How Eddie McGuire’s sons convinced him to stay on as Collingwood FC president

EDDIE McGuire has revealed that his sons convinced him not to quit as Collingwood president last year, after he briefly feared he had nothing more to give.

Eddie McGuire has revealed that his sons convinced him not to quit as Collingwood president last year, after he briefly feared he had nothing more to give. Picture: Michael Klein

EDDIE McGuire has revealed that his sons convinced him not to quit as Collingwood president last year, after he briefly feared he had nothing more to give.

In his only expansive interview this year, McGuire said his confidence was shaken as the club prepared to celebrate its 125th anniversary.

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Eddie McGuire has revealed that his sons convinced him not to quit as Collingwood president last year, after he briefly feared he had nothing more to give. Picture: Michael Klein

Collingwood had suffered a shock loss to Carlton in round seven last ­season, and McGuire was preparing to give a speech at the anniversary function that night.

“I stood there, and for the one time in my life, I couldn’t think of anything to say,” he said this week.

“I was so shattered … everyone was. I was wondering if I had anything left to give,” he confessed.

But a talk with sons Joseph and Alexander quickly changed his mood and renewed his vigour to help reshape the club’s future. “The boys gave it to me. They said: ‘C’mon Dad, what are you talking about?’”

McGuire, 53, then ordered a club review — including of his own role — which he credits with helping to spark the club’s rejuvenation.

“There are big personalities in a club like Collingwood, and sometimes you don’t realise how big those personalities can become.

Eddie McGuire and his sons Alexander and Joseph after a Collingwood and Carlton match in 2016. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“We worked out how we could all play our role,” he said.

McGuire insists he always knew coach Nathan Buckley was the right man for the job. He said 2017 saw the club “trying too hard”, and this year’s dynamic turnaround had been an ­incredible club effort.

McGuire has another year to run in his term as president and won’t put a time frame on his future.

But he said he was reinvigorated, and his love for Collingwood had never been stronger. “We’re back … and I’m back,” he enthused.

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