Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd was in a violent exchange with Eddie McGuire and accused the President of Collingwood of being “too close” to Steele Sidebottom’s situation.
Sidebottom has been suspended for four games after being found to have violated the strict AFL COVID-19 protocols, allegedly getting drunk and residing with club employee Daniel Wells.
Asked on channel 9 Footy classified McGuire said whether Sidebottom, who had a clean off-field offense record during his 12 years with the pies, would be freed from the vice-captain: “No, that was not on the agenda … We will look at it in due time, but ‘no’ is the answer. “
Kayo is your ticket to the Toyota AFL Premiership season 2020. Watch every game every round Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming immediately
“People make mistakes and he took it on the chin. When people in life try to blow things up, are selfish, or do something on purpose, you see it differently.
“I have empathy for his situation and I think that many people who watch tonight would also have empathy.”
Eddie on Sidebottom’s ban
1:59
However, Lloyd said Sidebottom’s leadership role could now be questioned by younger players, especially if he had to call a Collingwood teammate who was involved in an off-field crime.
“You love these boys, you love them and worship them. But if the next player (in trouble) comes in and Steele and Scotty Pendlebury sit there and say what we’re doing, I would be embarrassed if I was Steele during that time and decided on someone else, ”said Lloyd said.
This led to a fiery clash between Lloyd and McGuire.
See the full log below.
Lloyd and Eddie meet!
1:18
Eddie McGuire: Today in the media you could cure cancer and get a parking ticket on Monday – and the tour will be the parking ticket.
Matthew Lloyd: Well, I can speak from my situation and that’s how I would feel.
Caroline Wilson: Don’t turn on the media. Your Vice-Captain has let you down …
McGuire: Caroline, I’m not going to the media …
Wilson: … and all I say is that I hope it doesn’t affect your season.
McGuire: Please. Don’t back up the media every week. I am also in the media and know all of his weaknesses – and you too.
Wilson: If you can’t see this is a huge story …
McGuire: Of course it’s a huge story. Nobody doesn’t say that. I just say to Matthew, there was only one person who was supposed to be sinless – and they brought him to the cross. So you have to forgive and have empathy.
Lloyd: You are too close to this situation.
McGuire: No, I’m not …
Lloyd: You are. You have a love for this guy, which is fine, but … I heard you three weeks ago, Ed. They said, “How do these people do this?” – Ollie Wines could have been. I will say, “You know what? Someone else will make a mistake, Ed.” And you go ‘these players, how can they do that’ …
McGuire: No, no, no. I think you’re over-dramatizing what I said.
Lloyd: I’d like to get up if we could, because that’s what you said.
Robbo beats Eddie’s hypocrisy
3:26
McGuire: Well, Matt, that’s …
Lloyd: … and you know what?
McGuire: Why are you going on the law enforcement line here, buddy? We say the guy accepted his situation …
Lloyd: Exactly, he made a mistake and we continue.
McGuire: OK – and I just said that. And I was asked if I would be fired as club vice captain and I said “no”.
Lloyd: It would be a consideration. I would be shocked if it weren’t.
McGuire: Well, you can ask me because I’m the president – and I said ‘no’.
Lloyd: It depends on ‘Bucks’ (Magpies trainer Nathan Buckley), I would have thought.
McGuire: Well, it will still come back, but it will come back on the board – and the answer right now is “no”.
Former St. Kilda and Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said Sidebottom deserved a break on his vice-captain status, stressing that the Star Pies had a wealth of experience and a previously clean record.
“If you raise your hand every week, it’s different. But he clearly doesn’t do that, ”said Lyon.
.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2024/05/08/3963911-80472928-2560-1440.jpg?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1)
