A Carlton manager has left the club amid an internal investigation triggered by staff complaints, following a referral to the AFL’s integrity unit.
The Age reported that while a whistleblower contacted the league’s integrity unit, it ultimately allowed the Blues to handle the matter internally. Carlton confirmed on Thursday that the individual had left the club, effectively drawing a line under the internal investigation.
The individual was not formally stood down, but had reportedly been on pre-approved leave.
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Club distances resignation from gender-based claims
In a firm public statement issued while the investigation was ongoing, Carlton moved to shut down speculation about the nature of the complaints.
“While the club is not in a position to provide commentary on individual employees, the club wants to make clear this matter is in no way related to any gender-based misconduct and any such insinuations are inaccurate and misleading,” the club said.
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“The club’s first priority is, and always will be, its people, and this is at the forefront on the club’s handling of this matter.”
The Blues believe the matter is now closed with the resignation in place.
This development adds to a year already marked by turbulence at Princes Park. January saw then-president Luke Sayers step down after a lewd photo surfaced on social media. Though the AFL found he hadn’t posted it, the incident led to his exit, with Robert Priestley stepping in as president.
Meanwhile, the club is preparing for a leadership handover, with veteran CEO Brian Cook to make way for Graham Wright at season’s end.
On-field results have also been inconsistent, with Carlton starting 0–4 before recording back-to-back wins. They now turn their attention to a marquee clash against Geelong on Sunday at the MCG, one that also commemorates 30 years since the Blues’ last premiership in 1995.