Herald Sun reports on its front page today the AFL has changed its in-house gambling policy, meaning that league staff, umpires and trainers cannot even take part in family or social footy betting competitions. The crackdown comes off the back of last year’s Brownlow Medal betting scandal and widespread claims the AFL is too close to gambling companies.
UPDATE:
I’ve been involved in volunteering with a sports team and as part of that association I’m not allowed to bet on matches in that sport anywhere in the world. And I have nothing to do with the sporting aspect of the team. It’s crazy that they were allowed to bet on their own sport as officials!
Ladder leaders! 
Another big crowd at the MCG tonight. More than 86,000 fans saw Collingwood triumphant over reigning premiers Geelong by 22 points.
However, the win came at a huge cost, with Jeremy Howe breaking his left arm when he clashed with Tyson Stengle and landed awkwardly. AFL photographer Michael Willson took a brilliant photo of the two players in mid air (you can find it on his social media accounts).
Two important players from both teams have soured what was a huge win to my Pies. Losing Stewart early hurt many Fantasy Football coaches around the country.
They weren’t, important context from The Age article.
The email said all umpires and football department members could not enter into office footy tipping competitions, wager a coffee with a colleague on which player gets best on ground, or participate in AFL fantasy games.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan told radio station 3AW on Friday there had been “a reset” in the league’s approach to tipping and wagering among staff, although he noted all employees had long been banned from formally betting directly on AFL games.
This is aimed at social things like office footy tips etc, not betting, but does remove potential perceived and real integrity issues.
Polarising topic with some people I know but I think a blanket ban on the open roof is stupid. Today will be very unpleasant I’d imagine.
Knock it down and start over.