Involved in this process has been CEO Cameron Schwab, Senior Coach Mark Neeld, Director of Sport Performance Neil Craig, Football Manager Josh Mahoney and General Manager - List Management Tim Harrington. The Club also spoke with the AFLPA, AFL and Colin’s Manager Tom Petroro from Stride Management Group in forming its position.
Firstly, the Club confirmed to Colin that drinking the night prior to training and going into camp with the Australian IRS Team is not acceptable for a professional footballer representing the Melbourne Football Club.
Secondly, Colin breached Club protocols that have been clearly articulated to our playing group by not immediately making the Club aware of the fact that he had been involved in an incident, in this case a serious accident that resulted in significant property damage. He did not contact the Club for a number of hours later, by which time the Club had already been contacted by Police investigating the accident.
Finally, Colin showed poor judgement by leaving the scene of the accident and not dealing with the matter in a manner expected of an experienced AFL Player.
The Club has reached a position in relation to a sanction and action expected of Colin. In reaching this position it has taken into account the fact that Colin has already suffered penalty by being omitted from the Australian IRS squad as a result of his behaviour in this instance. The Club has also taken into account previous examples of Colin showing poor judgement, particularly alcohol related incidents.
Accordingly, the following has been confirmed -
- Colin must immediately complete an AFLPA and Club approved alcohol programme.
- Colin will be fined $5,000, the maximum fine in accordance with the AFL/AFLPA Code of Conduct
- Suspended for Round 1 of 2012 AFL Premiership Season
The Club will not be making any further comment in relation to the matter.
