Gold Coast Suns player Rhys Nicholls has been suspended and fined by the AFL for breaching the league’s rules related to betting on AFL matches.
Nicholls has been banned for two games and fined $5000 after 10 unsuccessful bets totalling $256 were placed on AFL matches across the 2022 season using an account in his name. Six of those bets were on Suns matches.
AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon said in a statement: “The AFL amended its rules relating to wagering in March 2020 to make it clear that Player and Officials would be held responsible for bets that are placed on accounts in their name.
“The AFL, AFLPA, and all clubs provide extensive education and counselling on all matters relating to gambling. There simply is no excuse - if you have a betting account it is your responsibility to ensure that it is not used for betting on AFL matches regardless of whether you place the bets or not.”
Nicholls will still be allowed to train with the Suns but won’t be available for selection in Rounds 1 and 2.
The 19-year-old is yet to debut for the Suns after being selected in the 2020 rookie draft.
