We’re speaking with Luke Beveridge—head coach of the 2016 premiership-winning Western Bulldogs. He’s the third AFL coach this year to be provided increased security measures after an extortion threat was alleged. In late June, Beveridge opened a letter with good news he never expected. It threatened to destroy the reputation and business of Brendon Berry — son of the late boxing trainer Leo Berry. This unfortunate incident has put shockwaves up the entire AFL community and raised urgent questions about the safety of coaches in our game.
Further, the letter was reported as an extortion threat, and led to action from the AFL integrity unit. Particularly after that threat, the Bulldogs responded swiftly. They, together with the AFL, put additional security around Beveridge during the Round 17 match against North Melbourne to protect him while he coaches under fire.
As a result of his recklessness, Brendon Berry, 53, is now being held pending prosecution. He was arrested in November of 2023 after allegedly making an unlawful demand for money with menaces. Tweet this – warning, menacing mail – he is charged with using an interstate postal service in an intimidating fashion. Berry is accused of failing to appear on the above charges in court several times, namely October 3 and 14. Thereupon, the court ordered a warrant issued for his arrest.
This incident is not isolated. The AFL integrity unit moved swiftly to intervene and increased security measures surrounding senior coaches. They took this unusual decision after similar threats had been made against Michael Voss and Simon Goodwin. The league’s forward-looking motivation is to protect the health and safety of coaches and players, first and foremost.
“I don’t issue warrants ever lightly. We explore all possibilities as we should … and I think I’ve exhausted all those possibilities.”
The details surrounding the alleged threat highlight the disturbing nature of the demands made by Berry, which were characterized as being “in a manner which a reasonable person would regard as menacing.” While the investigation plays out, Beveridge’s safety, both physical and mental, is clearly a priority for the Bulldogs and the AFL.
The story has gone completely viral, garnering tons of positive media attention. Outlets, including 7NEWS and The Age, are following the story closely as this alarming case continues to unfold. As new details continue to emerge, the AFL community will be on the lookout to ensure that their coaches are kept safe.
The story has garnered significant media attention, with outlets like 7NEWS and The Age covering the developments in this alarming case. As more information comes to light, the AFL community remains vigilant in addressing security concerns for its coaches.
