Naismith was spotted at the Bulldogs’ training session at Whitten Oval on Friday, wearing all black and holding a coffee. The former ruckman, who stands at an imposing 206cm and retired last year due to recurring ACL injuries, made no effort to disguise himself, making his presence all the more surprising. This incident adds another chapter to the history of spying in the AFL, a practice not unfamiliar to the league.
The Bulldogs were training under the watchful eyes of their coach, Luke Beveridge, who dismissed the incident as an amusing distraction. “I’m not that interested in the tit-for-tat on that,” Beveridge commented, emphasizing the competitive stakes. “The equation’s simple. Both clubs are in the same situation: you win or you’re out.”
Fremantle’s coach, Justin Longmuir, added to the narrative by suggesting the pressure was on the Bulldogs, but Beveridge remained unfazed by the off-field antics. Meanwhile, the incident draws parallels to the infamous “Spygate” scandal involving former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa, who admitted to spying on all of Leeds’ opponents in 2019.
Rankine’s Suspension: A Controversial Ban
In a separate but equally significant development, Adelaide Crows’ star Izak Rankine has been handed a four-match suspension for making a homophobic slur. Crows coach Matthew Nicks firmly stated that Rankine should not be seen as a victim in this situation. “Izak has got some great support around him,” Nicks said, acknowledging Rankine’s acceptance of his mistake. “But he’s not the victim in this. And by no means do we want that to be looked at that way – and he knows that.”
The AFL initially proposed a five-match suspension, but it was reduced to four games following a “compelling medical submission” from the Crows, as stated by AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon. However, both Dillon and Adelaide’s chief executive Tim Silvers have refrained from elaborating on the specifics of this submission.
“No one is making excuses,” Nicks emphasized. “No one is arguing that there shouldn’t have been a penalty. We know we have to be better in that space.”
Impact on Rankine and the Crows
Rankine’s suspension comes at a critical time for the Crows, who are leading the ladder. The ban leaves a slim chance for Rankine to participate in the grand final, contingent on the Crows’ performance in the finals series. The talented playmaker is keen to return to the club but is expected to take some time away to “re-energise,” according to Nicks.
“Our players will get a break – when I say break, they’ll re-energise next week, as will the whole league,” Nicks explained. The coach also highlighted the importance of addressing the impact of Rankine’s slur on the LGBTQIA community, acknowledging the cultural challenges faced by the club.
Reflecting on Club Culture and Future Steps
Rankine’s incident has prompted introspection within the Crows about their club culture. “It’s moments like this you look at the culture and what it is we’re building and you know that you’ve still got work to do,” Nicks reflected. The club is committed to continuous education and improvement, aiming to uphold high standards of behavior and role modeling.
This situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by sports organizations in fostering inclusive environments and maintaining ethical standards. As both Fremantle and Adelaide navigate their respective controversies, the incidents serve as reminders of the broader responsibilities held by teams and players alike.
Looking ahead, the AFL and its clubs are likely to continue focusing on education and cultural development, striving to prevent similar incidents in the future. The outcomes of these situations will be closely watched by fans and stakeholders, setting precedents for how the league addresses such challenges.
