COLLINGWOOD received a formal apology from Essendon during the week after being dragged into the supplements scandal by former Dons employee Dean Robinson.

 

The former Essendon high performance coach linked the clubs in his tell-all interview on Channel Seven on Wednesday.

 

Robinson accused coach James Hird of being suspicious of what Collingwood, Hawthorn and West Coast were doing when it came to improving their players' fitness. 

 

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire, who returned from the US study tour into equalisation ahead of Sunday's twilight clash with Essendon at the MCG, said the Bombers' interim CEO Ray Gunston had personally called to say sorry. 

 

"Ray was good enough to ring up and apologise on behalf of the Bombers, which was gratefully accepted, knowing full well you had nothing to do with it and you can pass it onto [new club chairman] Paul [Little] as well," McGuire said.

 

"We don't take any offence. It's an unfortunate circumstance the football world finds itself in at the moment and no one is enjoying being part of it.

 

"Ray, thank you for your graciousness during the week."

 

McGuire welcomed Little into the role after he was appointed as Essendon chairman on Monday following the weekend resignation of David Evans.

 

He also said the Magpies were closing in on their goal of reaching an Australian sporting record of 80,000 club members.