THE AFL's International Rules has been dragged into the long-running stoush between the Sydney Swans and Collingwood.
Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said on Thursday night that Swans coach John Longmire had passed on being an assistant coach of the Australian team because of McGuire's management role in the representative team.
McGuire has long been a critic of the Swans being allowed an increased salary via the Cost of Living Allowance and of the exclusive access the club gets to players in their academy structure.
McGuire said his views on those issues had been misconstrued and all he wanted was an "even competition".
"Clearly I've hit a sore spot and they (the Swans) are screaming and trying to protect something that is obviously super important to them and gives them a major advantage," McGuire told The Footy Show.
"I have heard indirectly that John has made that decision because of that, and that is disappointing. If he doesn't want to do it because of a petty club issue, then that's his call.
"When it comes to Australia, I put self-interest aside and in this Australian team you get the chance to refuse just once. I hope John reconsiders."
McGuire has shared regular verbal conflict with the Swans, through former long-term chairman Richard Colless, and has continued that abrasive relationship with new chairman Andrew Pridham.
Swans veteran Adam Goodes also ended his friendship with McGuire over a racial slur last year.
Longmire would not comment on the International Rules claim when contacted.
The Footy Show said he and the AFL had moved on from the matter.
