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AFL Daily: Live rolling footy news from around Australia for March 25
Richmond says it has a 'zero tolerance' policy on racism, stripping the membership of a fan who left abusive comments on a Facebook article about West Coast goalkicker Liam Ryan. Meanwhile, the AFL announces the headline act for Sunday's AFLW grand final.
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Updates
Tigers tipped for AFLW recruiting coup
– Lauren Wood
Sabrina Frederick-Traub has quit the Lions and wants to play at a Victorian AFLW club.
The two-time All-Australian forward told Brisbane today of her decision.
“We’ve loved having Sabs on the journey with us and she will be missed," Lions women's chief Breanna Brock said.
"As with anything in life you have to do what’s right for you and your family, and we certainly respect that.
“While it is disappointing, this will open up opportunities for the young and developing girls on our list and those wanting to come to Brisbane."
Richmond has been linked to the tall forward, who wants to come to Victoria to be closer to the family of her partner, Lili.
It marks the first significant blow to the Lions list this post-season, with 2020 expansion clubs Gold Coast, West Coast, Richmond and St Kilda permitted to sign up to eight players from Brisbane and Fremantle.
An online troll who racially abused West Coast forward Liam Ryan has had his membership revoked by Richmond.
The Tigers revealed late today that a man who racially vilified Ryan was a club member.
"The club has immediately suspended the person’s membership for two years, revoking all of their member rights," the club said on Twitter.
"Racial vilification has no place in our game, and no place in our society, and the club will continue to take strong measures to ensure there is zero tolerance to this behaviour."
AFL clubs have condemned racist behaviour by fans after vile comments were posted on an article about Ryan on Facebook.
The fan was identified after an investigation by the AFL Integrity Unit.
"The comments directed at Liam Ryan are only the latest in what appears to be an increasing number of racist posts appearing on the players, and broader, online platforms,” AFL general manager of inclusion and social policy Tanya Hosch said.
"The AFL took action regarding on-field racism over 20 years ago, we take action at our stadiums and grounds, but we are now facing vicious commentary appearing on players own accounts, and industry platforms.”
Ms Hosch issued a warning for fans who racially abuse players online, saying the integrity unit will work to identify them and suspend memberships and report them to the police if warranted.
“Where the AFL can take action, we will,” she said.
Breaking: Tigers ban racist fan
An online troll who racially abused West Coast forward Liam Ryan has had his membership revoked by Richmond.
The Tigers revealed late today that a man who racially vilified Ryan was a club member.
"The club has immediately suspended the person’s membership for two years, revoking all of their member rights," the club said on Twitter.
"Racial vilification has no place in our game, and no place in our society, and the club will continue to take strong measures to ensure there is zero tolerance to this behaviour."
AFL clubs have condemned racist behaviour by fans after vile comments were posted on an article about Ryan on Facebook.
The fan was identified after an investigation by the AFL Integrity Unit.
"The comments directed at Liam Ryan are only the latest in what appears to be an increasing number of racist posts appearing on the players, and broader, online platforms,” AFL general manager of inclusion and social policy Tanya Hosch said.
"The AFL took action regarding on-field racism over 20 years ago, we take action at our stadiums and grounds, but we are now facing vicious commentary appearing on players own accounts, and industry platforms.”
Ms Hosch issued a warning for fans who racially abuse players online, saying the integrity unit will work to identify them and suspend memberships and report them to the police if warranted.
“Where the AFL can take action, we will,” she said.
Coaches prefer Cotchin over Cripps
There are seven joint-leaders of the AFL Coaches Association champion player award after Round 1.
Marcus Bontempelli, Stephen Coniglio, Trent Cotchin, Tim Kelly, Hugh McCluggage, Justin Westhoff and James Worpel all received the maximum 10 votes – five from each coach- in Round 1.
Nat Fyfe polled nine votes against North Melbourne and Josh Bruce (8) was the top-scorer in the St Kilda v Gold Coast game.
Cotchin was perhaps the biggest surprise. Carlton's Patrick Cripps was voted best on ground by Herald Sun reporter Jay Clark and by readers in the online Super Rankings poll. He received six votes from the coaches, also behind Kane Lambert (8).
Magpie Darcy Moore received five coaches' votes, equal with Patrick Dangerfield on Friday night, and Tom Liberatore (5) and Aaron Naughton (5) were equal-second to Bontempelli. No Essendon or North Melbourne players polled any votes from either coach in their big losses on Sunday.
GWS and West Coast may be facing off on the field on Saturday, but the clubs have united today to take a stand against racism.
Eagles forward Liam Ryan is the latest target of online abuse, with racist comments left on a story about him on Facebook.
After Eagles chief executive Trevor Nisbett denounced the social media posts as "abhorrent, disgusting and vitriolic garbage", the club released a video featuring indigenous liaison officer and former Eagle Phil Narkle, and newly-appointed development coach Chance Bateman.
"We are united at this club, we do not accept or tolerate racism," Narkle said.
Bateman said as well as condemning online abuse the club wanted to educate people about how harmful their words could be.
“For many, the term monkey or ape, can be seen as just name calling. But for aboriginal people, it cuts much, much deeper than that," he said.
“It is a throw-back to early settlement when this land was settled under terra nollius – or no man’s land – the reason for that is because aboriginal people were not thought of as human beings. We were thought of as a sub-human species and that decision to settle the land under those terms triggered some of the most horrific, degrading and inhumane treatment of some of our men, women, children and babies.
“So what we would like to do is ask your support, so that whenever you hear that these players need to harden up and it’s just name calling, we hope you can support them and educate others on why the term is so offensive to our people.”
Eagles, Giants take stand on racism
GWS and West Coast may be facing off on the field on Saturday, but the clubs have united today to take a stand against racism.
Eagles forward Liam Ryan is the latest target of online abuse, with racist comments left on a story about him on Facebook.
After Eagles chief executive Trevor Nisbett denounced the social media posts as "abhorrent, disgusting and vitriolic garbage", the club released a video featuring indigenous liaison officer and former Eagle Phil Narkle, and newly-appointed development coach Chance Bateman.
"We are united at this club, we do not accept or tolerate racism," Narkle said.
Bateman said as well as condemning online abuse the club wanted to educate people about how harmful their words could be.
“For many, the term monkey or ape, can be seen as just name calling. But for aboriginal people, it cuts much, much deeper than that," he said.
“It is a throw-back to early settlement when this land was settled under terra nollius – or no man’s land – the reason for that is because aboriginal people were not thought of as human beings. We were thought of as a sub-human species and that decision to settle the land under those terms triggered some of the most horrific, degrading and inhumane treatment of some of our men, women, children and babies.
“So what we would like to do is ask your support, so that whenever you hear that these players need to harden up and it’s just name calling, we hope you can support them and educate others on why the term is so offensive to our people.”
Cameron expects goal rush with new rule
Star GWS spearhead Jeremy Cameron hopes the AFL’s new 6-6-6 rule will see the return of 100-goal seasons.
Cameron says the rule, dictating each team must start with six players in attack, midfield and defence for each centre bounce,will increase the number of one-on-one contests.
“I think it’s a great rule personally,” he said.
“I know the defenders would like one back there but it’s great I think, for that period of time around the ball.
“If you’ve got guys on top you can isolate them on that defender … and take that advantage.” Dubbed “the beast” rule, it is designed to allow for more open centre-bounce clearances.
Cameron hopes it will also reignite excitement for fans with a return to the kind of high-scoring games he remembers from his childhood.
“Growing up watching football, seeing someone edge and close the gap and close on 100 goals – the rule will help with that.”
The last player to reach triple figures in the home and away season was Lance Franklin in 2008, with four of the past six Coleman Medal winners failing to reach the 70-goal mark.
– Sam Landsberger
Taylor Adams will not bolster Collingwood’s midfield for another two weeks but teammate Lynden Dunn is ready to return from a knee reconstruction through the VFL.
Dunn, 31, ruptured his ACL in Round 15 last year and will look to return to coach Nathan Buckley’s line-up in about a month.
“He’ll play in the VFL this week, so it’s a really positive bit of news for us,” Buckley said today.
“Nine months of recovery and rehab and has pushed very hard through pre-season to get himself up as early as he possibly can.
“He’ll get over a half of VFL time this week and be looking to push his claims in the next month or so.”
Buckley said forward Jamie Elliott – who missed the entire 2016 and 2018 seasons – started “like a bomb” last week and had recovered well.
Ben Reid (quad) won’t play VFL for another two weeks.
Adams is recovering from a finger operation and saw the surgeon this week.
Buckley said Brodie Grundy just had an off night in Round 1 and was physically primed to bounce back against Richmond.
When will key Magpies return?
– Sam Landsberger
Taylor Adams will not bolster Collingwood’s midfield for another two weeks but teammate Lynden Dunn is ready to return from a knee reconstruction through the VFL.
Dunn, 31, ruptured his ACL in Round 15 last year and will look to return to coach Nathan Buckley’s line-up in about a month.
“He’ll play in the VFL this week, so it’s a really positive bit of news for us,” Buckley said today.
“Nine months of recovery and rehab and has pushed very hard through pre-season to get himself up as early as he possibly can.
“He’ll get over a half of VFL time this week and be looking to push his claims in the next month or so.”
Buckley said forward Jamie Elliott – who missed the entire 2016 and 2018 seasons – started “like a bomb” last week and had recovered well.
Ben Reid (quad) won’t play VFL for another two weeks.
Adams is recovering from a finger operation and saw the surgeon this week.
Buckley said Brodie Grundy just had an off night in Round 1 and was physically primed to bounce back against Richmond.
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