The following statement was released today by AFL General Manager Football Operations Adrian Anderson.

"In accordance with AFL Player Rule 17, which relates to the enforcement of the AFL Draft and Total Player Payments, I have today charged the Adelaide Crows Football Club, Adelaide Crows Chief Executive Officer Steven Trigg, former Adelaide Crows General Manager Football Operations John Reid and Adelaide Crows listed-player Kurt Tippett each with the following two charges:

Charge 1

Contrary to Rule 17 of the Rules, in or about September and October 2009, you engaged in conduct prejudicial to the Draft.

Charge 2

Contrary to Rule 17 of the Rules, between September 2009 and October 2012, you engaged in conduct in breach of the Total Player Payments provisions in the Rules.

"Again in accordance with Rule 17, the Adelaide Crows FC, Mr Trigg, Mr Reid and player Tippett were today advised in writing of the charges.

“The Adelaide Crows FC, and each of the three individuals, have been advised their charges will be heard before the full AFL Commission next Monday, November 19, at 1pm at AFL House," Mr Anderson said.

As background to all media, the AFL wishes to re-state key parts of the AFL Player Rules, which are as follows:

  • Under Rule 17, the AFL may investigate any matters relating to conduct prejudicial to the National Draft and / or conduct in breach of the Total Player Payments provisions.
  • If after conducting an investigation, the AFL suspects that any person or Club has or may have engaged in conduct prejudicial to the National Draft and / or in conduct in breach of the Total Player Payments provisions, charges may be laid against the person or the Club.
  • The Commission has the power to impose penalties as it sees fit, including:
  1. Clubs - financial sanctions and / or eligibility to participate in up to four draft selection meetings and / or loss of the right to register any player to whom a rule breach relates;
  2. Players - financial sanctions and / or exclusion from the right to participate in the Draft process.
  3. Club Staff – financial sanctions and / or the right to perform any role for or on behalf of the Club.

It is not appropriate for the AFL to make any further comment before next week’s hearing by the full AFL Commission.

Ends

Released by:

Patrick Keane

AFL Media Manager