Fremantle’s Mason Cox has on Friday issued a strong statement opposing “back-door deals”, in light of the AFL’s probe into Geelong’s secret concussion agreement with a player.
It comes as Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell also addressed the contentious arrangement, reaffirming the “utmost respect” he treats concussion awareness.
Watch every match of every round of the AFL Premiership Season LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Round 22
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
The Cats haven’t been sanctioned after news broke on Thursday that they struck a deal two years ago with a current player to waive “some legal rights” for future brain injuries sustained on the field.
The backlash to the revelation has been widespread across the footy landscape, with “white hot anger” reportedly being felt from rival clubs after AFL confirmation Geelong wouldn’t be penalised.
And on Friday, featuring on Nova 100’s Jase, Lauren & Clint, Cox didn’t mince his words when the topic was broached.
Prompted on the idea that the circumstances around the agreement were ‘a bit murky’, Cox strongly hit out at “back-door deals” without the knowledge of the players’ union.
“It’s very poor behaviour, to be honest with you,” Cox said on radio.
“As a player, health and safety — at any job of any kind of employer — you would expect to be at the highest.
“And to be trying to do back-door deals without the AFLPA being involved is pretty poor.”
The ex-Magpie was also vehement in his belief that any player entering into any agreement should be properly walked through any ramifications.
“They need to have the support systems around them whenever they do sign any paperwork, really.
“Your agent should be involved, the Players’ Association, someone else that has legal representation should be able to be involved.
“They shouldn’t be asking someone who doesn’t understand what that is, and not being able to walk them through the process. I think that’s the thing that’s quite frustrating.
“The kids come in at 18. They’ve only known that football club; they don’t know anything else, they haven’t had experience anywhere else, and it just seems as though it’s really poor behaviour.”
Asked if there should be a proper explanation as to what occurred, Cox said: “Oh, yeah. As a player, I’d love to know.”
It comes as Herald Sun chief football reporter Jay Clark revealed on Friday that the Geelong player at the centre of the hushed deal may not have his contract extended beyond this year.
READ MORE:
‘IF THERE’S NOTHING TO HIDE’: ‘Rivals’ ‘white hot anger’ over Cats clause call
ROO BEAUTY! North ends horror hoodoo, keeps season alive in major Bulldogs blow
‘FURTHER THAN INTENDED’: AFL’s penalty call as ‘secret’ Cats deal scrapped
CRYSTAL BALL: Expert verdict, predicted ladder range for every AFLW side
Earlier on Friday morning, Mitchell was probed for his thoughts on the circumstances surrounding the Cats.
“I wouldn’t say I’m all over it and an absolute expert at this stage, (but) the thing that I would say is as an organisation, we (the AFL) have changed our philosophy on concussion so heavily,” Mitchell told SEN’s Fireball.
“Back in our days of playing, it was not treated with the respect that it is now. It’s the type of thing now where you completely stay out of it as a coach.
“And you have an enormous amount of respect for … the medical team have got an enormously difficult role in what they do.
“I’m not sure on the details of what has actually happened with this one, and other people with more information will speak on it, but we treat it with the utmost respect.
“And I will never push (on a player) ‘hey, do you think you’ll be ready for this week’, the way you might with other types of injuries.”
Drummond speaks on Geelong agreement | 04:06
Mitchell was also asked whether Geelong gets a ‘favourable run’ in terms of pushing the boundaries more than other clubs without serious repercussions.
That suggestion comes after the Cats were most recently fined $77,500 last October after an AFL audit uncovered undisclosed third-party payments.
“Just because something is out there, doesn’t mean it’s true, necessarily,” Mitchell responded.
“The AFL audited their third-party agreements and all that sort of thing, so I think that one was sort of dealt with.
“But my understanding is that they’re a good organisation that have been at the top for a long time in a frustrating way.
“I’m not sure what they do behind the scenes, but I probably won’t get into the answer you want me to give.”
Mitchell’s response comes after Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge admitted post-game on Thursday night that he, as a player, would have also signed a waiver to prolong his playing career.
“I think every player wants to keep playing until their boots fall off, so it’s an interesting discussion around liability and risk,” he told reporters at Marvel Stadium.
“I don’t know enough about it. All I know is that when I was playing, we all had concussions. If I had to sign a waiver to keep playing, I would’ve.”
Beveridge reacts to costly loss | 12:19
It came as the newly-re-signed Hawks mentor also shed new light on Calsher Dear’s development amid rival trade interest.
Mitchell on Friday was also questioned on the future of emerging key forward Dear, who remains out of contract and out of the senior side.
Last weekend, first-year forward Aidan Schubert came into the lineup as the preferred replacement for Mitch Lewis.
The 21-year-old Dear, who has played just five AFL games this year due to a crowded Hawthorn forward line, has an offer from the Hawks on the table amid interest from Melbourne, Geelong, Carlton, Collingwood and St Kilda.
“I saw him in a Melbourne jumper; that made me feel uncomfortable during the week, I must admit,” Mitchell said.
“We get along; we’ve had good chats all through this process. Understandably, contract-wise it’s taken a bit longer because he obviously wanted to get into the side and show what he could do.
“And that hasn’t come to fruition just yet, but there’s contracts there and talks there, so still very hopeful.
“But this is a tricky time of the year for everyone, so understand that … who knows what will happen?
“But we’ve had very open communication about all these things. Box Hill have a bye this week, unfortunately, but his form in the past month has been exactly what we’re after, so expect to see him.”
#Adessonews seleziona nella rete articoli di particolare interesse.
Se vuoi leggere l’articolo completo clicca sul seguente link
Source link
