AFL YOUNG GUN PUNT PROBE

Stephenson put himself in over punt

Collingwood young gun Jaidyn Stephenson is in hot water for allegedly betting on a Pies match.

COLLINGWOOD forward Jaidyn Stephenson selfreported to officials after asking a friend to have a small bet on his behalf on a Magpies game.

Stephenson asked the friend to place the bet, believed to be less than $50.

The second-year forward faces suspension and a possible fine as the matter sits before the AFL integrity unit.

Collingwood declined to comment tonight.

It is understood the bet involved the performances of his teammates in a match.

It is believed the bet was placed on the Round 9 clash against St Kilda at the MCG, which the Magpies won by 41 points.

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan faced the media yesterday, but would not speak about the alleged investigation.

“I’m not going to make any comment about anything that may or may not be before (the) integrity department,” McLachlan said.

The Pies are also yet to publicly address the matter.

AFL great David Schwarz, who has struggled with gambling problems, told Macquarie Sports Radio Stephenson was “going to suffer”.

“He has made a huge mistake, a massive mistake,” Schwarz said.

Magpie Brayden Sier was hit with a suspended $5000 fine in 2018 for betting on AFL matches and events.

A number of bets, totalling less than $50 combined, were placed during the 2017 season.

In 2017, Demon Jake Melksham was fined $10,000 after “misleading AFL investigators”.

Melksham was slapped with the sanction after providing false evidence into activity on his betting account.

Pies defender Jack Crisp was in 2015 fined $5000 and ordered to have counselling for placing a $129 bet while at the Brisbane Lions. The league said Crisp’s co-operation aided his light sanction.

Collingwood premiership stars Heath Shaw and Nick Maxwell copped heavy punishment over betting infractions in 2011.

It involved a situation where defender Maxwell was to play in the forward line against Adelaide, not in his usual backline position.

Shaw was banned for 14 games, with six suspended, and fined $20,000, for a $10 bet at odds of $101.

Maxwell did not have a bet, but was fined $10,000, with half that suspended, after his family placed bets on him.

In another case Bomber Dean Wallis was banned from coaching or attending Essendon training for 14 matches for betting on a game in 2011.

Wallis backed the Bombers to defeat Sydney on August 6 — a game the Bombers won.

The AFL’s national gambling policy states: “Any person, who does not fully and strictly comply with the provisions of this policy, shall be dealt with in such manner as the Football Body or relevant tribunal in their absolute discretion think fit and without limitation may be fined or suspended from participating in any competition administered by the Football Body.”