“This is the next chapter in the storied history of this football club. I will introduce my own style of leadership, but that includes engaging with you,” said Gowers.
“Being president is a bit surreal, but I think this is a real chance to bring the club together.
“I hope Tuesday night was a turning point where we can all reconnect, unite and always operate like a family club.
“Regarding future communications, we will provide you with the information you want or need in a transparent manner, because that is what you are supposed to do as a member.”
Gowers plans to hold a fan summit early next year as the first building block towards unification.
Brownlow gambling scandal is the result of ‘human failure’
Outgoing AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has said the Brownlow gambling scandal, one of the most serious integrity scandals to hit the league, was the result of “human failure” and that an organized effort within the AFL has been blamed. I’m sure it’s not a problem.
McLachlan also said the league was closest in decades to introducing a Tasmanian team into the competition, but gave no timeframe for how long Tasmanian fans would have to wait. .
Gillon McLachlan spoke out Thursday about the Tasmanian footballer and the Brownlow gambling scandal.credit:photo of AFL
The AFL changes its Brownlow Medal voting system despite the November arrest of four men, including an AFL referee, for allegedly leaking Brownlow Medal votes from certain games in the 2022 season. I have no plans to.
“I’m not saying I wasn’t surprised. [even] I was shocked at what allegedly happened. But in a broader sense, I am very proud of this industry. I am proud of my players, male and female athletes, clubs and teams.
“I accept human failure. People make mistakes. [The AFL has to have] The best systems and processes and cultures, we do everything we can to avoid knowing these things happen in our lives.
McLachlan confirmed that the referee at the center of the allegations is no longer “employed” by the league.
“Refers are no longer employed by the AFL,” McLachlan said.
“There is no employment relationship with the referee at the center of allegations.
“Because it is a criminal matter, the broader consequences are left to the police.”
McLachlan was careful not to reveal any details about negotiations for a bid for a 19th license in Tasmania or a timeline for the team’s potential introduction.
The bid has been postponed as the Tasmanian government seeks to secure funding to build a stadium in Hobart and McLachlan has suggested finding a funding partner is a priority.
“We are optimistic and the business case has a very strong story. [to get a partnership]but it’s our job to prosecute with the state government,” he said.
There is a gap between the funding willingly submitted by the AFL and state governments and the expected cost of the stadium. In June, McLachlan said the stadium was vital for Tasmania to win a standalone team.
early this month, age The Tasmanian chapter of the ALP and the Greens opposed the state government’s promise to allocate $375 million for the stadium, while the Federal Labor government likely demanded at least $250 million in federal funding for the business. It reported that it had not yet considered the case. for the stadium. Concerns are growing in Tasmania about the terms attached to the tender.
“We want a stadium and the Tasmanian Premier want a best-in-class stadium in the league where our stadium is world-class,” said McLachlan.
“So we have to build it the right way and we’re going to make it happen.”
There is also no guarantee of support from the 18 club presidents required to include the Tasmanian team. Under league rules, his AFL committee decision to grant a new license could be overturned if 13 of the 18 presidents voted against him. McLachlan has previously indicated that he wants broad support across the club before the license is granted.
“Things can take time,” he said. “We’ve come such a long way this year… this is the closest we’ve come in decades.”
He said there was “widespread support, but not universal”, for the bid among club presidents who had “all the information about the 10 or 11 jobs we’ve done.”
“The big part is the stadium,” he said.
Heppel is ‘unbound’ by Don’s captain
Dyson Heppel is not confident he will be able to retain Essendon’s captaincy in 2023 and says he will make way for someone else if the club feels they have a better option.
Heppel, 30, said Thursday, “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as a skipper, but I’m not tied down to the role at all.
“If the group and the club feel that there is another person better suited to take the group forward, I am happy to step down and hand over the reins.”
Sam Walsh.credit:AFL Photography/Getty Images
The midfielder signed a one-year contract extension with Essendon earlier this year following interest from the Gold Coast.
“I want to be there until the next captain comes along, helping mentors, guiding them and helping them grow,” he said.
Heppel made his debut for the Dons in 2011 and made 213 appearances. In 2017, he took over as captain from Brendon Goddard (who took over after Job Watson was suspended) in the aftermath of the club’s drug scandal.
Meanwhile, Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps says he is on track for 2023 after midfielders Sam Walsh and George Hewett interrupted the 2022 season with injuries.
The Blues missed out on the finals for the first time since 2013, losing narrowly to Melbourne and Collingwood in the final two rounds of last season. Hewett missed most of the final part of the season and Walsh missed a crucial Round of 23 game. Both were dealing with back injuries.
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Walsh has yet to join his teammates at Icon Park for Christmas training, but Cripps was confident he would be back by January.
“He can run a lot better than I can, so he doesn’t need weeks to get in shape,” Cripps said.
Inside midfielder Hewett has returned to training and is showing signs of recovery from surgery.
“He did a lot of work … I definitely missed him at the end of the year,” Cripps said. “I was chatting with him yesterday. He said he handled the package really well.”
Hewett averaged 29 disposals in 15 games for Carlton last season but did not play after the 18th round due to injury. The Blues have only won one of his five games missed since that point.
with John Pierik and Roy Ward
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