In a continuation of long-standing friction between Eddie McGuire and the Sydney Swans, the Collingwood president has blasted Swans coach John Longmire for being “petty” and declining to be an assistant coach of the Australian International Rules team because McGuire is the team’s manager.
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In a statement released to Channel Nine’s The Footy Show and read on Thursday, McGuire said Longmire’s decision over a “petty club issue” was “disappointing” but that it was his decision.
Relations between McGuire and the Swans have been frosty following McGuire’s criticism of the Swans’ generous cost-of-living allowance and their exclusive access to players from their academy.
“Clearly I’ve hit a sore spot and they [the Swans] are screaming and trying to protect something that is super important to them and gives them a major advantage,” McGuire said.
"I have heard indirectly that John has made that decision because of that, and that is disappointing. If he doesn't want to do it because of a petty club issue, then that's his call.
“When it comes to Australia, I put self-interest aside and in this Australian team you get the chance to refuse just once. I hope John reconsiders.”
The AFL has announced that the cost-of-living allowance is to be phased out.
McGuire and former chairman Richard Colless had a series of verbal stoushes and that has continued with current chairman Andrew Pridham.
Longmire and the Swans have declined to comment.
Only one international rules series game will be played in 2014, on November 22 at Patersons Stadium in Perth.
The future of the series is under review.
