EJ Whitten Legends Game in jeopardy as donation details stun AFL greats

AFL greats have been left shocked and disappointed by revelations that only 6 cents of each dollar donated to the EJ Whitten Legends games has gone to cancer research.

25/03/1996 PIRATE: 25/03/1996 PIRATE: **NOTE** $200 fee on use payable to Anti Cancer Council. AFL player Ted Whitten. Australian Rules A/CT

• EJ charity crisis as 6c in dollar hits mark

AFL greats have been left shocked and disappointed by revelations that only 6 cents of each dollar donated to the EJ Whitten Legends games has gone to cancer research.

Former North Melbourne player David King was among those stunned to learn that the majority of the money donated was eaten up by fees and expenses.

He feared that Ted Whitten’s great name and legacy might be damaged by the scandal.

“Everyone donates their time because it’s for the EJ Foundation, I was staggered to learn how little was going to charity,” he said.

“I was disappointed, I thought it was just an EJ event. I thought every dollar went to the foundation.”

King, who has taken part in the top-rating Legends games, looked into the matter himself after hearing rumours about excessive fees.

The dual premiership player and All Australian is hopeful that the well-attended Legends games will continue.

A complex fundraising structure, approved by regulators, means commercial management company Baker Smith has to give just 20 per cent of the game’s proceeds to the EJ Whitten Foundation.

Ted Whitten and Doug Hawkins.

Hawthorn great Shane Crawford said he was bitterly disappointed that the EJ Foundation was not receiving more raised from the Legends games.

Crawford, who has taken part in the games, hopes that people do not lose faith in the fundraising sector and continue to support reputable charitable organisations.

“The reason you do charitable work is out of goodwill, you do it out of the goodness of your heart and because you want to help and contribute,” he said.

“People shouldn’t be benefiting financially, it’d be extremely disappointing to find out that was the case.”

The Brownlow champion has raised over $2 million for the Breast Cancer Network and vows to continue his charitable work.

“There are so many wonderful charities that do great work, it’ll be really sad if people stop donating,” he said.

“The majority of charities have great intent. It won’t stop me doing work for BCNA (Breast Cancer Network Australia), I definitely would love to do another challenge.”

A recently retired player who declined to be named said he was stunned by how little money was reaching beneficiaries including prostate cancer research bodies.

“I don’t know if the games can continue now, I won’t be taking part in them again unless I know the money is going to cancer, ” he said.

Another former player who also took part in this year’s game confirmed that players do not get paid but have their travel expenses covered including flights, accommodation and meals.

“You hear whispers about how well remunerated some of the management are but you just hope the money goes where it’s supposed to.”

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