Suns player banned for betting on games

Gold Coast-listed player Rhys Nicholls has been suspended and fined for placing bets on AFL games involving the Suns.

The 20-year-old has copped a two-game ban and been fined $5000 for making 10 bets, totalling $256, on AFL games last year, with six of them on Suns matches.

Nicholls, who is yet to make his senior debut, will still be allowed to train but will not be available for selection in the first two rounds of the season.

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All of Nicholls' bets were made in an account under his name and were unsuccessful.

The AFL's integrity unit interviewed Nicholls, who cooperated with the investigation.

"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," Mr Dillon said.

"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."

Suns football performance manager Wayne Campbell stated the club would stick by Nicholls.

"Rhys has cooperated fully with the investigation, put his hand up and understands the rules and why they are in place," Campbell said.

"Rhys will prepare for the upcoming season and we as a football club will continue to support him moving forward."

It is the not the first time in recent years a current AFL player has been found to have made bets in games involving their team.

Jaidyn Stephenson, who is now at North Melbourne, was banned for 10 games in 2019 after being found guilty of making