AFL Betting Scandal

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MELBOURNE midfielder Daniel Ward, Kangaroos ruckman David Hale, Adelaide star Simon Goodwin and Sydney rookie Kieren Jack are the four players under investigation for betting on AFL matches.

The four players could face lengthy suspensions and fines of up to $100,000 when AFL investigators hand down their finding within a fortnight.

Goodwin yesterday admitted to betting on AFL matches not involving Adelaide, while it is believed repeat offender Ward included Melbourne victories in multi-sport bets over several codes.

Ward has admitted seeking help for a gambling problem after it was revealed in 2003 he and teammate Travis Johnstone owed bookmaker Simon Beasley nearly $70,000.

Both Hale and Jack made insignificant bets on rival clubs, but the extent of Goodwin and Ward's involvement is yet to be determined.

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson yesterday warned that any player in future found betting against their team could be banned for life from AFL football.

None of the four players are accused of betting against their own sides, but under league rules no player or club official can make any kind of bet on any game of AFL.

It is believed the investigators are also aware of AFL players relaying privileged information about injuries and game tactics to friends and family so they can take margin bets and bet on head-to-head possession tallies. There was also some suggestion players were caught betting on AFL events such as the Brownlow Medal.

Melbourne football manager Chris Fagan yesterday confirmed Ward was under investigation by the AFL.

New Kangaroos chief executive Rick Aylett said yesterday the club was disappointed in Hale.

"No matter how insignificant the bet was, the club does not condone betting in football," he said.

It is understood Hale's bet was made in September and less than $10.

Jack placed two bets on matches not involving Sydney tallying about $10.

Online gambling agency Betfair confirmed it had alerted the AFL several months ago about its concerns a player was betting on AFL matches. That player had made fewer than 10 head-to-head bets, but the AFL requested a full audit of the betting accounts of all players with commercial partners Betfair and Tabcorp.

Betfair found only one player in a sweep of its accounts, while Tabcorp's found three players betting on football through TAB Sportsbet.

So again we have the AFL trying to hide areas of the game that could hurt it.....I'm sure it wont be the last time

[Surandy]

Knowing the rules against betting by players why would these idiots bet using accounts in their own names? Are they seriously that stupid?

[perthstormer]

personaly i think they are making mountains out of ant hills its not that big of deal just a little bnit of publicty gee wee the week before the nab starts.