AFL cautions Essendon over killer’s visit to change rooms after game

Essendon have been warned by the AFL after a convicted killer was caught on camera rubbing shoulders with players in the club’s change rooms following a match in July.

Kamil Yucel was sentenced to five years in prison for manslaughter after he shot dead 20-year-old Rahat Khan in a suburban street in 2016.

Jake Stringer (left) and Nick Hind while playing for Essendon in June.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images

The AFL became aware of Yucel’s background and ties to Essendon players Nick Hind and Jake Stringer after he featured in commentator Brian Taylor’s “Roaming Brian” segment with Hind on Channel Seven’s broadcast following the Bombers’ victory over Collingwood in round 17.

“We’re just good mates, just met [Yucel] a few months ago and he looks after me. He looks after me and Jakey [Stringer],” Hind told Taylor.

“He does plenty, we catch up at a cafe every day. We’re from different walks of life.”

An AFL spokesperson confirmed Essendon were cautioned on who was allowed access to dressing rooms after games.

Hind was delisted by Essendon in August, while Stringer could be moving to Greater Western Sydney if the Giants and Bombers agree on a trade for the star forward.

The Age is not suggesting any wrongdoing on the part of Stringer or Hind.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said on Saturday no offences had been reported to police in connection with Yucel’s appearance in the Essendon rooms.

He said officers would continue working with the AFL’s integrity unit.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton.Credit: Chris Hopkins

“If asked to provide advice or assistance in regards to criminal offending – or if there’s some way we can assist the AFL to ensure that there are no criminals involved or associated – if we’re able to do so, we will do that,” Patton said.

“I haven’t had it reported to us as a criminal offence, but if there is any such matter brought to us, we will assess it.”

At Yucel’s sentencing hearing in 2018, Supreme Court Justice Lesley Taylor said the killer, who was then a champion kickboxer after taking up the sport at 15, had good prospects of rehabilitation.

She accepted his remorse over the death was genuine and, after hearing victim impact statements from Khan’s family, had written to the young man’s parents with an apology.

Essendon have been contacted for comment.

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