Mifsud moving on from AFL controversy

Updated May 15, 2012 17:07:03

Controversial AFL administrator Jason Mifsud insists there has been no fallout with clubs following discredited allegations about Melbourne coach Mark Neeld.

The league's community engagement manager was in Brisbane on Tuesday to launch this week's Indigenous Round, the first time he had been thrust into the limelight since last month's controversy.

Mifsud offered his resignation to AFL boss Andrew Demetriou - and was knocked back - after being revealed as the source of a blog by ex-Saints coach Grant Thomas claiming Neeld had interviewed his indigenous players as a group and the rest of his players individually during the pre-season.

The claims were incorrect. Mifsud said on Tuesday his passion for his job had never been greater.

"We've got a great relationship with all of our clubs," he said.

"It's open and transparent. That's the most important thing.

"My passion and energy and desire to be a part of that has never been greater."

Mifsud did not believe his job had been more challenging in the aftermath of the online article by his longtime friend Thomas.

"We are really driven to continually deliver great results in the future," he said.

"Our clubs have been terrific. Our players have really led the way in terms of providing guidance as to what our programs need to look like.

"And all 18 clubs have been ambitious in terms of the work they want to do for this round.

"Every moment we develop a new program, recruit a new (indigenous) player and institute a new policy we are always learning and growing.

"I think the future is really bright."

Mifsud said the seventh Indigenous Round looked set to be the biggest yet with a record 90,000-strong crowd predicted for Saturday night's "Dreamtime at the G" clash between Richmond and Essendon.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted May 15, 2012 17:07:03

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Mifsud, Davey put to bed AFL race row

Updated April 10, 2012 16:45:24

The AFL's most senior Indigenous official Jason Mifsud has apologised to Melbourne player Aaron Davey for distress he caused him over what he called a misunderstanding.

The AFL released a statement saying Davey had accepted Mifsud's apology after they met in a mediation session.

It followed the publication of an online column by former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas in which he claimed Melbourne coach Mark Neeld treated the club's Indigenous players differently to other players.

He made the claim based on a conversation he had had with Mifsud but withdrew the allegation and apologised after a phone call from Neeld that day.

Amid speculation that Indigenous player Davey had been the source within the Demons who had passed the false allegation on to Mifsud, Davey denied any involvement.

The AFL moved to end the matter on Tuesday with its statement after Tuesday's mediation session between Mifsud and Davey.

"Aaron and Jason had a discussion a few weeks ago," the statement said.

"Both have different recollections of the conversation which gave rise to a misunderstanding.

"Based on his discussion with Aaron Davey today, Jason now accepts that Aaron didn't say the words that were published by Grant Thomas and Jason has apologised to Aaron for putting him in the situation where those words were published."

Mifsud said: "I have apologised to Aaron personally for the distress this has caused him and his family and I am pleased we were able to fully discuss the matter."

Mifsud had offered to resign last week and was under pressure over a perceived lack of trust between himself and the AFL's Indigenous players, with former Indigenous stars including Andrew McLeod and Dean Rioli speaking out against him.

But Davey stood by Mifsud.

"Clearly there was a misunderstanding following my conversation with Jason a couple of weeks ago," Davey said.

"Jason is a man I trust and respect and I look forward to working with him in the future."

Mifsud said he was looking forward to continuing his role with the AFL as community engagement manager.

The Demons and AFL chief Andrew Demetriou both said they were pleased to see the matter resolved.

"Importantly, this has provided the opportunity to bring this matter to a close for Aaron, Mark Neeld and the club," Melbourne chief Cameron Schwab said.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted April 10, 2012 16:45:24

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