Jaidyn Stephenson has been handed a whopping 22-week penalty, with 12 of those suspended, along with a $20,000 fine for placing bets on games involving his club Collingwood.
It means the 2018 Rising Star winner will miss the remainder of the home-and-away season, but will be available for the Magpies' finals campaign.
The Pies youngster placed three bets against the Western Bulldogs in Round 4, Essendon in Round 6 and St Kilda in Round 9.
The multi-bets included legs on:
- Collingwood to win
- Collingwood winning margin
- Stephenson to kick a goal
- Stephenson to kick three or more goals
- Collingwood teammates to kick a goal
- Collingwood teammates to kick two or more goals, and
- Collingwood teammates to have in excess of a number of disposals.
Stephenson is understood to have reported himself to the AFL after asking a friend to place a bet of less than $50 on the game involving total possessions.
The last player to be found of guilty illegal betting was GWS veteran and former Pie Heath Shaw, who was banned for eight weeks in 2011.
AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon commented on Stephenson's actions at a press conference today.
“We have very clear rules about betting on football. If you breach the regulations, you will be penalised. Jaidyn’s actions have compromised the integrity of the game. He knew the rules but chose not to adhere to them," Mr Dillon said.
“Collingwood responded very quickly and appropriately when they were made aware of the issue and recognised the seriousness of the matter.” Mr Dillon said.
“Stephenson, his teammates and the club have all co-operated fully when interviewed and that along with the fact of self-reporting have led to a substantial proportion of the sanction being suspended.
“The AFL, AFLPA, and all clubs provide extensive education and counselling on all matters relating to gambling.
“There is no clearer instruction - AFL players, club and league officials are banned from betting on the Australian Rules Football in any form.”
Stephenson will be unable to play for the Magpies in the VFL during his ban but can still train with the Collingwood team.