PORT Adelaide coach Mark Williams has laughed off inflammatory comments made by Collingwood president Eddie McGuire, describing the radio announcer's rant as a clever publicity stunt.

McGuire did several media interviews on Thursday and threatened to "burn down" the new coaching box behind the goals at AAMI Stadium.

The media personality said it was “ridiculous” the AFL had granted the two South Australian-based teams permission to use the additional box and it gave the clubs an unfair advantage for home games.
 
Williams said the new box was less of a competitive advantage than some of the training facilities clubs, like Collingwood, had access to.

“If everyone wants to be even, well then we’d like to have the same resources as all the other clubs. If by spending $3,000 on something weighs up against high-altitude rooms or underwater treadmills…come on, please,” he said.

Williams pointed out that his staff were yet to use the controversial enclosure in a game for premiership points, despite reports to the contrary.

McGuire's also attacked AAMI Stadium, calling it “unsafe”, and he questioned the Power’s much-publicised use of the stretcher in the dying minutes of the game against West Coast last weekend.

He then attacked Williams’ integrity, accusing the premiership coach of routinely bending the rules to win games.

The AFL has cleared Port Adelaide of any wrongdoing over the stretcher incident, which saw defender Jacob Surjan carried from the field with a shoulder/neck injury, despite the fact the vice-captain was able to stand up.

Williams refused to butt heads with McGuire on Friday, but said he was pleased his medical staff had acted in Surjan’s best interests at Subiaco last weekend.

“I’ve known Eddie for a long time," Williams said.

"He’s a fun man and he’s certainly talked up the (Port Adelaide v Collingwood) game, so I’m sure we’re going to have a sell-out crowd when we get to round 15. He’s probably done us a great favour.

“I understand the circumstances. He was on a radio show, which is looking for publicity and he’s got everything he wanted from it so he’s done a great job for their radio station.”