Latest news with #MacAndrew
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Young Swans defender Riak Andrew cops a huge ban for using a homophobic slur
Young Sydney defender Riak Andrew has copped a heavy sanction from the AFL for using a homophobic slur in last Saturday's VFL clash with North Melbourne. Andrew, 20, has been suspended for five games and took full responsibility for his actions, releasing a statement on behalf of the Swans. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. The brother of Gold Coast star Mac Andrew, Riak will also undertake Pride in Sport training to further his understanding of the impact of the language he used. 'I am deeply sorry for the word that I used in Saturday's game and any hurt that it has caused,' Andrew said. 'While I did not understand the full impact of the words I used at the time, I certainly do now, and have deep regret for my actions. 'This has impacted not only our club but the broader community and for that I am truly sorry. I am committed to using this as an opportunity to learn and get better.' The 193cm key defender was taken with the 55th pick in the 2024 AFL Draft after a strong season with the Dandenong Stingrays. Andrew signed a contract extension with the Swans in May, taking him through to the end of the 2026 campaign. The AFL released a statement advising Andrew had been found guilty of breaching a Conduct Unbecoming rule in relation to an incident during the first quarter of the VFL match against the Roos at Tramway Oval. The incident was first reported to an umpire by a North Melbourne player at the end of the first quarter and then to the AFL. An investigation was then carried out by the AFL Integrity Unit, which determined Andrew used a 'highly offensive homophobic slur towards a North Melbourne opponent, which demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality'. Andrew admitted to the incident and showed remorse, with the suspension effectively ending his first season in the AFL landscape. AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade was clearly disappointed at having to deal with another incident of homophobic language on the footy field. 'It is important that we continue to make clear that homophobia or homophobic language has no place in our game at any level or in the wider community for that matter,' Meade said. 'It is disappointing to be dealing with another incident and while we will always examine the individual circumstances, the clear message is that this language is not acceptable in any workplace and that includes on the field of play.'
Sydney Morning Herald
22-07-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Harley Reid wants a multimillion-dollar mega deal. These are the pitfalls and positives
There are more than 30 players across the league now signed until at least 2030, including Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett, who inked a nine-year deal in June that ties him to the club until the end of 2034. He is the league's longest-signed player. Gold Coast defender Mac Andrew is also on a deal which could extend until 2034, but he must hit certain triggers. Fremantle's Hayden Young is tied to his club through to 2033, while teammate Andrew Brayshaw has signed until 2031. Luke Davies-Uniacke, Max King, Sam Taylor, Connor Rozee, Aaron Naughton, Noah Balta and Connor Idun are among a group contracted until 2032. The debate Industry sources, including list managers and player agents, who spoke to this masthead outlined the pros and potential pitfalls of long-term contracts. But all agreed they were here to stay, unless the AFL legislates change with the AFL Players Association when discussions over the next CBA begin. However, the AFLPA said on Tuesday it had no intention of allowing caps on the length of contracts. It favours the current system, arguing players are already heavily regulated, including having no say on the club they are drafted to, while there are also restrictions on free agency. 'We don't see any reason to change,' interim AFLPA chief executive Ben Smith told RSN this month. It argues long-term contracts will be awarded to a relatively small number of players, pointing out the average length of an AFL career is about six years. The benefits and potential pitfalls of long-term contracts were a topic of discussion at the recent AFL chief executives conference. Safeguards The AFL has introduced what's been dubbed the 'Buddy Franklin rule' – a club's board and executive must sign off on contracts of six or more years. The AFL can also intervene and torpedo the deal, if it feels a club will be financially hamstrung. While this rule ensures there is official transparency between the football department and a club's board, this is still no guarantee the player will flourish. Industry figures contacted by this masthead, for instance, say while Reid is likely to become a superstar, at 20, how can anyone be certain what will transpire over the next decade? The potential pros Security: A long-term deal gives a player – and his family – the financial and emotional security to plan for their future. This helps to retain – and recruit – top talent. Prime years: The club signing the player should have confidence it will reap the best years of the player's career. One recruiting manager said it was important, at times, to be well-researched but also bold in this role, and long-term contracts were now a reflection of this. Salary cap flexibility: While a player may sign a multi-million dollar deal, the money does not have to be paid annually at the same rate. For instance, it could be front-ended, allowing the club greater flexibility to snare more top-end talent years later when the salary cap, as it has always done, increases. Tasmania Devils: The impending addition of the league's 19th club has rivals keen to put their best talent out of arm's reach, at least in the Devils' early years. A long-term contract is the best way to do this, list managers argue. Trade: One potential advantage is that if the player seeks a trade, there can be certainty in the salary the prospective suitor will take on, although this can be reworked. The potential cons Desire: Once the huge pay cheque has been guaranteed, the focus switches to whether that player – now considered a 'franchise cornerstone' – will still have the 'edge' required to reach his full potential. Commitment: As a follow-on to the above point, one veteran recruiter, without giving a specific example, questioned what would happen if a player opted to sit out a year, or even years, over a dispute, or personal issues. 'How does the contract then look in terms of this?' he said. Injuries: If a player is seriously hurt, misses an extended period, then eventually returns to the field but is no longer capable of being an A-grader, the club may find it hard to justify to fans and sponsors the player's huge contract. Loading Concussion and salary cap: The number of players forced into medical retirement because of head trauma is rising. While the AFL provides salary-cap relief for up to three years, with decreasing percentages of relief each year, when a player is recommended to retire by the AFL's medical board, a long-term contract means the club could be on the hook for a long period. While the public debate flares, Eagles coach Andrew McQualter has made it clear what his struggling club thinks about Reid. 'I've got a pen in my pocket, I'm heading over there [to Reid's house] after this,' McQualter joked on 7 News Perth on Monday.
The Age
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Age
Harley Reid wants a multimillion-dollar mega deal. These are the pitfalls and positives
There are more than 30 players across the league now signed until at least 2030, including Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett, who inked a nine-year deal in June that ties him to the club until the end of 2034. He is the league's longest-signed player. Gold Coast defender Mac Andrew is also on a deal which could extend until 2034, but he must hit certain triggers. Fremantle's Hayden Young is tied to his club through to 2033, while teammate Andrew Brayshaw has signed until 2031. Luke Davies-Uniacke, Max King, Sam Taylor, Connor Rozee, Aaron Naughton, Noah Balta and Connor Idun are among a group contracted until 2032. The debate Industry sources, including list managers and player agents, who spoke to this masthead outlined the pros and potential pitfalls of long-term contracts. But all agreed they were here to stay, unless the AFL legislates change with the AFL Players Association when discussions over the next CBA begin. However, the AFLPA said on Tuesday it had no intention of allowing caps on the length of contracts. It favours the current system, arguing players are already heavily regulated, including having no say on the club they are drafted to, while there are also restrictions on free agency. 'We don't see any reason to change,' interim AFLPA chief executive Ben Smith told RSN this month. It argues long-term contracts will be awarded to a relatively small number of players, pointing out the average length of an AFL career is about six years. The benefits and potential pitfalls of long-term contracts were a topic of discussion at the recent AFL chief executives conference. Safeguards The AFL has introduced what's been dubbed the 'Buddy Franklin rule' – a club's board and executive must sign off on contracts of six or more years. The AFL can also intervene and torpedo the deal, if it feels a club will be financially hamstrung. While this rule ensures there is official transparency between the football department and a club's board, this is still no guarantee the player will flourish. Industry figures contacted by this masthead, for instance, say while Reid is likely to become a superstar, at 20, how can anyone be certain what will transpire over the next decade? The potential pros Security: A long-term deal gives a player – and his family – the financial and emotional security to plan for their future. This helps to retain – and recruit – top talent. Prime years: The club signing the player should have confidence it will reap the best years of the player's career. One recruiting manager said it was important, at times, to be well-researched but also bold in this role, and long-term contracts were now a reflection of this. Salary cap flexibility: While a player may sign a multi-million dollar deal, the money does not have to be paid annually at the same rate. For instance, it could be front-ended, allowing the club greater flexibility to snare more top-end talent years later when the salary cap, as it has always done, increases. Tasmania Devils: The impending addition of the league's 19th club has rivals keen to put their best talent out of arm's reach, at least in the Devils' early years. A long-term contract is the best way to do this, list managers argue. Trade: One potential advantage is that if the player seeks a trade, there can be certainty in the salary the prospective suitor will take on, although this can be reworked. The potential cons Desire: Once the huge pay cheque has been guaranteed, the focus switches to whether that player – now considered a 'franchise cornerstone' – will still have the 'edge' required to reach his full potential. Commitment: As a follow-on to the above point, one veteran recruiter, without giving a specific example, questioned what would happen if a player opted to sit out a year, or even years, over a dispute, or personal issues. 'How does the contract then look in terms of this?' he said. Injuries: If a player is seriously hurt, misses an extended period, then eventually returns to the field but is no longer capable of being an A-grader, the club may find it hard to justify to fans and sponsors the player's huge contract. Loading Concussion and salary cap: The number of players forced into medical retirement because of head trauma is rising. While the AFL provides salary-cap relief for up to three years, with decreasing percentages of relief each year, when a player is recommended to retire by the AFL's medical board, a long-term contract means the club could be on the hook for a long period. While the public debate flares, Eagles coach Andrew McQualter has made it clear what his struggling club thinks about Reid. 'I've got a pen in my pocket, I'm heading over there [to Reid's house] after this,' McQualter joked on 7 News Perth on Monday.
News.com.au
18-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick will send Mac Andrew to Adelaide goalkicker Riley Thilthorpe after they clashed in round 4
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick is excited for the rematch between Suns star defender Mac Andrew and giant Adelaide goalkicker Riley Thilthorpe despite the likelihood things could get fiery again in one of the matches of the round. The pair of young stars got up close and personal in a feisty aftermath of the Suns' one-point win in round 4 after Thilthorpe gave away a late free kick and Andrew went straight at him as the final siren sounded, getting in his face. Andrew copped some criticism for his behaviour, but Hardwick declared on Friday the rematch was on, and it could be a contest the two go at for the next decade, with both teams emerging as the next wave of regular finals contenders. 'It's great for the game,' Hardwick said on Friday of the impending match-up. 'They are two combative, competitive players. And that's the thing we love about sport, you know, the competitive nature of individuals and it's what they bring. 'They'll play on each other predominantly this week, but they'll be playing on each other for the next 10 to 12 years I'd imagine, which is really exciting not only for Adelaide and, you know, the Gold Coast Suns, (but) for the AFL in general. 'They're going to be outstanding players, if not outstanding players already. So they're well acquainted and now they'll continue that this week.' The Suns are backing up from last week's stirring win over ladder-leaders Collingwood that Hardwick said cemented 'belief' that his team was a legitimate contender with a first finals campaign on the horizon. But Hardwick, who won three premierships with Richmond, said it didn't mean his players could take their foot off the gas, and that was the message being driven home. 'One of the things we've been consistently speaking about is breaking that narrative of we're not the old Gold Coast Suns, we're the brand new Suns and what that looks like,' he said. 'So we control that narrative. It's our story to write, and that's the most important thing about our players. If they continually focus on the next shift, we're going to be OK. 'If we allow ourselves to drift too much in the future or get dragged down by the past, that's when we're going to find ourselves in trouble. 'But just keep worrying about where your feet are right now and let's make sure we keep playing our style of game and just focus on that next shift mentality.' The Suns will take on the Crows without inured star Touk Miller, who Hardwick labelled 'irreplaceable', even more so heading to the Adelaide Oval where the Suns have never won. 'No greater challenge against what I think is probably the best form team in the competition at the moment,' he said. 'It's going to be a challenge for us. We're playing in a hostile environment. We've never won at this ground. We're playing against the form side, so we're looking forward to it. 'And, you know, once again, we'll bring our best and hopefully prevail at the end.'
News.com.au
10-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick compares Suns defender Mac Andrew to Richmond great Alex Rance
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick says Mac Andrew is 'capable of greatness' and has compared the emerging Suns star to five-time All-Australian representative Alex Rance. Fox Footy expert and North Melbourne great David King this week said Andrew needed to 'grow up' and had 'become a problem' in defence for the Suns. 'He's 'Mac-adaisical' now,' King said of Andrew, who last year signed a multimillion-dollar contract extension with the Gold Coast. 'He's very casual, the big man … some of his off-the-ground stuff and just the refusal or the ability to be able to win a contest and stand up behind the ball. 'The days of laughing at this sort of stuff with Mac are over. It's harden up, get serious or get into the forward line.' Hardwick acknowledged that Andrew was perhaps 'playing a little bit clouded' but said players of his age were 'going to make mistakes'. 'It's been challenging but what people forget is he's 21 years of age,' the former Richmond premiership-winning mentor said of Andrew. 'Mac is probably thinking too much. He's at his best when he just plays. 'The challenge we've had is we lost (tall defender) Charlie Ballard before the start of the season (to a long-term knee injury), and Mac has had to play a little bit of a different role. 'He's had to play more on the best designated forwards … whereas previously he's probably played on the third tall or that smaller type (of forward). 'People are very quick to jump on players, but he's still playing to a very, very high level at the age of 21.' Hardwick said Andrew reminded him of former Tigers premiership-winning player Rance, who was enigmatic in his younger days before becoming an elite defender. 'He went on to be one of the best ever,' he said of the Rance, who is part of the Suns' football department. 'This guy (Andrew) is capable of greatness. We've got to understand he's going to make some mistakes along the way. 'We're really excited about what he's doing now, but I am incredibly excited about what he's going to become in the future.' Andrew is perhaps not the only Suns player with a point to prove on Friday night when Gold Coast host AFL leaders Collingwood, with fellow defender John Noble playing against the Magpies in a competitive match for the first time since leaving them at the end of last season. 'He doesn't need to do anything more or anything less,' Hardwick said of Noble. 'He has had a terrific season for us thus far. He'll probably have an element of nerves. Every player that plays against their former side does, but our expectation is he just goes to work, concentrate on his core actions and gets the job done.' Noble said he had been 'looking forward' to Friday night's game. 'It has been circled in the calendar for me and I'm sure for a couple of them as well,' he said.
