Statement from the AFL Players' Association

28 Apr 2006 - Jason Murnane

According to the AFLPA, the fine imposed by Collingwood contravenes the AFL Players' Code of Conduct and AFL Standard Playing Contract.

AFLPA Chief Executive Officer Brendon Gale referred to Morrison's action as a very serious error of judgment which put at risk the lives of other motorists.  Gale described the conduct as deserving of a penalty determined by Victoria Police as being an appropriate sanction in the circumstances. 

However Gale added that in his view, for Collingwood to subsequently threaten termination of Morrison's employment or impose a fine of $20,000 was unfair, unreasonable and not commensurate with his offence.

Gale revealed that there is no right under the AFL's Standard Playing Contract for a Club to impose a monetary fine in these circumstances. 

"The only basis for imposing a financial penalty arises under the AFL Players' Code of Conduct, which caps fines for serious breaches at $5,000 for first offences," said Gale.  "Collingwood imposing a fine which is 4 times the prescribed amount is unacceptable." 

The AFL, Players and Clubs all agreed on an industry-wide Code of Conduct which contains expectations of player behaviour and a range of sanctions which may be applied in circumstances where a player's conduct falls outside of these expectations.

Importantly, the Code of Conduct sets out sanctions as well as a process for responding to situations which involves senior players at each club as well as club management.

On this occasion, the AFLPA understands that a decision initially made in accordance with the Code's procedures has been overturned by the Collingwood Football Club. 

"The Code of Conduct is a two-way street," said Gale. 

"Players agree to abide by high standards of professional conduct and to sanctions for breaches of the Code.  In return, players expect that Clubs will abide by the rules which have been developed to impose disciplinary action."

"The Collingwood Football Club appears to have made a unilateral decision that it is not bound by the same rules which apply to the other 15 clubs."

The AFLPA stated that Collingwood's decision not only undermines the Code, but also places the future of the Code in jeopardy.

The AFLPA has raised its concerns with the AFL and expects the AFL to uphold and enforce the rules which have been set down.

"The AFLPA will act to preserve the integrity of the Code of Conduct, however if the rights of players cannot be protected under the code then we will review our commitment to it," concluded Gale.