• Pies to play predator on Giants' list
• Comment: Why is everyone so scared of GWS?
• 'It drives me nuts': GWS boss considers quitting

SYDNEY Swans chairman Andrew Pridham has apologised unreservedly to his Collingwood counterpart, Eddie McGuire, for insinuating the Magpies had called Greater Western Sydney salary cap cheats.

Pridham had called the Pies' president and his Triple M breakfast radio co-hosts "intellectual pygmies" via Twitter after listening to an audio grab in which he believed McGuire had accused the Giants of breaching the salary cap rules.

"I think the AFL should [stand up to McGuire]," Pridham later told The Age.

"He basically said that GWS are cheating the salary cap. If I had have said that about another club publicly, I'd be expecting a massive 'please explain'."

However, McGuire called on Friday morning for Pridham to apologise after it emerged the audio in question came from a radio discussion about the NRL's Parramatta Eels, who were punished heavily this week for salary cap breaches. 

By mid-morning, Pridham had duly delivered his apology via Twitter.

"My question re: Eddie's salary cap comment was based on audio provided to me and noted I had not heard entire segment and still have not," he said. 

"I now understand Eddie's comment related to Parramatta. [I] withdraw [my] comment and apologise unreservedly on that point."

Meanwhile, GWS chairman Tony Shepherd has backed down from his threat to quit over the academy zones saga, but has urged the AFL to hold its line with the controversial issue.
 
Speaking on Melbourne radio station 3AW on Wednesday night, Shepherd said he would consider quitting if the Giants' Riverina area was rezoned, but has since told News Corp he got "a bit emotional".
 
Despite rival clubs' concerns the Giants' zone is too rich in talent, Shepherd said it was a key plank in growing a national game.
 
"This is the biggest decision the AFL has ever made (since starting the expansion clubs) and they have to stay the course," Shepherd said.
 
"Just as we start to deliver value, don’t weaken us now. Don't panic.
 
"This is going to produce the goods and the AFL will have two strong, new clubs (including Gold Coast).
 
"This should be a blessing."
 
The Giants have three first-round picks in the bank ahead of this year's NAB AFL Draft.