The Big Deal Weekly: Clubs back AFL over Tassie stadium, AFLW players caught in 'conduct unbecoming', Warner knocked by The Hundred, Leichhardt Oval future in doubt & more
Newsletter no.76, 27 March 2024
This week, the fallout from the Tasmanian State Election is in the sights, with the Tasmania Football Club’s stadium deal the focus of many politicans.
All that and more in this week’s wrap.
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Clubs backing AFL’s tough stance on Tassie stadium
AFL club presidents are reportedly backing the league’s refusal to renegotiate over the new Tasmania stadium, with the Liberal Party closer to forming a minority government.
Jeremy Rockliff was unable to form a majority during Saturday’s state election, with independents now holding the cards.
The AFL is set on a 23,000-seat roofed stadium in Macquarie Point.
Other clubs have expressed concern if the team was set to play at Bellerive Oval, and the club would have player retention issues.
AFL statement on Alexia Hamilton and Paige Sheppard
The AFL confirms Sydney Swans AFLW players Alexia Hamilton and Paige Sheppard have been found guilty of conduct unbecoming and suspended for two AFLW matches.
The pair were charged by police in December 2023 after being found in possession of an illicit substance while outside a hotel in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Both have since appeared in court where they received a reprimand.
AFL Integrity Unit (AFLIU) interviewed both players who admitted to possession of an illicit substance.
The AFL found that Hamilton and Sheppard committed a breach of AFL Rule 2.3(a), which states; A Person must not engage in conduct which is unbecoming or likely to prejudice the interests or reputation of the AFL or to bring the game of football into disrepute.
AFL-W players are not currently subject to the AFL’s Illicit Drug Policy framework, so no notifiable adverse finding will be registered against either player.
AFLW players are drug tested as part of the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code and Hamilton and Sheppard have not tested positive for any prohibited substance under that Code.
“Our review, in collaboration with the AFLPA, of the AFL’s Illicit Drug Policy continues. The AFL’s expectation is that that AFLW players will be part of any future policy. In these circumstances, both players have been dealt with under the AFL Rules and the accountability both publicly and privately is appropriate.”
Warner knocked back by The Hundred draft
David Warner’s T20 specialist lifestyle copped a hit after he was left undrafted for The Hundred.
The former Aussie opener had set his reserve price at $194,000 AU, and wasn’t the only Aussie undrafted.
Josh Inglis, Matthew Wade and Tim David also got knocked back.
AUSTRALIANS IN THE HUNDRED 2024
Men
Birmingham Phoenix: Sean Abbott (£50,000)
London Spirit: Nathan Ellis (£100,000)
Northern Superchargers: Daniel Sams (£75,000), Matt Short (£75,000)
Oval Invincibles: Adam Zampa (£100,000), Spencer Johnson (£60,000)
Women
Birmingham Phoenix: Ellyse Perry (£40,000)
London Spirit: Grace Harris (£40,000), Meg Lanning (£50,000), Georgia Redmayne (£17,500)
Manchester Originals: Beth Mooney (£50,000), Sophie Molineux (£40,000)
Northern Superchargers: Phoebe Litchfield (£50,000), Annabel Sutherland (£50,000), Georgia Wareham (£40,000)
Oval Invincibles: Amanda-Jade Wellington (£30,000)
Southern Brave: Lauren Cheatle (£14,000)
Trent Rockets: Ashleigh Gardner (£50,000), Heather Graham (£30,000), Alana King (£40,000)
Welsh Fire: Jess Jonassen (£30,000)
Tickets for Global Football Week over the top?
Tickets to see some of the Premier League’s stars have been released and are outrageous.
For Newcastle and Tottenham active fans areas, behind the goals, it’s $59. But that’s the cheapest ticket.
Bronze, up in the top tier is aldo $59, while silver, mostly top tier and some bottom tier are at $99.
Gold, mostly bottom tier and second tier are $149, while platinum for your wing seats are $199.
Ultimate Fan Club is $295, Premier Lounge $495 and Champions Club $695, however extras are included.
Ultimate Fan Club gets you a reserved platinum seat on level two, one official merchandise item and complimentary access to the Spurs open training session in an exclusive area close to the action.
Premier Lounge includes the above as well pre-game cocktail function with VIP guest appearances and exclusive access to the Premier Lounge.
The Champions Club is all the above, as well as a food and beverage package throughout the game.
Leichhardt Oval future in doubt
Wests Tigers’ future at Leichhardt Oval is even more in doubt after the NSW Premier Chris Minns said there’s insufficient funds to revamp the ground.
Tigers CEO Shane Richardson and the Inner West Council mayor Darcy Byrne had pitched to the government to reallocate 10% of the proposed $309 million to upgrade Panthers Stadium.
The Tigers currently split their home games between Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Stadium, and Minns referenced a concern on that fact.
The club could switch to Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park and CommBank Stadium in Parramatta from next season.
Baffling coach conundrum sees champs without a coach
Just over a month after claiming the Big Bash League title with the Brisbane Heat, Wade Seccombe has left in bizarre circumstances.
The out of contract coach was told by Queensland Cricket officials he would have to reapply for his roles as both Heat and Queensland Bulls coach.
While the Heat were successful, the Bulls finished last in the Sheffield Shield, and he’s ultimately paid the price.
Johnston signs mammoth deal
Aussie punter Cameron Johnston is set for a big payday after signing a $13 million AUD deal with Pittsburgh Steelers.
Geelong-native Johnston leaves the Houston Texans for the Steelers, with his stint in the NFL set to extend to a decade after inking the three-year deal.
Johnston was originally drafted in the AFL by Melbourne in 2010, but failed to play a senior game.
He’s been in the NFL since 2017 after he was picked up with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent three years.
NBL Free Agency not far away
The NBL Free Agency period isn’t far away, with it set to begin no later than 14 business days after the final game of the Championship series.
Currently, Tasmania holds a 2-1 lead and the next game is at home.
On the re-signing front, Isaac Humphries has re-committed to the Adelaide 36ers, while Will Magnay, Nathan Sobey, Shaun Bruce and Sam Waardenburg are set to stay put.
However, Will McDowell-White will be one of the most sought-after names once again, while Mitch McCarron, Jordan Hunter and Bul Kuol are other players set for new homes.
Germany signs with Nike
After 77 years, Germany has ditched its long-term kit supplier Adidas in favour of Nike.
The German Football Association announced Nike would be the official kit supplier for the national teams from 2027 through to 2034.
Adidas has been with Germany across four World Cup wins for the men’s team and its contract runs until 2026.
Fans spend big at Australian Grand Prix
There’s some big numbers being thrown around at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
More than a dozen trackside locations were worth more than $1000 a day, while there were ‘top tier’ experiences beyond $10,000.
Different costs:
Red Bull Energy Station - $4595
F1 Paddock Club - $14,000
Porsche Pavilion - $7895
AMG Lounge - $4000
Casa Ferrari - $10,000
Couldn’t rock, rock the GP
The Victorian Supreme Court has set aside dates in late May and early June for hearings in a $8.7 legal fight over a cancelled Aussie GP concert by Robbie Williams.
The 2020 event was cancelled with fans standing outside the gates by then-premier Dan Andrews on Friday, March 13.
The touring agency is seeking $7.6 million for costs it incurred and another $1.1 million in lost profits and interest over the cancellation.
The Australian GP had previously rejected a $4.8 million settlement, countering with just $1.
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