Alleged incident at hotel on Sunday night

[imuninformedtwo]

The SMH reporting players (not specific on four or five or which ones) are set to be charged with bringing game into disrepute and stood down for at least two games.

[imuninformedtwo]

I have no idea what to think. That’s not really contributing anything, apart from offering that if you’re in a bit of a daze and don’t quite know what to think then you’re not alone.

I guess, old friend, what has been building in me is anger.

We're in a window. That's gone.

Let's say you're Dane Rampe having one last ping, or Curnow or Paps or Grundy and know you're 30 or so and time is ticking, or McCartin who's battled through the horrors of concussion and is in the peak of his career, or Errol who's the most professional bloke possible, or a young Kyle or Dattoli dreaming of something big - and it just got taken away. Do you want anything to do with the players who got involved in whatever happened in that room, even if it wasn't criminal?

And of the players involved (and I'll stick to my process of not naming them), how are you going? And when you go home and your fiancee or girlfriend says f off? Are you going to get back to playing good footy any time soon? I reckon the odds of one, even though I'm not naming him, leaving next year back to his home state are now high.

And if your Cox, what do you even make of it, or do with it?

(I mean, there's even little side effects. How's poor old Horse going to go marketing the club's leadership institute and courses now. And how's the club's balance sheet from what I understand is a highly profitable operation. Pffft.)

And then, to top it off, we will need to rebuild through the Tassie drafts when we've just lost meaningful access to the Academy.

No, I'm angry because it's so damn grim.

[stevoswan]

I guess, old friend, what has been building in me is anger.

We're in a window. That's gone.

Let's say you're Dane Rampe having one last ping, or Curnow or Paps or Grundy and know you're 30 or so and time is ticking, or McCartin who's battled through the horrors of concussion and is in the peak of his career, or Errol who's the most professional bloke possible, or a young Kyle or Dattoli dreaming of something big - and it just got taken away. Do you want anything to do with the players who got involved in whatever happened in that room, even if it wasn't criminal?

And of the players involved (and I'll stick to my process of not naming them), how are you going? And when you go home and your fiancee or girlfriend says f off? Are you going to get back to playing good footy any time soon? I reckon the odds of one, even though I'm not naming him, leaving next year back to his home state are now high.

And if your Cox, what do you even make of it, or do with it?

(I mean, there's even little side effects. How's poor old Horse going to go marketing the club's leadership institute and courses now. And how's the club's balance sheet from what I understand is a highly profitable operation. Pffft.)

And then, to top it off, we will need to rebuild through the Tassie drafts when we've just lost meaningful access to the Academy.

No, I'm angry because it's so damn grim.

I truly get your sentiments but some of them are of the thoughts of someone who seems to have decided on the crime and already found these players guilty....frankly, it's far too early for this sort of hysteria.


I'm angry too....but I would prefer to let justice takes it's course before condemning anyone and deciding that the clubs future is destroyed.

[imuninformedtwo]

I truly get your sentiments but some of them are of the thoughts of someone who seems to have decided on the crime and already found these players guilty....frankly, it's far too early for this sort of hysteria.


I'm angry too....but I would prefer to let justice takes it's course before condemning anyone and deciding that the clubs future is destroyed.

I'm not assuming any crime in the above. I'm assuming the AFL is about to stand down four or five of our best 22 for at least a few weeks, and that our season is screwed, and the rest of the playing group will be beyond ropeable that everything they put their entire lives into is being snatched from them.

[111431]

I'm not assuming any crime in the above. I'm assuming the AFL is about to stand down four or five of our best 22 for at least a few weeks, and that our season is screwed, and the rest of the playing group will be beyond ropeable that everything they put their entire lives into is being snatched from them.

I agree with this view. How can someone in the leadership group allow himself to get into such a situation? How does he explain that to his team mates and gain their respect? It is just so dumb by all concerned.

If i was Cox i'd pull the pin - they don't want it enough. They've demonstrated each time they've played a time that applies constant pressure they can't deal with it physically. I think we can now say there are a few who lack the intelligence and mental discipline to play at this level.

[Ludwig]

If only one player was involved in the incident, then why would the 3 others be suspended for cooperating with police, unless cooperating with the police is bringing the game into disrepute.

I don't know why we can't get more details on what happened and who is being accused of what. We already know the names of players with some involvement, but don't know what that involvement is. Once names become public, things need to be clarified quickly.

[Swannette]

My understanding is that the AFL suspensions are due to the individuals being out so late and drinking. Seemingly not connected to their alleged involvement in any assault. It’s simply their (brainless) misconduct that has the afl taking action.

I feel the same anger toward these blokes who have just destroyed the season for their teammates, the club, sponsors and all of us. It’s just mind boggling. Yes all the older guys who won’t get another chance - gone. Errol who worked his arse off to get fit again - gone. How will any of the rest of the squad trust them again. I fear this fracture is fatal.

[SwanSand]

I guess the question is not the accused party only who will undoubtedly be under the scanner for a lot longer. But the details of what went on that particular night is all over the newspapers and the speculation is causing the disrepute rather than the action themselves. So the stance that the AFL will take is that there would be as many as 4 people facing sanctions.

But the act of stupidity, not assuming that they have done anything wrong, of even being involved or remotely coming close to an accusation when we all know the ramifications of that is beyond belief.

Even if no charges are laid on anybody, and all is hunky dory, the madness for being in that position itself is going to scar the public eye and the players for ever.

[UUaswan]

If only one player was involved in the incident, then why would the 3 others be suspended for cooperating with police, unless cooperating with the police is bringing the game into disrepute.

I don't know why we can't get more details on what happened and who is being accused of what. We already know the names of players with some involvement, but don't know what that involvement is. Once names become public, things need to be clarified quickly.

Very good point, im not sure many players would wear a suspension if they are innocent, footy aside, it wouldn't do alot for your home life.

Not saying nothing wrong hasnt been done, but unless charged how can you bring the game into disrepute?

An opposing supporter could go into another teams hotel, grand final day with allegations, unless proven true, you cant wear the consequences ahead of time

Hard for the club to impose a sanction as well if players are pleading innocence, regardless of stupidity.

Alot to be said for staying in your lane as a club too, gonna wear this for a while, next year's Pride game will be a circus due to commenting on a Saints player this year

Not saying nothing wrong hasnt been done but weary of tainted a whole group for the actions of a few.

So much out there, its like the UK tabloids

[The Big Cat]

I think the AFL are taking the view that regardless of whether the accusations of assault are correct, the players have brought the game into disrepute by being out so late (and possibly drinking.) of course this hasn’t happened before with other clubs in the past so it needs to be stamped out now.
BTW I’m livid with the players. No excuses. None of them are kids any more. Heeney is 30 for goodness sake! (And engaged)
if Bombers beat Tigers next week, then the Eagles will have the first draft pick. Trade for Warner anyone?

[stevoswan]

I'm not assuming any crime in the above. I'm assuming the AFL is about to stand down four or five of our best 22 for at least a few weeks, and that our season is screwed, and the rest of the playing group will be beyond ropeable that everything they put their entire lives into is being snatched from them.

Fair comment indeed IU2.....but if it turns out that the players are innocent, do you think the league will admit they stuffed up if they act too hastily? There's already people bleating for action to be taken by the AFL.

I would hope that the league, in light of the injustice that happened to the innocent Tanner Bruin of Geelong, due to a hasty 'seen to be doing the right thing' sanction......which turned out to be the wrong thing, might want to get some facts before banning anyone from playing.

I'm all for accusers being heard and listened to and believe that generally anyone who makes such an accusation is telling the truth but history does tell us that sometimes they don't, especially where high profile sports people are involved ....so I'm also massively into facts.

I do agree with you though that the clubs future may well be seriously compromised and challenging.....and no one should be pleased with that. As I said earlier, a massive test for the clubs 'culture' lies ahead.

[stevoswan]

If only one player was involved in the incident, then why would the 3 others be suspended for cooperating with police, unless cooperating with the police is bringing the game into disrepute.

I don't know why we can't get more details on what happened and who is being accused of what. We already know the names of players with some involvement, but don't know what that involvement is. Once names become public, things need to be clarified quickly.

I agree. The longer it goes on without actual facts or at least an explanation of the nature of the alleged incident coming out, the more suspicious and murky it gets.

[UUaswan]

I agree. The longer it goes on without actual facts or at least an explanation of the nature of the alleged incident coming out, the more suspicious and murky it gets.

Or the more clearer it gets ?
Blakey was suspect #1 yesterday, seemingly not involved today, these guys could be like Blakey tomorrow?

UK Tabloids

[SwanSand]

Apparently Heeney is the only one who met with police today as per news.

[Auntie.Gerald]

I think we need to cool our jets a little ladies and gentleman

no 1 - is making sure anyone who has made an allegation is supported and treated with the up most respect right at this moment

second is due process

lastly who cares about footy right now

none of u should as there should be no link at all to how this situation is navigated and dealt with professionally

justice and due process is no 1

I'm sure we will all know a lot more soon and any of our guesses are probably not even relevant at the minute