Eddie McGuire picked the right time to exit as Collingwood AFL president after many highs and lows

At one of Eddie McGuire’s early annual general meetings as Collingwood president the executive was being grilled about the club’s performance by impatient fans and a well-known shareholder advocate.

Sensing the growing dissent, McGuire seized the microphone and reminded the assembled throng that there was free beer at the end of the meeting before launching into a passionate version of the club song, Good Old Collingwood Forever.

As always, McGuire knew his audience. Despite the queue of members still waiting to ask questions the lights went up and everyone headed to the bar.

McGuire this week announced he will leave the Collingwood presidency at the end of next season after 23 years. As with any official who stays so long — perhaps even…