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An AFL investigation has found that Geelong did not breach salary cap rules but the club has been fined almost $80,000, half of which is suspended, for administrative errors.
The league released a statement on Wednesday in which it said the Cats had not broken salary cap or player movement rules, following a review of the period from 2019 to 2024.
“The extended audit found, on the basis of the information obtained and reviewed by the AFL, that the club did not breach the AFL TPP limit nor the AFL player movement rules in any season within the timeframe assessed,” the statement said.
However, the audit discovered a series of non-disclosures and/or late disclosures of deals with club associates and third parties.
“In respect of the AFLW program, the non-disclosures identified were found to be administrative errors and do not amount to material breaches of the TPP rules or player movement rules,” the AFL said.
The Cats were fined $77,500, with $40,000 suspended for two years, and handed a set of extra requirements to comply with.
“The AFL acknowledges the club’s cooperation in voluntarily agreeing to the conduct of the extended audit process and the manner of its participation in that process.”
The Cats said they accepted the AFL’s sanctions for the “disclosure errors”.
“The Club and its personnel have fully cooperated throughout the audit process and worked closely with the AFL and EY to transparently provide access, documentation and information as required,” Cats chief Steve Hocking said.
“We acknowledge the outcome of the audit has confirmed the Club has not breached AFL TPP limits nor the AFL player movement rules.
“We also acknowledge the audit identified a number of non-disclosure items over the six-year period. We accept the AFL’s sanctions for these errors and will strengthen our education and governance processes moving forward.”