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AFL: AFL 360 co-hosts Gerard Whateley and Mark Robinson debate whether a lack of penalty for Eddie McGuire and James Brayshaw looks ridiculous after the heavy fines handed down to North Melbourne and Brad Scott.

Eddie McGuire will miss Thursday Night Footy coverage. Picture: Ian Currie

EDDIE McGuire will sit out Fox Footy’s Thursday night football coverage saying he’s “emotionally and physically flattened”.

The Collingwood president and media personality requested the time off after the Caroline Wilson drowning “joke” controversy blew up this week, resulting in apologies to Wilson, fans and the Collingwood board.

“The events of the week have emotionally and physically flattened me,” he told Fairfax Media.

“I don’t think I’d be able to perform to the level that people would want to see on Thursday night footy.”

McGuire asking for the weekend off from Fox Footy has coincided with Sarah Jones taking over as anchor of the telecast for the first time.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire leaves the club after a board meeting. Picture: Ian CurrieSource:News Corp Australia

Jones has been a feature on Fox Footy for some time as a reporter and host.

She has previously hosted at games but never in the studio, where she will be in charge of the Adelaide v North Melbourne clash.

After a tumultuous week, McGuire asked to be given the night off and instead starts his regular mid-season break earlier than planned.

The Collingwood president had already booked an overseas holiday with his family which he takes at this time of the year because it’s a non-ratings period for his Triple M breakfast show.