Collingwood President Eddie McGuire to step down at end of 2021 AFL season

Eddie McGuire, President of the Collingwood Football Club has announced he will step down from the role at the end of the 2021 AFL season after 23 years in the position.

The sometimes controversial television personality revealed in his decision yesterday during a Club members’ forum on Monday evening and follows his position having come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks following the Magpies’ having lost key players due to salary cap issues.

McGuire became President of Collingwood at the end of 1998 and became known as ‘Eddie Everywhere’ as a result of his media presence and outspoken comments.

During his time in charge, McGuire ensured Collingwood remained one of the AFL major brands but only secured a single flag during his Presidency - in 2010, while also making grand finals in 2002, 2003, 2011 and 2018.

McGuire played a key role in appointing Mick Malthouse as coach ahead of the 2000 season. Malthouse led the club to eight finals campaigns in his 12 seasons in charge.

However, there was controversy when McGuire orchestrated the coaching handover from Malthouse to Nathan Buckley in time for the 2012 season.

Controversy include McGuire’s comments in 2013 suggesting Sydney’s Indigenous star Adam Goodes be used to promote the musical King Kong. These words came just days after Goodes was racially abused by a Collingwood fan at a match.

McGuire later blamed prescription drugs for the offensive remark.

In 2016, McGuire apologised for making a joke about drowning sports journalist Caroline Wilson. In 2019, he was criticised by the Sydney Swans for “ignorance and a lack of empathy” after his comments about the coin toss of their No 1 ticket holder, double amputee Cynthia Banham.

Commenting on McGuire’s decision, Collingwood Chief Executive, Mark Anderson noted “Eddie is an absolute legend of the club and I think a legend of the game as well.

“His impact across our club in particular is just immense.”

Speaking to the Magpies members’ forum announcing his decision, McGuire said the next 12 months of his role will be to prepare the club for a “new era” and would not be a “farewell tour”.

He went on to say “I will stand down at the end of next year and I will spend the rest of my time as president of this club setting up a new era of Collingwood.”

Image: Eddie Mcguire. Credit: Ticketek.