Collingwood is most valuable AFL club brand at $145 million, well ahead of Carlton at $115 million and Richmond at $101 million
Collingwood is Australia’s most valuable football club brand, with an impressive brand valuation of AUD145 million, according to a new report from Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy. This measurement reflects the club’s long-term success both on and off the field, with its star-studded roster, rich football heritage, and highly influential partnerships all pivotal in elevating its status within the league.
Former Essendon premiership, brief Collingwood & North Melbourne player and Seven field commentator (2007-2009) Ricky Olarenshaw is in a bit of trouble:
The AFL has launched an investigation into player behaviour at an end-of-season party involving the GWS Giants.
7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary has revealed the exclusive details of the probe, which involves several players and relates to distasteful costumes and skits from the post-season event.
Cleary said multiple players were facing AFL bans in relation to what was being described as “highly inappropriate” behaviour.
“It’s understood the dress-ups theme was celebrity couples … with activities related to that,” Cleary said.
Cleary said there were no victims from the public — and the scenes were kept all between the players — but the AFL and the club had become aware of some disturbing activities after an anonymous tip-off.
It’s the belief of the Giants players that the story got out because the bartender at the pub made a complaint. They were in a private room.
I’m told some of the players are pushing back on the suspensions, believing it’s a private room, nothing illegal occurred. The AFL and the Integrity Unit has had time to consider it, digest it and investigate it.
News Corp reporting one of the skits was the World Trade Centre in New York City that was destroyed by terrorists on 9/11 in 2001 and where thousands of people perished. That is just not even remotely funny and crossing that line, wouldn’t be surprised if this is where the AFL saw red.
The league has sanctioned 13 GWS players after the Wacky Wednesday party, which had the theme of ‘Controversial Couples’, saw many Giants dressing up in distasteful outfits and acting out offensive skits.
Fahey has copped the heaviest ban having dressed up as Jarryd Hayne, the former NRL star jailed in 2023 for sexual assault who had his conviction overturned earlier this year, and engaged in a skit with a blow-up doll.
Riccardi dressed up as a taxi driver and partnered Fahey, though did not engage with the sex doll;
McMullin and Hamilton simulated the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center;
Thomas “dressed as a particular pro sportsman and Fonti as a girl, acting inappropriately during their skit”;
Idun and Whitfield “enacted a scene from the movie Django Unchained, characterising slavery”.
The Giants’ leaders were sanctioned for not stepping in to stop the behaviour.
