Outgoing Collingwood president Jeff Browne defends Craig Kelly and Magpies’ club culture

Jeff Browne has vigorously defended Collingwood’s culture and CEO Craig Kelly after claims of racism were made against him by a former Pies staff member.

Outgoing Collingwood president Jeff Browne has vigorously defended the culture within the club, as he threw his support behind chief executive Craig Kelly and dismissed speculation he was under pressure to retain his position.

Earlier this month the Magpies settled a wrongful dismissal claim brought by a former staffer who accused Kelly of racial slurs.

An internal probe earlier cleared Kelly of any wrongdoing.

While both parties in the claim agreed not to make any further statements following the resolution, Browne said Kelly’s role at the club was not in any doubt.

“The nonsense that is being spoken about Craig Kelly is just that … absolute nonsense,” Browne said in an exclusive interview.

Jeff Browne has once again throw his support behind Craig Kelly. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“He is the best at it (being chief executive) and that’s why he is here.”

Browne maintained the Magpies’ on-going commitment to the Do Better Report had been one of the most important moments in the club’s recent history.

He said: “Some allegations, because of some things that were alleged to have been said here, were used by some people to say that we hadn’t followed through on the Do Better Report … but we have.”

“I have been very committed to that and I have had great assistance from Jodie Sizer, my vice-president. We have worked so hard, and seeing Leon (Davis) come back and the work he has put in has been so important.

“I know that this is a culturally safe place and I know we recognise and respect everyone’s history and traditions.”

Browne said Kelly had “done an amazing job” since joining the club as CEO in early 2023.

Browne and Kelly helped steer the club to the 2023 premiership. Picture: Michael Klein

“He has been my friend for 30 years and I pursued him for six months and he took a lot of convincing,” he said. “I said, ‘Mate, you have come back and help me’.

“It was a real coup for us to get him to Collingwood. He has made his presence felt. He has 30 years of deep industry knowledge and a high deal of respect from the AFL.

“He is a doer, and we live in a world in which some people resent people who are doers.

“Lindsay Fox once said ‘If you cut down all the tall poppies you are only left with weeds’. Unfortunately, there is a group of people in this country who want to bring you down.”

Browne chose not to seek re-election for another three-year term on the board, saying he was content the club was well placed for future success.

He will bow out at the club’s annual general meeting on December 16, as he prepares to take over as chairperson of Myeloma Australia.

Originally published as Outgoing Collingwood president Jeff Browne defends Craig Kelly and Magpies’ club culture