Connors Sports Management fined for breaching rules around approaching young players

Paul Connors’ player management group has again been fined for breaking the rules regarding the next generation of AFL stars.

One of the league’s leading player management groups has been hit with a fine for breaching rules around approaching young players.

In an email to accredited agents that was sent on Friday afternoon and seen by the Herald Sun, Connors Sports Management – led by one of the game’s longest-serving agents Paul Connors – has been hit with a $5000 fine, plus an extra $2500 from a previous breach.

Paul Connors (right). Picture: Michael Klein.

The Accredited Agents Board found that CSM had in October “been in contact with a Talent Pathway player prior to the date of approach eligibility and followed them on social media”.

This is in breach of rules that state management groups cannot approach a player or their parents prior to October 1 in the year that they turn 16.

Accredited agents also cannot communicate with players via social media within three days of an official approach.

Josh Daicos, Robbie D'Orazio, Nick Daicos, Paul Connors and Bailey Smith.

The group had been issued a $2500 suspended sanction in 2023 for a breach relating to the same alleged conduct.

That fine in addition to the latest $5000 sanction will now be payable in full to a charity of CSM’s choice.

Connors was also fined $7500 (with $5000 suspended for 24 months) after CSM hosted a training camp for potential draft prospects in 2020.

Connors Sports Management was approached for comment but declined.

Originally published as Connors Sports Management fined for breaching rules around approaching young players