AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has described as “significant” the appointment of troubled former nice Mark Thompson to current the Jock McHale Medal to this yr’s premiership coach.
Thompson, a three-time premiership participant with Essendon and twin flag-winning coach of Geelong, was convicted for drug possession in 2019.
He was fined $3000 and ordered to bear rehabilitation, whereas a drug trafficking cost in opposition to him was dismissed.
Separately, Thompson was fined $30,000 for his half within the Bombers’ notorious 2012 dietary supplements program.
The 59-year-old, who left the AFL after teaching Essendon by the 2014 season, has labored to rebuild his life lately away from soccer.
He will current the McHale Medal to the premiership coach on stage after the grand last on the MCG on September 30.
“In our game, I think people make mistakes and I think we have an ability to actually welcome people back and continue to celebrate their place and their role in the game,” McLachlan stated.
“That is certainly where Mark is. He was a great player and a significant coach, and I’m really pleased that he’s going to be presenting the (medal) to the premiership coach.
“I hope it’s significant for Mark and I think it’s significant for the game.”
Thompson was confirmed as this yr’s McHale Medal presenter on the official AFL finals launch on Monday.
“I think he’s pleased,” McLachlan stated.
“I think Mark needs to speak to that for himself but I do think it’s significant.”
Former Carlton and West Coast champion Chris Judd will current the Norm Smith Medal on grand last day, whereas former Sydney Swans captain Josh Kennedy is that this yr’s premiership cup ambassador.
The AFL additionally confirmed American rock band KISS will headline the grand last pre-game leisure present.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
