After a week rich in headlines, even by AFL standards, Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says gambling is only one of many issues confronting the game.
Since Monday the blowtorch has shifted quickly from Gillon McLachlan’s apology, to Jeff Kennett’s apology, to Ben Stratton’s two-game suspension and now Jaidyn Stephenson’s gambling ban.
“It’s an issue, but there are a whole heap of issues in the game – whether it’s stuff to do with the crowd, gambling, illicit drugs, alcohol,” said Clarkson, one of the game’s most respected figures.
“The issues we’re talking about in the game are no different to the issues that are really out there in the general public as well.
“It’s just education and continuing to provide support.”
Stephenson was banned for 10 games and fined $20,000 on Wednesday after the Collingwood forward revealed he had bet on AFL matches.
Earlier this week, Hawks president Jeff Kennett eventually apologised for racially-based comments about security staff and club captain Ben Stratton was suspended for two games after two direct referrals to the tribunal.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan also held a media conference in response to growing supporter angst about security at matches.
“He (Stephenson) was remorseful for making an error, just like Stratts made one last Friday night and Jeff made one on Monday,” Clarkson said..
“How could someone make that (gambling) mistake – you’d think Jeff wouldn’t make that mistake either.
“You’d think Stratts would be experienced enough, he’s played (nearly) 200 games, you wouldn’t think he’d have to resort to those tactics.
“But he did. He made a blue, let’s get on with it.
“Unfortunately, that’s how brutal the game is. There’s a lot of scrutiny and you have to toe the line pretty clean all the time.”
Clarkson said it is a matter of making sure players have the right support around them.
“I’m not overly concerned about gambling in the game or any other issue in regards to our blokes being more vulnerable than anyone else in general society,” he said.
“It’s what parenting, what coaching, what teaching – what can we put around all these people, whether it’s my children or my players.”
