The AFL continues to defend its actions in the Tanner case. This case features the grave charges of rape and intentional sexual touching in Geelong player Tanner’s case, following an incident in February 2023. Tanner has the right to the presumption of innocence in this process, AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon said. This principle should still be the league’s guiding star.
Dillon spoke to the AFL’s rationale in standing Tanner down – calling the decision “premature and disproportionate”. Further, the PA vehemently opposes putting into place a universal stand-down policy. These perspectives are completely in sync with this editorial, making clear the depth of their outrage. The PA highlighted Tanner’s presumption of innocence from the start of the accusations.
The PA has a perspective,” Dillon said, while reiterating the league’s desire to work in good faith with the association to develop a new framework to provide sanctioning. This framework establishes bright line rules for how to approach cases involving the Tanner’s. It’s the best way to ensure that all players are treated fairly, while maintaining the integrity of the league.
Dillon acknowledged that the AFL has the power to stand players down in extreme circumstances. You have to judge each decision on its own merits.
“The AFL has an ability to stand down but it is on a case-by-case basis,” – Andrew Dillon
The AFL has firmly rejected calls for a no-fault stand-down rule similar to that of the National Rugby League (NRL), which would automatically suspend players facing serious allegations. In his ruling, Dillon concluded the county’s rule was indeed unnecessary. He thinks that the players in both the AFL and AFLW are role models and should be accorded the respect of being so.
“We start with AFL and AFLW players are absolute role models. And I don’t think we need to have a set stand-down rule,” – Andrew Dillon
Tanner’s case has really ruffled some feathers. Dillon said that the new sanctioning framework will likely not be utilized much across the league. He recommended it be used as a guide, not a rule, executed for every player.
“I think it is something that you have to have in your armoury, but it is not something that we would use often,” – Andrew Dillon
The AFL has been engaging in good faith with the Players’ Association. As a result, they’re establishing bright lines to address future allegations of this sort. Because players deserve the right to control their own public image, the public deserves accountability.
