Chapter 1: What are the AFL Tribunal decisions for Butters and Collard?
Wednesday morning. This is your town. This is your station. This is Waitley. The AFL Tribunal has spoken twice. In the Lance Collard case, the young saint has been suspended for seven weeks, plus a further two suspended for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Collard is shattered, and the saints, who pleaded for mercy and argued for a financial sanction rather than a suspension, are this morning considering appealing. And in the Zach Butters case, the stand-in port skipper was found guilty of using abusive language towards umpire Nick Foote. He's been fined $1,500. Incredibly disappointed with the result tonight.
I stand by knowing what I said and what I didn't say, especially what I didn't say. I'd like to thank the club for the support. Thank you. Port Adelaide is this morning weighing up its appeal options, but they can't yet decide, given the tribunal findings are yet to lob in their inbox.
What was abundantly clear was that the slight discrepancies between Wines and Butters hurt Port's case, as did the shift between what Butters told Xander Maguire from Channel 7 post-game to what he said yesterday afternoon when cross-examined. The story has been divisive. Nick Foote was consistent from the outset in his evidence. Butters... wavered.
There is a difference between knowingly lying and being mistaken. I don't think Zach Butters knowingly lied, but there is a chance he got it wrong, just as there is a chance that Nick Foote got it wrong. At the centre of all this are two players who believe they've been hard done by. The CEO of the Players Association is James Gallagher, and he's with me this morning in the studio.
James, good to see you. Good to see you, Tom. Timing is everything. A strongly worded statement this morning. Did the tribunal get it wrong with Zach Butters? I think, yeah. Yeah. I mean, we're, we're really disappointed with the outcome. Um, there's no doubt about that. Um, I think it would seem pretty clear that there's been a misunderstanding here.
Um, I know I certainly have misheard many things in my life, but I think, um, it w it was pretty clear when watching the footy on Sunday night, you know, there was, um, Zach and Ollie were obviously mystified at why a 50 meter penalty had been paid. Um, Zach obviously didn't interview immediately post-game.
He didn't know at that point in time what the allegations were, and he was pretty clear about what he'd said. And then Zach and Ollie obviously gave that evidence again last night. And I hear the point that there were some slight discrepancies, but... These guys are playing a highly competitive game of football.
And when it's, when it's come out of Zach's mouth, he's not thinking anything of it because he knows he hasn't done anything wrong. So I think for a tribunal to find, to be, to be confident enough to find that all All of those things don't point to the fact that the words weren't said. Yeah, really disappointed. Have you spoken to Zach? Yeah, I have. What did he say?
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Chapter 2: What is the reaction from Port Adelaide regarding Zach Butters' fine?
You know, I know Zach well enough. I know Ollie well. You know, these are guys that are, you know, really highly revered, true to their word. I don't think anyone's ever doubted that. And for the first time that's happened and I don't think that's a good thing for all of us. What about the role between umpires and players? Do you think it's been unhealthy this last 48 to 72 hours?
I don't think it's helped, but I actually don't think this is necessarily about players being umpires. I don't know Nick Foote. I have no reason to doubt that, you know, what he said he thought he heard is what he thought he heard. He was focusing on umpiring the game. Zach and Ollie were focusing on playing it. It's entirely understandable that that might be misheard.
I think there's no doubt in my mind that that's what's happened. And... those two things can be the case. And the tribunal should have been able to say, you know what, we actually believe both of you. But that doesn't get us to a point of understanding and being confident enough to uphold a charge. I think ideally... what we should say is good dialogue between players and umpires.
I think that ultimately helps the relationship. They're operating every week. They're out on the field. There's a lot going on. There's a lot of noise. There's a lot of decisions. There's a lot of emotion and energy. And I think if that can be humanized and there can be dialogue between players and umpires, that's a really good thing.
And certainly our view is, you know, put the tribunal decision to one side, shouldn't have got there. It should have been dealt with in the aftermath of the game, whether that's straight after or in the next day, it just should have been navigated. The interested parties should have come together.
So given that Nick Foote is not allowed to speak to Zach Butters after he reports him, how can it be navigated in the 24 hours after the game? Oh, well that, I mean... Whether he can't speak to him on game day, there's ways and means to get around those things. They could have been brought together. I understand there was efforts to probably try and do that.
I think that should have just been made to happen. So both sides were diametrically opposed and they didn't want to move. And they both still believe what they believe their truth to be. And that's very hard to come together at that point. It appears to me that the AFL Players Association's main concerns are procedural, though, more broad. Can you tell us about them?
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Chapter 3: How does the Players Association view the tribunal process?
I think with this one, when I first started in the role, almost about six months ago now, and it was really evident to me early that one of the major frustrations of our current playing group is was around the match review tribunal processes, decision-making and the like. And I think what we've seen here, when you've got two players, respective players give evidence, it's not accepted.
It does start to make players uncomfortable, you know, about the tribunal system and we've all got to have confidence in it. And that's the most important thing. And I do think, you know, this decision has impacted on that. Yeah. What about the lack of audio and how surprised were you by that? I'm surprised, but I'm not a technical expert. So I take that at face value.
I actually think for everyone, it would have been a lot better if the audio was available. So I know there's been some conspiracy theories about that. I think for both the players, the umpire and everyone else involved, I think it would have been better if the audio was available. I'm not going to buy into those necessarily. I think it's just, unfortunately, the ways of technology sometimes.
To what degree are the players lacking confidence in the MRO and tribunal process at the moment? I think... There's a feeling that the deck's stacked against them a little bit. And that, again, it's not good that that exists. Certainly had some conversations with the AFL around the MRO tribunal processes through the off-season.
And I think we've reflected in the statement this morning that we said we'd watch it closely. And this is an example where, again, it doesn't sit comfortably from a player's perspective. So we need everyone to have real confidence in that process. We need the players to... The tribunal has a role to play. Players will cross the line and do need to be sanctioned.
So this is not about, hey, any time a player's in trouble, we just blindly back them in. I think what this is about is we've got to have confidence in that process and the players have to have confidence in that process. And I just think that... has been challenged at times in recent times. I think the tribunal has been used more than it should be.
I think sometimes a free kick and a 50 metre penalty are the right approach. Transgressing against the rules of the game can be dealt with in the game sometimes. I think occasionally in recent years, there has been a rush to use the MRI on tribunal and the players feel that.
You'd be aware that cynics from the AFL and also club land would sometimes believe that the Players Association in many ways is agitating for the sake of agitating. How do you get through this and how do you make an impact so that the league listens to you and the players are heard on these concerns?
Yeah, well, I think it's unfortunately for Zach in this case, it's about using these examples and trying to shine a light on why that raises concerns. And then for us, I mean, the main way of navigating change is through collective bargaining agreement, and we're about to... probably get started on that again later this year.
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Chapter 4: What concerns are raised about umpire and player relationships?
Both players protested their innocence, and in both cases, the tribunal suggested that they were guilty. and then have handed down their verdicts. We're talking to AFL Players Association boss, James Gallagher, who's been very generous with his time.
The Lance Collard verdict, we've separated these two because even though they've come within an hour or two of each other, they are very different cases. How do you read what's played out with Lance Collard and St Kilda and the Frankston Dolphins? Yeah, you're right, Tom. They're very different.
I think there's no doubt from our point of view, you know, we've been really clear that the game, we need to rid the game of homophobia. It's as simple as that. And we've made some commitments around equality, inclusion and safety in the most recent CBA. We've really started to break through with some of that work with the AFL and establishing that committee in recent times.
We're completely committed to that. And there's, you know, I just want that to be very clear. But what we've seen again is a process that ultimately has caused harm all over the place. I don't think we've got a process in place at the moment that's bespoke. The game in the 90s found a way to deal with racism on field between players.
It established a really deeply considered, consultative, engaging process that made sure that those people affected, the players affected, but also more broadly the communities that might be affected by the allegations or the language used, would be heard as part of the process. And I think that's something that we're really keen to see adopted here.
I think there's an opportunity for us to enhance the way we navigate these really challenging situations. Lance, clearly... you know, he's, he's maintained his innocence. Um, there's obviously contrary evidence to that. Um, however, like it's disappointing that his, his, um, his perspective hasn't been adopted by the tribunal.
Um, however, um, it's, it's actually more about how we're addressing holistically these challenges as opposed to just getting to the end and the, and the disciplining and
section so there's broader issues here but just a couple of quick ones on lance collard and the tribunal spoke about his uh or his difficult upbringing you know the the notion of or the reality of um domestic violence on the home front um no male role model in his life um he's had to travel from where he grew up to play for st kilda he's now living with nasai wangane miller how difficult his life has been compared to let's say the two vfl players that made the allegations um against him
Have you spoken to Lance and how's he going? Yeah, I haven't spoken directly. I've reached out to Lance and I know the team's had some correspondence with him previously. We've been talking a lot to the club and people around him. You know, my understanding is he's, you know... whether devastated is too strong a word, but like he's deeply impacted obviously by this outcome.
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Chapter 5: What are the latest updates on Cameron Green's performance in T20 cricket?
But I couldn't afford to go to the tribunal because I had the evening program. As you do so often, Finey. Hey, I love talking to you. I look forward to catching up soon. And who knows, I might be driving past Elsternwick Park or Melbourne University in Carlton. I might just see your... You in what he called a light green shirt and blowing your whistle. That would be a sight to behold.
Appreciate you joining us. And you can tune in for Find His Final Siren this Friday at 11pm. Thanks a lot, Tommy.
And don't forget, the man in lime is always fine.
You're listening to Waitly for pay.com.au. Pay your business expenses with pay.com.au. Earn points and start getting rewarded today. My new ball partner, Badatsunda Racing, is up next. Want to have your say? Ring Gerard on 1300 736 736.
Chapter 6: How is the Gather Round event perceived by locals in Adelaide?
Now, back to Waitly. I can't escape Badatsun Duresen in the summer and I certainly can't escape him in the winter and that's exactly how I like it. You're listening to Waitley for pay.com.au. Pay your business expenses with pay.com.au. Earn points and start getting rewarded today. We did the new ball last night with Baz, which was a heavy cricket chat.
You can catch up on that on your podcast app. We'll get to a few cricket topics in a few moments time. But for now, Baz, welcome to Waitley. Good to see you again. How's Adelaide? I guess Adelaide goes through a few withdrawal symptoms this time every year, or it has the last three, four years, Tom, when Gather Round comes to an end.
And not to forget, there's a bit of a break between the end of Fringe and Gather Round, but that's just around a couple of weeks.
So we go headlong into the Fringe Festival, everyone's excited, there's warm Adelaide, and then straight into Gather Round. And then when Gather Round finishes, you get a bit of Oh, what next? When's everyone else coming here? But you know the people of South Australia. You know me.
We do like a bit of a break from all of you, Victorians in particular, but everyone else as well, and then just get our own city to ourselves for a while before we go looking for the next fun thing to do. All the imposters like I was last week. I was there for six days, Baz. Gather Round is becoming even better every single year, strength to strength. How is your Gather Round?
It was busy, Tom, but I mean, one of the best things I love about Gather Round is just the joy in people's faces. And, you know, I mean, wherever you go, people are just happy to be in Adelaide or people from Adelaide are just happy that they get to host such a fun event. And not just Adelaide, all around South Australia.
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Chapter 7: What were the controversies surrounding the Gather Round Guernseys?
And, you know, I guess in the world we are in, the more things we can do which make people happy and put smiles on faces, the better. And I think that's seriously something I love a lot. And also getting to talk up my adopted home, which I'm so grateful to be in and to have settled in. So that's another, you know, really good part of it.
The footy itself, I mean, we didn't see too many close games. I mean, Fremantle, Collingwood was like watching a T20 game on a wet pitch, Tom, you know, except that there were no rain interruptions. There was a lot of rain. But I guess we've ended up Gather Round with a big controversy. And like my co-host on Stumps and Bumps famously said, controversy creates cash. It absolutely does.
Baz, a bit of a controversial moment from you in Gather Round. You listed your top five Guernseys on Channel 7. Can you bring us up to date? What was the best Guernsey? Because I think next year there'll be 18 Gather Round Guernseys. Not every club did it this year. For sure. Yeah. No, I would be surprised if there aren't 18 jerseys. Or like, you know, 18 Guernseys, I should say.
You say jersey, even if there's a slip-up and they just come after you, as they should. And I've been very careful with not saying jerseys. But, no, I mean, my top five was, you know, number five was North Melbourne. I went for North Melbourne purely because of the conviction and the commitment to the kangaroos, right?
And honestly, like, you know, if you are selling this as Australia's sport to people who are moving here or to people overseas... Like, you know, just put the kangaroo front, right and center on a jersey. And I thought North Melbourne did that really well.
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Chapter 8: What impact does the IPL have on international players like Cameron Green?
And you know me, I like clashing colors. And the fact that their shorts had nothing to do with the top is what made them number five. And then we went through, I think I had Adelaide at four, which was very controversial, ahead of West Coast at three, Port at two and You know me and pink. I think pink is the color of power. And I spoke about it on Seven as well.
I mean, when the West Indies were flying in Kerry Packer series or Kerry Packer created World Series cricket. The second season, if you remember, when they went to color clothing, the West Indies were in coral pink. And, you know, they looked at it. They thought it was kind of a joke on them. And they just... turned it around and became even more powerful from there.
So, you know, Gold Coast won the Guernsey battle for me. Love it, Baz. Love it. Some cricket issues going around overnight. And I think I just get the feeling you and I are going to be talking about this all year until he gets back into form. But Cameron Green failed again. He took 0 for 30 from two overs. He made a duck, which followed his 32 not out and 1 for 28. in his last game.
He hasn't exactly set the world on fire in this IPL and he's on big money. How real are the concerns around Cameron Green now in T20 cricket to add to his red ball woes? Oh, no, I mean, it is a big concern and a few factors, right? A, he's now, I mean, he was bought for that significant sum of money, which always brings with it extra pressure. It didn't help that his lead up was not the best.
I mean, the pressure on him during the ashes, and then not making any runs during a failed T20 campaign for Australia. And then he goes to Calcutta. First game, his captain, Ajinkya Rahane, former test batter for India, walks out and says, we don't know why he's not bowling. You should ask Cricket Australia. Then he was asked why Cam Green wasn't used to the ball.
And for the first few games, he bats at number three, doesn't make really much of an impact. And then they start pushing him down the order. Even last night, I think he batted five or six and got out first ball. opened the bowling, went for 30 runs.
And it doesn't help that when a franchise like KKR, who are former champions, they have spent so much money in bringing you in, and they have yet to win a game. I mean, that's not purely on Cam Green, but I think five games in, they had a washout. So they are riding on four losses now, and it doesn't look good for them. So all those things, I'm sure, will be weighing on Cam Green.
The irony is, you know when that whole incident with Tom Decent, our good friend, happened in Sydney? We spoke about it on the new board. And at that point, even just speaking to some other Australian players, IPL-bound Australian players, there was this feeling that the IPL would be a bit of a safe space for Cam Green.
I mean, because the franchises are very good at not protecting their players, but protecting
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