Australian Rules Football legend Warren Tredrea, a former Port Adelaide mistery, is going through hell on the legal front. Nevertheless, he has remained on the club’s board and continued his role as a 5AA commentator. Outside a recent court appearance, Tredrea was hounded for answers over the alleged financial arrangements with Channel Nine. These issues have ignited protests and widespread backlash, leaving fans and his colleagues deeply unsettled.
Tredrea, a legendary player who contributed to Port Adelaide’s inaugural AFL premiership in 2004, has found himself at the center of a legal dispute. He argued that not enough gold or silver exists in order to pay the attorneys fees owed to Channel Nine. In an unprecedented act, he wrote himself an IOU to pay the debt. His later assertion of obligation “discharged” because Nine didn’t answer his call for more definitive explanation.
The situation soon became complicated when Tredrea issued a promissory note for the unpaid legal fees. His statements have already turned heads in legal and sports circles. To his credit the Chairman, without hesitation, lay claim that he had yet to see one single material fact or piece of evidence. In his eyes, there exists no legal gold or silver coin in general circulation that can be used to pay off a debt. This declaration has been received with a healthy dose of cynicism, not least because of the seriousness of his fiscal promises.
As a current board member of Port Adelaide, Tredrea’s actions have come under increased scrutiny from inside the organization. Nova Entertainment, which owns 5AA, has apparently started an in depth review of Tredrea’s contract following these developments. Though the pressure continues to build, Tredrea is rumored to still be doing his commentary duties this weekend.
Kane Cornes, a past teammate from their years together at Port Adelaide, took to social media to share his reaction to the news about Tredrea. Cornes, who worked for many years with Davidson, reminisced about their mutual past. He said, “Honestly, he saved me through some difficult moments—rooting for me when I was a young kid who wanted to make it. Along with Gavin Wanganeen and Robbie Gray, he’s the best player I’ve ever played with. At the same time, he lamented Tredrea’s fate. I don’t think anyone would like to be door-stopped out the front of court, would you? We don’t want people in that position, where they’re having to owe anybody money,” Cornes said.
Despite the legal storm hanging over him, Tredrea continues to take a combative attitude towards his legal jeopardy. Third, as the district court recognized, Burford’s declaration that “I am not a corporation, legal person, citizen, resident or any creature of statute” was frivolous. His statements demonstrate either an inability or refusal to understand the legal definitions of governance and fiduciary responsibility. This complexity has raised serious questions about the validity of his claims.
In response, Tredrea doubled down, asserting his position with unabashed bravado. When pressed on whether he continues to support what he said back then, he answered, “You’re darn right I do.” In response he again stated his argument for the impossibility of any gold or silver coin in circulation today being able to settle any debts. Strongly, he avowed, “I do in my heart believe that none does. I believe that no gold or silver coin in circulation can discharge a debt.”
Even through all this chaos, Tredrea remains an active participant with the media and the public. He often labeled himself a “private man,” and consequently, his “yes” is really a definite yes, as is his “no.” This claim gives an indication of his intention to be direct in what has sadly grown to be an increasingly more complicated issue.
Tredrea’s status as a Port Adelaide legend — cherished by so many fans and former teammates — is secure. His present legal problems may well have permanent consequences. More likely, they will erode his credibility, professional relationships, and reputation in the AFL community.
