LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a showdown reminiscent of a tense finals match, Sydney Swans' Isaac Heeney and the outspoken Eddie McGuire have locked horns over the contentious issue of the Sydney Swans Academy.
As the Swans gear up for a grand final clash against the Lions, Heeney's comments have struck a nerve with McGuire, the former Collingwood powerhouse.
McGuire, known for his fierce loyalty to the Magpies during his lengthy reign as president, has long been a vocal critic of the AFL Academies in NSW and Queensland.
He believed these academies provided a significant advantage to clubs in the northern states, sparking a fiery debate within the footy community.
Describing the academies as a way to "hide" football talent from other clubs, McGuire's comments drew a sharp response from Swans chairman Andrew Pridham.
In a move akin to a defiant try-saving tackle, Pridham vehemently denied McGuire's accusations, defending the integrity of the academy system.
As tensions rise ahead of the big game, Heeney and McGuire's clash adds an extra layer of drama to the already intense rivalry between the two clubs.
In a sport where every play counts, this off-field battle is shaping up to be just as gripping as the on-field action.