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I remember a story Eddie McGuire told me probably in the middle of his 23-year reign as president of Collingwood.
He was walking in a street with his two young sons at the time when a group of young people, aboard a passing tram, started cursing him.
It all had to do with Collingwood but at that moment he wondered if the presidency was worth lowering in front of his boys.
History will show that the club won and that his sons would accept that their father, sometimes, gets angry with the cops.
And flak copped he has. Some justified, others not.
He is not naive enough to suggest that he is not blaming himself; a sometimes blind vision of the game he loves so much and polarizes public opinion.
Indeed, McGuire’s public opinion is divided as a result of his resignation as president of Collingwood.
In truth, he would still find it difficult not to resign following the leaked independent report that found Collingwood guilty of systemic racism.
The report included a veiled reference to Eddie’s apparent failures as an influential, if not LA, influential figure at the club.
The situation was not helped by his now infamous, and now deadly, comment that he was a “proud” day for the club.
McGuire walked out of the script, prompting his critics to quit the tap.
His opponents reportedly made noise last night, celebrating the fall of football’s most prominent administrator.
But that will win out over those who are just as enraged as McGuire is, most likely, a victim of those who thrive on being outraged.
But even his staunchest critics would have to admit that McGuire has done more for his club than any other president in the history of the game.
Not just a club, but a community.
The Magpies benefit from one of the most envied headquarters in Australian sport, right in the heart of the sports arena.
He also has a Premier Cup in the Trophy Cabinet, won under McGuire’s leadership.
Brick and mortar and silverware are an integral part of its legacy, as are the many projects designed to help those in urgent need of support.
The homeless were found in their homes … the hungry were given food … the lonely people were welcomed into the Collingwood family.
These weren’t photo opportunities for McGuire. Most of the work was done without a camera in sight.
So as much as history records his exit as a result of a racism issue that should have been addressed much earlier, McGuire will also be remembered as a visionary.
Many leaders are denied the dignity of going out as they please and McGuire has clearly joined the list.
He will suffer.
there is no doubt.
There should also be no doubt that, when weighed, his accomplishments will far outweigh his failures.
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