Up to $10k fine
And The Age is reporting that Dusty is still unlikely to do interviews and cop the fine
Behind a paywall
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-new-rule-that-could-hit-dusty-in-the-hip-pocket-20240123-p5ezf4.html
From the Age's Footy twitter
Real Footy (AFL)
@agerealfooty
Richmond superstar Dustin Martin is unlikely to grant interview requests despite a new AFL rule that threatens fines of up to $10,000 for players who repeatedly refuse to speak to the media, according to his management.
https://twitter.com/agerealfooty/status/1749905210997436597
Here's the full article:
The new rule that could hit Dusty in the hip pocketBy Jon Pierik
The Age
January 24, 2024 Richmond superstar Dustin Martin is unlikely to grant interview requests despite a new AFL rule that threatens fines of up to $10,000 for players who repeatedly refuse to speak to the media, according to his management.
All players who take the field during the season must be available for post-match interviews in the dressing room or in the days after a match under the new collective bargaining agreement, with players and clubs to face fines of $10,000 and $20,000, respectively, if they repeatedly knock back requests.
Martin, 32, has famously guarded his privacy and granted few interview requests during his 14-year career. This has not stopped the three-time premiership player, three-time Norm Smith medallist and 2017 Brownlow medallist from becoming one of the most marketable athletes in the country.
Martin’s manager Ralph Carr told this masthead on Tuesday it was unlikely his client would agree to interview requests.
“I would say he will not do anything,” said Carr, who handles most requests for Martin.
A Richmond spokeswoman said the club would soon address the new protocols.
There is an expectation from the AFL that superstar players will be available to all media in their dressing room post match, but not every week in the days after the match. However, if a player and club repeatedly opt out of a mid-week interview, the AFL says it will initially intervene and, hopefully, have the interview go ahead.
If a player and club continue to reject requests, the player – as a last resort – faces a fine of $10,000, and the club $20,000.
The clauses were introduced in the new five-year deal between the AFL and the AFL Players Association after it was decided some clubs too often shunned media requests of their best players. Host broadcasters Seven and Foxtel bankroll the league in their $4.5 billion broadcast deal, while the AFL is keen for all media outlets to have greater access in promoting the players and the sport.
Although the AFL already had the power to fine clubs for refusing media requests, it has never used it. This is the first time a clause has been written into the league’s CBA, with the agreement of players, who can also be fined.
Martin is in the final year of his seven-year, $9 million deal inked in 2017, and, according to new Tigers coach Adem Yze, has a “big decision” to make on his future. The Tigers want Martin to finish his career at Punt Rd.
Clubs across the league are working their way through the new requirements, and what it could mean for their higher-profile players. There is an exceptional circumstances exemption provision for missing a weekly interview, but that needs to be approved by the AFL.
Under clause 2.6 of the broadcaster access policy, the AFL and players association have agreed that each club will make “its playing group, including substitutes, from the previous round available to accredited media for a minimum of 45 minutes within two days (extended by one day in the event of a player or football department day off) of the conclusion of the match”.
Clubs are typically protective of their star players.
Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith, who will miss the entire season after injuring his knee, Carlton forward Charlie Curnow, Collingwood match-winner Jordan De Goey and Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver have typically conducted only a select few interviews. While they all conducted occasional interviews, the league is trying to promote regular access.
Access often improves during finals when most clubs run open media sessions.
Players who have been interviewed by host broadcasters post match must now also complete requested interviews with other official media outlets in the 20-minute designated warm-down area.
There are also more requirements for senior coaches, particularly for in-match access, and football department chiefs under the new rules.
Broadcasters are to also be given injury updates in matches no later than 15 minutes after the player has left the field, including details such as whether the injury is to the left or right limb.
An AFL spokesman said AFL and AFLW players were “some of the best and most interesting athletes in the world, and we all have a responsibility to ensure the great stories of our game are told and shared”.
He added: “Coming off a season of record crowds, membership and engagement, the players acknowledge the opportunity to talk to fans through the media and our broadcast partners, and the updated policy (as part of the new CBA) is designed to provide the access required to ensure insight and storytelling is enabled throughout the year.”
The AFL has stipulated that clubs must provide weekly medical information that is “credible, responsible and specific in terms that are meaningful to teams, media and fans”.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/afl/the-new-rule-that-could-hit-dusty-in-the-hip-pocket-20240123-p5ezf4.html
