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.
Jaredsbro
Roar Guru
What's actually interesting about all this is the magnitude of insecurity emanating both from those whose purpose is to be paid to be one-eyed sons of Poseidon times a code which feels insecure enough to need said personalities, and so they pay for what they get. Those with a vested interest may well lash out, but those who don't see any clothes on the emperor when he claims to be the reincarnation of Joesph see just how insecure everyone over that side of the fence is. Wankers like McGuire just shouldn't be necessary anymore. Oh and you've borrowed so much from the NFL already, why not learn how to actually give an impression of strength...not this pastiche of all the ways Australians shoot themselves in the foot when they're in a winning position (off the field of course, because on the field you guys are never so insecure are you ;) )
Kev
Guest
Eddie's biggest problem isn't that he comments on the issues of other clubs rather it's that he becomes ultra-defensive when the tables are turned and it's his club, senior coach or players that are in the spotlight which just reeks of hypocrisy and double standards to others. If he didn't do that and he was willing to cop it as good as he gave it then there wouldn't be a problem with him wearing multiple hats in various roles.
Jeff Dowsing
Guest
I'm not the biggest fan of the way Eddie goes about things and his knee jerk reaction to Malthouse' comments earlier this year caused that media storm in a teacup. It was surprisingly silly, really. But if you listen to the whole audio with regards Malthouse & Carlton, I struggle to see what was so offensive to Sticks et al. And yet he managed a sublime checkmate which put the Blues in a no-win situation, whilst ensuring Mick won't coach the arch nemesis. Too funny.
Rodney Penny
Roar Pro
I agree with you on the fact that the CEO and President have significantly different roles. However, it's still inappropriate to undermine another club's plans when you're in a position of power with an AFL club, whether you're an administrator or a figurehead. McGuire has threatened other clubs and made provocative and somewhat inappropriate statements about other clubs. I'll give you a scenario about a conflict of interest. Eddie had Jeff Kennett on his show Eddie McGuire Tonight. When Kennett made light of the fact Hawthorn beat the Pies earlier in the year, he dismissed Kennett, rolled his eyes and nonchalantly asked his next question. If he is to maintain these two roles, he must separate them by not showing bias to the Magpies when he's in the media. That scenario exemplifies exactly what a conflict of interest is. I have no issue with McGuire simultaneously working within both fields. He just needs to dial it down a bit.
Swampy
Guest
Here here. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Paul
Guest
Oh, yes, please. Let's take one of the few truly colorful and, yes, outlandish commentators on footy and muzzle him. Before long, there won't be any colorful &/or outspoken commentators on the game and the AFL will be just as boring as the NFL.
Swampy
Guest
People here are misconstruing the hat of president vs CEO. A club president is not involved in the day to day running of a club. It is an elected position of note worthiness and generally the club president's primary function is to spruik the club in the public and behind closed doors. Presidents commonly are well known and have significant business connections to help people connect to their club. They might give a rousing lunch address on game day from time to time and are more often than not one of the club's most passionate supporters. I have no problem with Eddie stirring up another club by making comments while wearing other hats. How is it a conflict of interest? It is in his interest to put the heat on another club - especially a big rival. If he was CEO and acting in the same way it would be consider unethical business practice. Quite a difference. I'm an Essendon supporter and think Eddie is great for footy. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Brewski
Roar Rookie
The more hate that Eddie builds against Collingwood, the more money they make, in the grand tradition of football spruikers Eddie is a master showman, but he loves his club to death and wears his heart on his sleeve. I like him.
Rodney Penny
Roar Pro
I think the best thing about James Brayshaw other than his performances on Triple M Footy is the fact that he doesn't stick his nose in where it doesn't belong. He doesn't even tip on other clubs when hosting The Footy Show. It was publicised that Fremantle and GWS were in the running to sign Travis Cloke. Eddie went on a verbal attack, waging war with those clubs, which I think is unprofessional. Any other President would have accepted that Travis is a good player and that it's no surprise that another club would want to secure his services. Eddie needs to take a few steps back. Any non-biased observer would come to the same conclusion. And by the way, Eddie McGuire was the CEO of a little organisation called the Nine Network. You may have heard of them? I'd say he'd be quite a decent administrator, wouldn't you?
JamesP
Guest
James Brayshaw couldn't run a chook raffle. The best thing that James did was appoint Eugene Arocca who is mostly responsible for building membership, move to Tas and the new facilities at Arden St. By the way Eddie (and James) are not administrators. CEO's are. McGuire is every bit as good a media performer as Brayshaw, and about 100 times a better president.
Cricket tragic
Guest
McGuire should stop making smart arse comments that he thinks are funny about other clubs, he has no class pure & simple no matter how much money he accumulates.Completely agree he could learn a lot from JB's behaviour. Like most Aussies he can dish it out but he can't take it when people make comments about his precious Collingwood, who are a match made in heaven. Eddie take a long hard look in the mirror, you're not clever you're just an over exposed tool.
Lucan
"James Brayshaw is much loved in the media for his commentating and sense of humour" "His professionalism is unparalleled and Eddie has a few things to learn about professionalism" Long weekend hasn't even started, but I'm grinnin' and gigglin' already.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Was Eddie's advice gratuitous? Yes. Did it elicit a bit of a laugh? Amongst non-Carlton fans, definitely. Was it mischievous? Yes. Does it matter a lot in the grand scheme of things? Probably not.