Geelong is bracing for a series of five-figure fines from the AFL after discrepancies were uncovered in an audit of the club’s financial records, according to Footy Classified journalist Caroline Wilson.
Speaking on Monday night’s episode of the football current affairs program, Wilson revealed that while there were no serious breaches or attempts to conceal third-party payments, the league is preparing to issue penalties related to administrative oversights.
“There is no smoking gun”
“The audit is virtually finished… results have been slowed down by the fact that Geelong [chief operating officer] Marcus King has been away,” Wilson said. “My belief is that Geelong is expecting a fine, or there will be a fine from the AFL over the coming weeks.”
The AFL reportedly accepts Geelong’s stance that no improper conduct took place. However, Wilson confirmed the audit uncovered missed lodgements, including one involving a car provided to a senior AFLW player.
“Geelong have been adamant, from the word go, that there is no smoking gun here, that nothing untoward was going on at the Geelong Football Club in terms of any attempt to hide third party payments,” Wilson said.
“The AFL accepts this, but there have been discrepancies, there have been lodgements that should have been noted that weren’t, and they will lead to several five-figure fines, whether they go beyond five figures, I can’t tell you.”
She also clarified that no adverse findings were expected concerning senior coach Chris Scott’s external agreements or those of high-profile recruit Bailey Smith.
Similar administrative slip-ups have drawn fines in the past, most recently a suspended $20,000 penalty to the Western Bulldogs over AFLW payment errors, and a $10,000 fine for Brisbane back in 2017.
For Geelong, it appears to be a matter of process, but it’s likely to come at a cost.