Melbourne chief seeks 'natural justice'

Updated November 02, 2012 12:49:05

Melbourne president Don McLardy said the club has been assured by the AFL it will be receive "natural justice" over the tanking scandal, which attracted fresh headlines on Friday morning.

An ongoing AFL investigation is looking into the events of the 2009 season where the Demons won just four games allowing them to take Tom Scully with a priority pick.

It has been alleged that football manager Chris Connolly told the coaching staff they would lose their jobs if they reached the five-win threshold.

McLardy said the club will fully co-operate with the AFL and insisted his priority is to ensure there is minimal impact on the current players on the club.

"The Board of the MFC is concerned to ensure that the MFC is treated fairly and properly," McLardy said.

"The Board will fully co-operate with an independent, lawful and transparent process.

"The Board has sought an assurance from the AFL that natural justice will be afforded to the MFC, its players, employees and staff through the investigation.

"The Board is also concerned to ensure there is minimal impact on our current football department and playing group.

"Since the significant restructure by the Board of our football department in 2011, we have had a clear plan and settled staff, and every effort will be made to ensure they can continue to focus on the upcoming season."

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

First posted November 02, 2012 12:48:01

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Maguire seeks contract extension

Updated July 6, 2011 13:52:00

Brisbane defender Matt Maguire wants a contract extension so he can complete some unfinished business at his second club.

Maguire is one of a number of senior players whose careers are in the balance due to the Lions unofficial youth policy and their determination to rebuild the club from the ground up.

The 27-year-old arrived from St Kilda for the start of the 2010 season as one of half a dozen recycled players - including fallen idol Brendan Fevola - who coach Michael Voss hotly pursued for a quick-fix finals solution.

However it all came unstuck, particularly in Fevola's case, midway through last season and the club is wilting financially and on the field.

Maguire admits he is playing for his future and is under pressure from the side's emerging talent because the Lions have blooded 10 players this season.

"You feel like that a lot of a time that there are a lot players pushing to play," he said.

"I put myself under as much pressure from the club or external perceptions.

"I'm definitely keen and really enjoying my time at Brisbane.

"I haven't hit my best form by any stretch.

"There's still a lot of improvement in me."

Maguire has played 22 of a possible 36 matches since arriving and due to the absence of Daniel Merrett (back) he will most likely be guarding Hawthorn match-winner Lance Franklin in Launceston on Saturday.

If Franklin recovers from an ankle problem, it will be the second big assignment for the Lions' defender in as many weeks having been responsible for Port Adelaide's Jay Schulz who bagged seven goals at the Gabba last Sunday.

"(Franklin) is a tough one to play because he can do everything," Maguire said.

"He can get up the field and burn you on the way back in one-on-one contests and he's very good on the ground.

"If I get the job on him this week I will try and negate his running ability and keep him out of as many contests as possible.

"It's not going to be one player that beats us."

Maguire drew parallels between his early years at the Saints when they were struggling and relentlessly blooding new talent and the Lions' 2011 season.

"At St Kilda in my second year we were playing a lot of kids and it was about trying to get as many games into those kids as we could," Maguire said.

"I was lucky to be one of those who got a few extra games and the next year we were in the finals."

- AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, brisbane-4000

First posted July 6, 2011 13:09:00

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AFL seeks consistent approach to betting advertising

Updated May 23, 2011 13:27:00

The AFL says it wants all its broadcasting and venue partners to come to the same agreement on managing sports betting advertising.

Speaking at a Responsible Gambling Awareness event in Melbourne, Victoria's Minister for Gaming, Michael O'Brien, says gambling advertising during AFL games has become relentless.

"We would urge the AFL and other organisations to use their influence to wind things back a bit," he said.

Last month the AFL signed a five year deal with TV broadcasters worth $1.25 billion.

The AFL's business manager, Andrew Dillion, says sports betting advertising was discussed during negotiations but no agreement was reached.

"Where we want to end up is in a position that is consistent across all forms of media," he said.

He expects a deal will be finalised with broadcasters and stadiums in coming months.

Mr O'Brien also supports tough penalties for people who abuse rules to profit from sports gambling.

The AFL's Adrian Anderson is calling for people who are caught cheating in sport to face penalties of up to 10 years in prison.

Mr O'Brien says anyone who takes money to throw a game is committing fraud.

"I would regard as a criminal offence and there should be tough penalties to act as a deterrent," he said.

Mr Dillon says the AFL doing a lot to prevent corruption, including appointing an integrity officer and intelligence co-ordinator.

"We believe these changes put us at the forefront of Australian sports in dealing with this issue," he said.

He says all major bookmakers are required to report any suspicious betting activity.

Tags: community-and-society, gambling, australian-football-league, melbourne-3000

First posted May 23, 2011 10:35:00

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