NSW Police alerted to dinner date between AFL stars Dustin Martin, Lance Franklin and ex-brothel owner Eddie Hayson

Two of the AFL’s biggest names have been spotted at dinner with high-profile gambler and ex-brothel owner Eddie Hayson, sparking police interest.

AFL superstars Dustin Martin (left) and Lance Franklin (right) were spotted having dinner together in Sydney with high-profile gambler and ex-brothel owner Eddie Hayson.

The AFL will speak to the game’s biggest two names, Dustin Martin and Lance Franklin, after they were spotted at an upmarket Kings Cross cafe with colourful Sydney identity Eddie Hayson.

Martin and Franklin were drawn into controversy after it was reported that a Sport Integrity Australia tip-off led NSW police to access footage of their meeting with the high-profile gambler and former brothel owner.

Giorgio’s Cafe is a prominent eatery in the revamped Cross strip, across the street from the famous El-Alamein Fountain and next door to the police station.

The licensed venue serves $32 squid ink spaghetti, $28 gnochhi and $34 spring peas risotto and is a morning coffee stop for police.

Martin, who flew to Sydney in early December and was at Wednesday night’s Tim Tszyu fight, was captured on CCTV footage alongside Franklin, former AFL player Tom Derickx when Hayson arrived and joined them.

The great Dusty Martin with some handy footy players ⁦@BankwestStadium⁩ #TszyuMorgan #gallenhunt pic.twitter.com/SV1Me70tx9

— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) December 16, 2020

Hayson has been investigated and cleared of match-fixing by the NRL in the past and in 2014 lost control of his NSW brothel, declaring he had debts of $52 million and admitting he provided several footballers with free services at the premises.

It’s understood Franklin did not know Hayson and was surprised when he turned up at their table at Martin’s invitation on December 4.

Both Hayson and Martin left the venue at around 7.30pm.

There is no evidence of wrongdoing relating to Martin and Hayson’s relationship, although the AFL has in the past urged clubs to warn players against associating with anyone who could hinder reputations.

A league spokesman indicated on Monday that the AFL would speak to the players.

“The AFL, through ongoing education and briefings constantly reminds players and clubs about the need to take care and be mindful of who they associate with,” an AFL spokesman said.

Dustin Martin (right) with NRL star Jack Wighton at the Paul Gallen/Mark Hunt boxing fight in Sydney.

“The AFL will reach out to both clubs and the players to reinforce this message.”

Sport Integrity Australia, formed in June to better manage communication between sporting codes and authorities, declined to comment when contacted by the Herald Sun.

Martin’s manager, Ralph Carr, the Sydney Swans and Richmond Football Club all declined to comment when contacted by the Herald Sun.

Sydney’s Cross is shedding its image as a sleazy red light district and fast becoming a sophisticated restaurant and bar precinct.

Strip clubs are being replaced with trendy, underground bars while up-market alfresco restaurants are taking the place of tired old cafes.

“Things are picking up in a positive way,’’ said Barry MacDonald, owner of Cafe Giorgio.

“The whole vibe is totally different. It’s getting more sophisticated by the day and that’s reflected in the property prices, the types of business like boutique clothes and even antique shops.”

Originally published as NSW Police alerted to dinner date between AFL stars Dustin Martin, Lance Franklin and ex-brothel owner Eddie Hayson