Nathan Buckley’s manager endorses Jeff Browne to be the next Collingwood president

High-profile Collingwood people have endorsed an outside candidate to replace Eddie McGuire as president, throwing the race into chaos.

Who will be Collingwood’s next president? Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos/Getty Images

Nathan Buckley’s manager, Craig Kelly, has sensationally endorsed ex-Channel 9 boss Jeff Browne to take over as Collingwood president.

The Magpies are poised to install Mark Korda or Peter Murphy as president, despite the push from powerbrokers for Browne to take charge.

Kelly, one of the most powerful figures in the game and a member of the club’s famous 1990 premiership team, said Browne, 66, was the right man to lead the Pies.

“I think Jeff Browne would be an outstanding president,” Kelly told the Herald Sun.

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Nathan Buckley’s manager, Craig Kelly, has endorsed Jeff Browne. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/Getty Images

“He knows footy, he sits on multiple boards and it’s a good balance after Ed (McGuire) and would be well received.

“Ed did amazing things for our club and the club needs to make sure that we get this sorted out quickly — and I believe Jeff would be a really good outcome.”

Collingwood great Peter Moore — the father of star defender Darcy Moore — also backed Browne, saying he is “the leader the club needs”.

Collingwood’s board met on Tuesday night and is expected to announce Korda or Murphy as its new leader next week.

Browne, 66, has told confidantes he is keen to take on the Magpies’ presidency and has growing support from key club figures, but the board wants to promote from within.

Korda and Murphy have been co-presidents since Eddie McGuire’s shock exit in February.

One option for Browne’s supporters would be to force an extraordinary general meeting in the coming months, at which external candidates could nominate for the board.

Moore said Browne — the AFL’s former legal adviser — was the standout candidate to step in and revamp the misfiring Magpies.

“It’s concerning that the club has not been able to resolve the leadership issue and if Jeff is willing to do the job he’d be a fantastic leader given his background with the AFL and in business,” Moore said.

“He really understands footy and is a real footy person. The club is at a critical point with some big decisions to be made and it needs a strong and capable leader. He’s more than capable of that and I endorse him 100 per cent. There’s no one better.”

Moore doubled down on his stance on Wednesday morning, telling SEN that Collingwood needs “a prominent leader who is well respected in the community”.

“Jeff has an enormous history as a lawyer, put the AFL Commission together, wrote the rules, has advised just about every club... he’s a clear stand-out,” he said.

“It’s all about what is best for the club, not the individual or somebody who thinks it’s their turn to be president.”

Eddie McGuire announces he is standing down as Collingwood president. Picture: Alex Coppel

Peter Murphy (pictured) and Korda have been co-presidents since Eddie McGuire stood down. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Top Collingwood coterie member Pat LaManna also supported Browne.

“Jeff Browne would be a great fit for Collingwood,” LaManna said.

“We need someone high-profile there.”

The influential Galbally family threw its weight behind Browne’s candidacy last week.

“Jeff Browne would unite the club,” long-time Magpies solicitor Francis Galbally said.

“He would be able to bring together the various divergent factions and solidify Collingwood to be the force it should be.”

Australian sporting legend John Bertrand, 74, has also been linked to the Collingwood presidency and has said he is willing to help the club if asked.

Browne recently shifted his base back to Melbourne from Perth.

He is close to McGuire, well connected at AFL House and is a lifelong Collingwood supporter who played for the club’s under-19s in 1971. His brother, Murray Browne, played 47 games for the Magpies from 1981-85.

The Collingwood board spot left vacant by McGuire will also be filled this week.

JEFF BROWNE

Age: 66

Current role: Moelis Australia chairman

Former roles: Channel 9 boss, AFL external lawyer, Carsales chairman.

Originally published as Nathan Buckley’s manager endorses Jeff Browne to be the next Collingwood president