, it’s usually followed by an eloquent phrase outlining a level of disdain towards him.
Also known as Eddie Everywhere for his penchant of being involved in the media, Eddie McGuire is also the President of the Collingwood Football Club, a club you either love or hate.
I don’t really dislike the guy as such. I think at times he can be an aristocratic toss-bag with a god complex, but he’s quite a decent administrator and he’s still a big figure (no pun intended) in the media for a reason: because he’s good.
However, he continually crosses the line when talking about other clubs.
This week, he added fire to the scrutiny Carlton coach Brett Ratten is receiving as a result of their poor form by suggesting former Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse would be well suited to the role. He even suggested Malthouse could be in charge by the beginning of next week.
McGuire faces a dilemma.
He is the president of an AFL club, yet it is his obligation as a part of the media to comment and create debate on issues in the sport.
Carlton President Stephen Kernahan voiced his disappointment with McGuire and I believe he hit the nail on the head in his statement. I do not think it’s appropriate for the President of an AFL club to make such comments on another club.
It is a sheer conflict of interest, and the fact that Eddie doesn’t know when to shut up is one of the major reasons the general public don’t like him.
If Eddie should look to change his ways and model his behaviour on somebody else, he should look no further than North Melbourne’s James Brayshaw.
Brayshaw, like McGuire, is an AFL club President and a significant part of the AFL media, hosting the Nine Network’s AFL Footy Show and being a football commentator and host on Triple M’s AFL programs.
If you look at the difference between Brayshaw and McGuire’s popularity, it’s a bit of an eye opener.
James Brayshaw is much loved in the media for his commentating and sense of humour, whilst at the same time not getting involved or making inappropriate comments on other clubs. His professionalism is unparalleled and Eddie has a few things to learn about professionalism.
Eddie McGuire shouldn’t have to choose between his media obligations or the Collingwood presidency. But he needs to alter the way he handles certain situations.
That much is a fact.
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