Former Reds boss thrilled with new role
Not offered a contract extension by Adelaide after five years as the club's A-League mentor, Veart's services were quickly up snapped by Football Australia, with his proven ability to develop and nurture young talent – including former Reds prodigy Nestory Irankunda – a key factor in his appointment.
'I (was) quite outspoken during my time at Adelaide about providing opportunities for young players,' Veart said on Monday from the Emerging Socceroos Championships in Bundoora.
'Before I was an A-League coach, I worked in this (youth) system for eight or nine years, working with those young players, so it's something that I'm very passionate about.
'I'm also very passionate about our national teams as well.'
Veart, 55, said his new role had come at the 'right time' for him.
'I spent a long time in the A-League, and I started to fatigue with that a little bit, so this is a refresh for myself, and I'm really looking forward to the years ahead,' he said.
'The difference is now I'm working for tomorrow with young players. When you're working with senior players, it's all about the result and getting the result today.
'Now it's about providing these players with a strong platform to go on and have successful careers, and it's about giving them guidance and direction to what it takes to make that high level.'
The former Socceroos striker was thrilled that several A-League clubs were giving younger players opportunities to shine.
'We've always said that up to 16-17 years of age, Australia does exceptionally well, and we needed to fix that gap from 17 to 20, and I think the A-League has done that, especially in the past 18 months,' Veart said.
'It's providing more opportunities for our younger players to get that exposure so they can develop quicker.'
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The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'Deeply sorry': Rankine given ban for homophobic slur
Adelaide star Izak Rankine is "deeply sorry" for a homophobic slur, as officials keep secret the medical reason that reduced his ban to four matches. Rankine is the sixth AFL-listed player banned for a homophobic slur against an opponent in the past 16 months. The AFL initially delivered a five-game suspension, which was reduced when the Crows made a "compelling medical submission", AFL chief Andrew Dillon said. Dillon and Adelaide CEO Tim Silvers refused to detail the nature of the medical submission. But Silvers admitted he was "nervous" for Rankine's mental health. "He put himself into this position and he's deeply remorseful and regrets what he said," Silvers told reporters in Adelaide. "But he's doing it pretty tough. He basically hasn't left his house for the last few days." Rankine will only play again this season if ladder-leading Adelaide lose a qualifying final but then advance to the grand final, when the 25-year-old would be available for selection. Adelaide play North Melbourne on Saturday in the last home-and-away round and will then host two finals. AFL boss Dillon defended the reduction of the league's initial proposed ban. "It was a compelling medical submission but I will not go into the detail," Dillon told reporters in Melbourne. Describing the suspension as "significant", Dillon denied it was designed to give Rankine hope of playing in the grand final. "A game is a game," he said. But Crows chief Silvers said the fact Rankine had a glimmer of grand final hope was important. "It's nice that there's a carrot for him and that it means his season, potentially, is not over ... that is good for his mental health," Silvers said. Rankine directed a homophobic slur to an unnamed Collingwood opponent in Adelaide's three-point win last Saturday night. "I regret using the word and I am deeply sorry for doing so," Rankine said in a club-issued statement. "That type of language has no place in football or in the community. "It was a mistake and I have apologised to the Collingwood player. And what happened does not reflect my values or those of the club. "I'm committed to educating myself and being better." Silvers said his club was "frustrated and disappointed" in Rankine, who will now likely spend time away from the city of Adelaide. "He might need some time out ... we're looking at some options to potentially just get him away and get him out of the Adelaide environment for a week or so," he said. Silvers was upset the AFL integrity unit's investigation, launched last Sunday, was leaked to media. "I'm disappointed that we had to deal with leaks throughout this process because it's supposed to be confidential," he said. "There was some information that was right and some misinformation as well." Silvers said his club didn't use claims of AFL hypocrisy for hiring Snoop Dogg for grand final entertainment as part of its submission. The rapper has released songs using the same homophobic slur - f****t - that Rankine directed at the Collingwood player. "That wasn't part of our submission," Silvers said. "We're striving to be in the grand final, there's no doubt about it. I don't think we're too focused on the grand final entertainment." Last month, West Coast's Jack Graham was banned four games for a homophobic remark to a GWS player. In April last year, Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson was suspended for three games and, the following month, Gold Coast's Wil Powell was suspended five matches, both for directing homophobic slurs at opponents. Two VFL players - Sydney's Riak Andrew (five games) and St Kilda's Lance Collard (six matches) have also been banned for on-field homophobic comments. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578 Adelaide star Izak Rankine is "deeply sorry" for a homophobic slur, as officials keep secret the medical reason that reduced his ban to four matches. Rankine is the sixth AFL-listed player banned for a homophobic slur against an opponent in the past 16 months. The AFL initially delivered a five-game suspension, which was reduced when the Crows made a "compelling medical submission", AFL chief Andrew Dillon said. Dillon and Adelaide CEO Tim Silvers refused to detail the nature of the medical submission. But Silvers admitted he was "nervous" for Rankine's mental health. "He put himself into this position and he's deeply remorseful and regrets what he said," Silvers told reporters in Adelaide. "But he's doing it pretty tough. He basically hasn't left his house for the last few days." Rankine will only play again this season if ladder-leading Adelaide lose a qualifying final but then advance to the grand final, when the 25-year-old would be available for selection. Adelaide play North Melbourne on Saturday in the last home-and-away round and will then host two finals. AFL boss Dillon defended the reduction of the league's initial proposed ban. "It was a compelling medical submission but I will not go into the detail," Dillon told reporters in Melbourne. Describing the suspension as "significant", Dillon denied it was designed to give Rankine hope of playing in the grand final. "A game is a game," he said. But Crows chief Silvers said the fact Rankine had a glimmer of grand final hope was important. "It's nice that there's a carrot for him and that it means his season, potentially, is not over ... that is good for his mental health," Silvers said. Rankine directed a homophobic slur to an unnamed Collingwood opponent in Adelaide's three-point win last Saturday night. "I regret using the word and I am deeply sorry for doing so," Rankine said in a club-issued statement. "That type of language has no place in football or in the community. "It was a mistake and I have apologised to the Collingwood player. And what happened does not reflect my values or those of the club. "I'm committed to educating myself and being better." Silvers said his club was "frustrated and disappointed" in Rankine, who will now likely spend time away from the city of Adelaide. "He might need some time out ... we're looking at some options to potentially just get him away and get him out of the Adelaide environment for a week or so," he said. Silvers was upset the AFL integrity unit's investigation, launched last Sunday, was leaked to media. "I'm disappointed that we had to deal with leaks throughout this process because it's supposed to be confidential," he said. "There was some information that was right and some misinformation as well." Silvers said his club didn't use claims of AFL hypocrisy for hiring Snoop Dogg for grand final entertainment as part of its submission. The rapper has released songs using the same homophobic slur - f****t - that Rankine directed at the Collingwood player. "That wasn't part of our submission," Silvers said. "We're striving to be in the grand final, there's no doubt about it. I don't think we're too focused on the grand final entertainment." Last month, West Coast's Jack Graham was banned four games for a homophobic remark to a GWS player. In April last year, Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson was suspended for three games and, the following month, Gold Coast's Wil Powell was suspended five matches, both for directing homophobic slurs at opponents. Two VFL players - Sydney's Riak Andrew (five games) and St Kilda's Lance Collard (six matches) have also been banned for on-field homophobic comments. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578 Adelaide star Izak Rankine is "deeply sorry" for a homophobic slur, as officials keep secret the medical reason that reduced his ban to four matches. Rankine is the sixth AFL-listed player banned for a homophobic slur against an opponent in the past 16 months. The AFL initially delivered a five-game suspension, which was reduced when the Crows made a "compelling medical submission", AFL chief Andrew Dillon said. Dillon and Adelaide CEO Tim Silvers refused to detail the nature of the medical submission. But Silvers admitted he was "nervous" for Rankine's mental health. "He put himself into this position and he's deeply remorseful and regrets what he said," Silvers told reporters in Adelaide. "But he's doing it pretty tough. He basically hasn't left his house for the last few days." Rankine will only play again this season if ladder-leading Adelaide lose a qualifying final but then advance to the grand final, when the 25-year-old would be available for selection. Adelaide play North Melbourne on Saturday in the last home-and-away round and will then host two finals. AFL boss Dillon defended the reduction of the league's initial proposed ban. "It was a compelling medical submission but I will not go into the detail," Dillon told reporters in Melbourne. Describing the suspension as "significant", Dillon denied it was designed to give Rankine hope of playing in the grand final. "A game is a game," he said. But Crows chief Silvers said the fact Rankine had a glimmer of grand final hope was important. "It's nice that there's a carrot for him and that it means his season, potentially, is not over ... that is good for his mental health," Silvers said. Rankine directed a homophobic slur to an unnamed Collingwood opponent in Adelaide's three-point win last Saturday night. "I regret using the word and I am deeply sorry for doing so," Rankine said in a club-issued statement. "That type of language has no place in football or in the community. "It was a mistake and I have apologised to the Collingwood player. And what happened does not reflect my values or those of the club. "I'm committed to educating myself and being better." Silvers said his club was "frustrated and disappointed" in Rankine, who will now likely spend time away from the city of Adelaide. "He might need some time out ... we're looking at some options to potentially just get him away and get him out of the Adelaide environment for a week or so," he said. Silvers was upset the AFL integrity unit's investigation, launched last Sunday, was leaked to media. "I'm disappointed that we had to deal with leaks throughout this process because it's supposed to be confidential," he said. "There was some information that was right and some misinformation as well." Silvers said his club didn't use claims of AFL hypocrisy for hiring Snoop Dogg for grand final entertainment as part of its submission. The rapper has released songs using the same homophobic slur - f****t - that Rankine directed at the Collingwood player. "That wasn't part of our submission," Silvers said. "We're striving to be in the grand final, there's no doubt about it. I don't think we're too focused on the grand final entertainment." Last month, West Coast's Jack Graham was banned four games for a homophobic remark to a GWS player. In April last year, Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson was suspended for three games and, the following month, Gold Coast's Wil Powell was suspended five matches, both for directing homophobic slurs at opponents. Two VFL players - Sydney's Riak Andrew (five games) and St Kilda's Lance Collard (six matches) have also been banned for on-field homophobic comments. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578
Herald Sun
3 hours ago
- Herald Sun
A-League: Kucharski tipped for Perth move after United exit
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News. Perth Glory are the frontrunners ahead of Adelaide United to sign Jaiden Kucharski after the attacker was released by Western United just six weeks after joining the crisis-torn A-League club. United announced on July 8 that the former Sydney FC forward had signed a two-year deal with the Victorian outfit. However, United has been banned from registering 23-year-old Kucharski after being sanctioned by FIFA from doing so due to a financial dispute between the club and its former championship-winning striker Aleksandar Prijovic. The ban meant Kucharski, as well as club captain Ben Garuccio, who re-signed with United after becoming a free agent, were unable to play in the team's 1-0 Australia Cup round-of-32 loss to Sydney FC last month. Since then United's problems have worsened, with the club having been stripped of its A-League licence by Football Australia on August 8 for failing to meet the criteria required to compete in the national men's and women's competitions. Ex-Sydney FC forward Jaiden Kucharski has been released by Western United. Picture:United's financial woes include a multimillion-dollar tax bill reportedly owed by the club's chairman Jason Sourasis, and players and staff receiving their monthly wages late in April, May and June. The club announced in May that KAM Melbourne, a subsidiary of American company KAM Sports, would become United's new majority investor. However, the Australian Professional Leagues is yet to receive KAM Melbourne's full ownership proposal – understood to be worth $100m when including the purchase of the club's parent company Western Melbourne Group – and therefore cannot approve it. United has until 10am on Thursday to lodge its appeal against being stripped of its licence. In the meantime, United players – who this month were paid ahead of schedule and also received overdue superannuation payments – continue to train despite their futures remaining in limbo. However, Kucharski and United have mutually and 'respectfully' agreed to part ways due mainly to the FIFA registration ban. 'While the club is disappointed with this outcome, we respect the player's decision to pursue his career elsewhere,' United said in a statement. A handful A-League clubs are interested in Kucharski's services, but it's understood the Glory are leading the race, while Adelaide remains in contention. Western Sydney Wanderers have also made inquiries. Newcastle Jets, who were interested in Kucharski before he decided to sign with United, have not yet made another offer for the former Australian under-17 representative. Sydney FC coach Ufuk Talay said on Wednesday that a possible Kucharski return to the Sky Blues had been discussed within the club. 'He's one of our boys that have come all the way through the academy,' Talay said. 'We will always have Jaiden back. We'll always provide a platform and an environment for him to come back in, and try to give him that opportunity to take the next step again.' Originally published as Jaiden Kucharski's services in demand after his release from embattled Western United
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
AFL has 'work to do' after homophobic slur saga
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon concedes the league has "much work to do" to create a safe environment for all participants following the Izak Rankine homophobic slur saga. And the league boss has defended hiring Snoop Dogg to headline this year's grand final entertainment, in the wake of criticism around offensive lyrics in the American rapper's songs. Adelaide's Rankine is the sixth AFL-listed player suspended for using a homophobic slur over the past two seasons. "Players get taunted, players get provoked, but there is a line and that line has been crossed too many times." AFL-listed Jack Graham (West Coast), Jeremy Finlayson (Port Adelaide), Wil Powell (Gold Coast), Riak Andrew (Sydney) and Lance Collard (St Kilda) have also been suspended for homophobic slurs over the past 16 months. "Different education models have been put in place but ultimately I think it's just continued awareness," Dillon said. "But as I said, it's not good enough and it needs to stop." The drawn-out process for the AFL to land at Rankine's four-match penalty for a homophobic slur directed to an unnamed Collingwood player started last Sunday with initial talks between the two clubs, and was only completed on Thursday. "This is a really serious issue and it's one we take seriously, and it has significant ramifications for the player and the club and the competition," Dillon said. "It's serious and there's significant price to pay. We've taken our time, we've got to the outcome." Dillon said the AFL and AFL Players Association have been working on a framework to better deal with similar situations in future. "Ultimately wherever we end up there will be ranges (of penalties), because there will be specific circumstances in every case and they will have to be taken into account," Dillon said. Dillon bristled at criticism over the league's booking of Snoop Dogg for this year's grand final, amid perceived hypocrisy around the decision. Criticism has centred around homophobic lyrics previously used by the 53-year-old rapper, which were reportedly raised by the Crows with the AFL when trying to have Rankine's penalty reduced. "We cannot vouch for every lyric in every song ever written or performed by any artist who has or will appear on our stage, Australian or international," Dillon said. "But what I can say is our pre-match entertainment on grand final day will be family friendly and consistent with the audience at the MCG and those watching the broadcast." Adelaide chief executive Tim Silvers said the club did not lean on hypocrisy around the Snoop Dogg call in their official submission to the AFL. "That wasn't part of our submission," Silvers said. "We're striving to be in the grand final, there's no doubt about it. "I don't think we're too focused on the grand final entertainment." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578 AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon concedes the league has "much work to do" to create a safe environment for all participants following the Izak Rankine homophobic slur saga. And the league boss has defended hiring Snoop Dogg to headline this year's grand final entertainment, in the wake of criticism around offensive lyrics in the American rapper's songs. Adelaide's Rankine is the sixth AFL-listed player suspended for using a homophobic slur over the past two seasons. "Players get taunted, players get provoked, but there is a line and that line has been crossed too many times." AFL-listed Jack Graham (West Coast), Jeremy Finlayson (Port Adelaide), Wil Powell (Gold Coast), Riak Andrew (Sydney) and Lance Collard (St Kilda) have also been suspended for homophobic slurs over the past 16 months. "Different education models have been put in place but ultimately I think it's just continued awareness," Dillon said. "But as I said, it's not good enough and it needs to stop." The drawn-out process for the AFL to land at Rankine's four-match penalty for a homophobic slur directed to an unnamed Collingwood player started last Sunday with initial talks between the two clubs, and was only completed on Thursday. "This is a really serious issue and it's one we take seriously, and it has significant ramifications for the player and the club and the competition," Dillon said. "It's serious and there's significant price to pay. We've taken our time, we've got to the outcome." Dillon said the AFL and AFL Players Association have been working on a framework to better deal with similar situations in future. "Ultimately wherever we end up there will be ranges (of penalties), because there will be specific circumstances in every case and they will have to be taken into account," Dillon said. Dillon bristled at criticism over the league's booking of Snoop Dogg for this year's grand final, amid perceived hypocrisy around the decision. Criticism has centred around homophobic lyrics previously used by the 53-year-old rapper, which were reportedly raised by the Crows with the AFL when trying to have Rankine's penalty reduced. "We cannot vouch for every lyric in every song ever written or performed by any artist who has or will appear on our stage, Australian or international," Dillon said. "But what I can say is our pre-match entertainment on grand final day will be family friendly and consistent with the audience at the MCG and those watching the broadcast." Adelaide chief executive Tim Silvers said the club did not lean on hypocrisy around the Snoop Dogg call in their official submission to the AFL. "That wasn't part of our submission," Silvers said. "We're striving to be in the grand final, there's no doubt about it. "I don't think we're too focused on the grand final entertainment." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578 AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon concedes the league has "much work to do" to create a safe environment for all participants following the Izak Rankine homophobic slur saga. And the league boss has defended hiring Snoop Dogg to headline this year's grand final entertainment, in the wake of criticism around offensive lyrics in the American rapper's songs. Adelaide's Rankine is the sixth AFL-listed player suspended for using a homophobic slur over the past two seasons. "Players get taunted, players get provoked, but there is a line and that line has been crossed too many times." AFL-listed Jack Graham (West Coast), Jeremy Finlayson (Port Adelaide), Wil Powell (Gold Coast), Riak Andrew (Sydney) and Lance Collard (St Kilda) have also been suspended for homophobic slurs over the past 16 months. "Different education models have been put in place but ultimately I think it's just continued awareness," Dillon said. "But as I said, it's not good enough and it needs to stop." The drawn-out process for the AFL to land at Rankine's four-match penalty for a homophobic slur directed to an unnamed Collingwood player started last Sunday with initial talks between the two clubs, and was only completed on Thursday. "This is a really serious issue and it's one we take seriously, and it has significant ramifications for the player and the club and the competition," Dillon said. "It's serious and there's significant price to pay. We've taken our time, we've got to the outcome." Dillon said the AFL and AFL Players Association have been working on a framework to better deal with similar situations in future. "Ultimately wherever we end up there will be ranges (of penalties), because there will be specific circumstances in every case and they will have to be taken into account," Dillon said. Dillon bristled at criticism over the league's booking of Snoop Dogg for this year's grand final, amid perceived hypocrisy around the decision. Criticism has centred around homophobic lyrics previously used by the 53-year-old rapper, which were reportedly raised by the Crows with the AFL when trying to have Rankine's penalty reduced. "We cannot vouch for every lyric in every song ever written or performed by any artist who has or will appear on our stage, Australian or international," Dillon said. "But what I can say is our pre-match entertainment on grand final day will be family friendly and consistent with the audience at the MCG and those watching the broadcast." Adelaide chief executive Tim Silvers said the club did not lean on hypocrisy around the Snoop Dogg call in their official submission to the AFL. "That wasn't part of our submission," Silvers said. "We're striving to be in the grand final, there's no doubt about it. "I don't think we're too focused on the grand final entertainment." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Fullstop Australia 1800 385 578
