AFL 2021: Collingwood Magpies off-field problems, EGM, signatures, fan petition, Mark Korda, Jeff Browne, news

A long-time Collingwood fan says he has gathered enough signatures to force an Extraordinary General Meeting as unrest about the club’s leadership boils over.

In a statement on Sunday night, David Hatley said he and fellow Magpies members had gathered “almost double the number of signatures needed” to force an EGM and spill of the board.

However Magpies coach Nathan Buckley refused to be drawn on the off-field dramas – despite the fact they’ll help determine his future.

Watch the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. Every match of every round Live on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

“I don’t have a message for them (the members). I coach the footy team,” he said post-game on Sunday.

“There’s a lot of focus on plenty of things that none of those boys or I are in control of. Ask the question of the people who are.

“We work on our ground ball, marking, connection, defence and offence. There are plenty of things to fill our minds with, we don’t need anything more to clog it up.”

Collingwood press conference | 08:50

Collingwood president Mark Korda has called for calm but last week’s appointment of Dr Bridie O’Donnell, who was technically ineligible to become a board member due to being a Magpies member for less than two years, added fuel to the fire.

Former Channel 9 executive and AFL legal adviser Jeff Browne is said to be considering a challenge for the presidency. Browne’s long-time friend Eddie McGuire stepped down as president earlier this year, creating a power vacuum at the club.

The Magpies have not held an election for the club’s presidency since before McGuire took the job in 1998, but one could be held at an EGM.

“Thank you Magpie Army for your overwhelming response today at the MCG and online to our petition to end the disconnect between the members of our football club and the board,” Hatley said in a statement posted to Twitter on Sunday night.

“Your amazing support means we already have double the number of signatures needed for an EGM.

“Because this initiative is about giving members a real voice, we will keep the petition open until next week’s game to give all members a chance to have their say.”

Hatley is calling for fans to have their say at Magpievoice.com. Only higher-level members can officially sign to force an EGM.

If an EGM is not held, three Collingwood directors will be up for re-election at next year’s Annual General Meeting.