Revealed: The WAG Instagram post that saw AFL premiers cop big fineJuly 31, 2020 6:20pm
by TOM MORRIS WITH FOX SPORTS
The AFL has come down hard on four clubs who have been financially sanctioned for breaching rules in their COVID-19 quarantine hubs.
Hawthorn has been fined $50,000 ($25,000 suspended) while Carlton, North Melbourne and Richmond have been fined $45,000 ($25,000 suspended). The suspended fines last until the end of the 2020 season.
The Hawks’ breach came when several non-selected players who were at last week’s loss to Sydney were escorted by security into the public area at the SCG to get a bag of chips.
The incident did not breach Queensland Government or quarantine protocols, but went against the AFL’s regulations.
Richmond’s breach related to captain Trent Cotchin’s partner, who visited a day spa. Brooke Cotchin posted an Instagram story of her time at Esteem Medi Spa.
In the caption, she wrote: “The most incredible experience today…. My skin was in desperate need of some love. I knew I was in the right place as soon as I walked through the doors of Esteem.”
North Melbourne’s breach concerned a group of partners that attended a football game.
Carlton’s involved kids of a player who were dropped off at their grandparents’ house. When the player’s partner picked the kids up later, she was shocked to learn that they’d been at a theme park, which is a clear breach of AFL protocols.
The AFL also confirmed a second offence would warrant a fine of up to $100,000, with third and subsequent offences potentially resulting in fines, the loss of premiership points or draft picks.
The Kangaroos, who believed the AFL had ticked off family members attending last week’s game against Carlton, released a terse statement after the sanction was revealed.
“The club accepts there needs to be strict adherence to the RTP Protocols, and appreciates the importance of the rules that are in place,” North Melbourne said.
“Although the club believed it was operating with the full approval of the AFL and strongly suggests a communication breakdown is at fault, it accepts the decision that’s been handed down.
“The club will make no further comment in relation to the sanction.”
Speaking on Triple M’s Hot Breakfast this morning, AFL reporter Tom Browne drew attention to the document titled ‘AFL High Performance Centre Family Induction Information’ that was sent to partners and families.
“The foreword is written by Gill McLachlan, it provides an overview of what the HPC (High Performance Centre) is,” Browne said.
“It’s a hotel or resort solely dedicated for the AFL to enable the control of external people entering the facility that includes accommodation, training and the grounds.
“It’s an environment designed to support the wellbeing of players, but this is the interesting bit: what a HPC is not.
“It’s not a family holiday experience with the ability to move freely in the community, it’s not an environment that replicates your normal home living arrangement, and it’s not the same liberties afforded to local communities as part of the state’s current covid restrictions even once — it says in big red letters — once the initial 14 day quarantine day has concluded, strict adherence to the protocols is required akin to stage three government restrictions.”
This morning Collingwood president Eddie McGuire called for the AFL to put any further transgressors of its COVID-19 protocols “on the plane home” to send a clear message to families of players.
Approximately 400 families have begun a two-week quarantine period in Queensland before they’ll be allowed to reunite with players, coaches and staff.
After three clubs and a potential fourth were at the centre of an AFL investigation into protocol breaches from family members, McGuire said the AFL should consider harsher penalties moving forward to make it abundantly clear what can and can’t be done.
“Lets be honest, I think what needs to happen ... do you think the AFL will just come out and say ‘right, here’s what it is and if you do this you’re all clear and if you do that you’re in big trouble and if anybody transgresses you’re on the plane home, we’re not gonna cop this stuff’,” he said on Triple M’s Hot Breakfast.
“I think that’s where it’s gotta be, it’s just gotta be so clear cut that no one can have any mitigation.
“Every time somebody does something in this country ... ‘I thought I could do this, I thought I could do that’, well you can’t, bang.”
When it was put to him that one breach was for travelling to a nail salon which would be allowed in ordinary circumstances, McGuire replied: “Ordinary circumstances you haven’t got the entire AFL in a bunker and the season on the precipice.”
FULL AFL STATEMENT
The AFL has this week reminded Clubs of the importance of the Return to Play protocols as additional club officials and player families arrive in Queensland from Victoria, along with Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS temporarily relocating to Brisbane prior to their Rounds 9 and 10 matches.
The AFL also formally communicated the sanction guidelines for AFL protocol breaches by Club people from 31 July 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to be a challenge amongst the wider community.
AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillion said everyone has a role to play in keeping community safe during these times.
“Our primary focus, like everyone around the country, is to play our role in continuing to keep safe the communities in which we play. We know it is a privilege to be able to continue our competition which provides jobs for thousands of people around the country, and joy to millions of fans.” Mr Dillon said.
“The protocols are in place to not only protect players, officials, staff, and now their visiting families, but also the wider community in which we have been given the opportunity to train and play.
“We all have to modify our behaviours in order for the competition to continue in a safe manner.”
SANCTION GUIDELINES FOR AFL PROTOCOL BREACHES BY CLUB PEOPLEThe Sanction Guidelines for AFL Protocol Breaches by Club People (as defined below) will form part of the AFL Rules.
Breaches of AFL Return to Play (RTP) Protocols by Players will be dealt with between the AFL, relevant Club and the AFLPA, as has been happening.
Club People will include:· Club Staff
· Players’ partners and family members
· Club Staff partners and family members
· Players (in addition to the individual liability of the Player set out above)
Clubs will be strictly responsible and liable to sanction in the event of any breaches of the RTP Protocols by Club People, save for the most exceptional extenuating circumstances.
This strict regime is important for the AFL and the AFL Clubs to protect the health and safety of the community and to maintain the AFL’s social licence to continue the 2020 Toyota AFL Premiership Season in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
From 31 July 2020, Sanctions for Clubs for breaches of the RTP Protocols by Club People:
FIRST OFFENCE – up to $50,000 sanction (50% suspended) – $25,000 included in 2020 Soft Cap
SECOND OFFENCE – up to $75,000 sanction (plus $25,000 from first offence) – $100,000 included in 2020 Soft cap
THIRD & SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE – The Commission or the General Counsel may impose any sanction on any terms or conditions that they in their absolute discretion think fit which may include a monetary sanction, loss of Premiership points or loss of Draft picks.
BREACH NOTICESThe AFL confirms that four clubs have been sanctioned for non-adherence to the RTP Protocols over the last 7 days.
Hawthorn has received and accepted a $50,000 fine ($25,000 suspended for the remainder of 2020 AFL Season).
Carlton, North Melbourne and Richmond have all received and accepted $45,000 fine ($25,000 suspended for the remainder of 2020 AFL Season).
In order to protect the wellbeing of the club people, the details of these breaches will remain between club and the AFL.
The AFL will be making no further comment in relation to the sanctions.
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