Reappointed to the board of Collingwood (unopposed) for another three years.
It’ll bring his tenure of president to 25 years, and it shows no sign of stopping.
He’s done a lot but the question, of course, is at what point does it become a better option for Collingwood to have a fresh set of eyes. Particularly given Eddie is such a “hands on” chairman.
Many organisations (incl AFL clubs) have maximum terms for directors and chairmen, to force renewal and progress. Collingwood don’t... in the much-vaunted “review” of the entire club in 2017, which saw the end of Gary Pert, the report specifically recommended Collingwood adopt max terms. Of course, the Board didn’t.
Will Eddie ever go? Is he president for life, planning a 40 or 50 year term?
You think somebody will just stand against him and win... but it’s never happened before, and it’s been murmured about as to why: Eddie has one of the widest media platforms in Australia, and he’s a brawler. He’d aggressively and publicly take down any “enemy” who tried to take over without his permission. Who would put themselves up for that?
And Collingwood is a mammoth club. They have dozens of very talented, accomplished, connected supporters who’d bring a lot to the role.
I remember a Mike Sheahan interview with Eddie some years back when he asked him about entering politics. Eddie said no, because he could achieve what he wanted in the community “through Collingwood”. Is that healthy? Does he see it as a personal fiefdom and vehicle?
Different roles of course but I think he might be a bit similar to Sheedy at Essendon. Achieved a lot but ultimately was there too long, which hurt an organisation so moulded in one person’s image. Alex Ferguson is perhaps another example.
It’ll bring his tenure of president to 25 years, and it shows no sign of stopping.
He’s done a lot but the question, of course, is at what point does it become a better option for Collingwood to have a fresh set of eyes. Particularly given Eddie is such a “hands on” chairman.
Many organisations (incl AFL clubs) have maximum terms for directors and chairmen, to force renewal and progress. Collingwood don’t... in the much-vaunted “review” of the entire club in 2017, which saw the end of Gary Pert, the report specifically recommended Collingwood adopt max terms. Of course, the Board didn’t.
Will Eddie ever go? Is he president for life, planning a 40 or 50 year term?
You think somebody will just stand against him and win... but it’s never happened before, and it’s been murmured about as to why: Eddie has one of the widest media platforms in Australia, and he’s a brawler. He’d aggressively and publicly take down any “enemy” who tried to take over without his permission. Who would put themselves up for that?
And Collingwood is a mammoth club. They have dozens of very talented, accomplished, connected supporters who’d bring a lot to the role.
I remember a Mike Sheahan interview with Eddie some years back when he asked him about entering politics. Eddie said no, because he could achieve what he wanted in the community “through Collingwood”. Is that healthy? Does he see it as a personal fiefdom and vehicle?
Different roles of course but I think he might be a bit similar to Sheedy at Essendon. Achieved a lot but ultimately was there too long, which hurt an organisation so moulded in one person’s image. Alex Ferguson is perhaps another example.
