Brownlow Medal

First year field umpire Michael Pell and three others were arrested in mid-November for leaking Brownlow votes. Apparently. the votes from specific matches were leaked. The AFL was alerted by one of its betting partners who detected suspicious betting and the AFL launched an investigation, leading to the arrests. The irregularities and leaks did not compromise the Brownlow count on the night according to the AFL. The bets which raised red flags ranged in size up to several thousand dollars.

However, the fallout could be severe in that it allegedly involves a match official divulging information. A police statement said in part that, " ... The criminal offenses police are investigating are engaging in conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome of event or event contingency, and using corrupt conduct information for betting purposes ...". When the three others were arrested, cell phones and computers were also seized. Criminal charges are pending, but conviction carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Police are investigating how many matches potentially had votes released and the magnitude of the bets involved. If the allegations are found to be true, the umpire could also face AFL sanctions.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

 The AFL Commission was scheduled to meet on November 15 to discuss, among other things, whether or not to strip Jobe Watson of his 2012 Brownlow Medal. However, about a week before the meeting Watson decided to return the medal himself. He said he had "mixed emotions" regarding his decision. Now the Commission will decide whether or not to award the medal retrospectively to the two runners-up in Sam Mitchell and Dustin Martin. 

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

There has been speculation throughout 2016 about whether or not Essendon's Jobe Watson would return to the Bombers or walk away from the game. The supplements saga and resulting one-year banishment had taken a heavy toll on him and he left Australia to travel and get away from football.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

The AFL held their annual Hall Of Fame ceremony just a few days before Round 10. Inducted were five new members and one current member, Tony Lockett, was elevated to legend status. Lockett was a legend in his own time with his prowess in front of goal, but it was unofficial. Now it is official. Lockett, the greatest goalkicker in league history, is the 26th player to be named a Legend. Inducted to the Hall in 2006, he played 281 games for St Kilda and Sydney and kicked 1,360 goals. His 1,300th goal in 1999 broke the long-standing record of Collingwood's Gordon Coventry. ironically, that goal came in match against Collingwood. He booted over 100 goals, known as a century, in six seasons: 1987, 1991 and 1992 for the Saints and 1995, 1996 and 1998 for the Swans. His biggest tally was in 1992 with 132 goals for the year, including a whopping 15 against Sydney. Also in 1987, he became the first full forward to win the Brownlow Medal. After the announcement, Lockett said he was proud of the record, but being named a legend meant more.

The following is the time line for the the Grand Final day events including key times for match and TV related activities. All times are listed first in Australian AEST and then in US EDT. This is based on information from the AFL, AFANA, press reports and past history. This story will be periodically updated with late information. (Revised 9/25/14)

The following is the time line for the the Grand Final day events including key times for match and TV related activities. All times are listed first in Australian AEST and then in US EDT. This is based on information from the AFL, AFANA, press reports and past history. This story will be periodically updated with late information. (Revised 9/26/13 We have had major reductions in US coverage.Awaiting word on Canada. See our note here.)

The following is the time line for the the Grand Final day events including key times for match and TV related activities.   All times are listed first in Australian AEST and then in US EDT.  This is based on information from the AFL, AFANA, press reports and past history. This story will be periodically updated with late information.  (Revised 9/28/12)

The following is the time line for the the Grand Final day events including key times for match and TV related activities.   All times are listed first in Australian AEST and then in US EDT.  This is based on information from the AFL, AFANA, press reports and past history. This story will be periodically updated with late information.  Click on "read more" to see the entire table of events.

The following is the time line for the the Grand Final day events including key times for match and TV related activities.   All times are listed first in Australian AEST and then in US EDT.  This is based on information from the AFL, AFANA, press reports and past history. : This story will be periodically updated with late information.

Time AEST/US EDT  Event             
11:40 AM / 9:40 PM Gillette AFL Grand Final Sprint heats
12:10 AM / 10:10 PM AIS Academy Squad / TAC Cup presentation and photo
12:55 PM / 10:55 PM Delivery of match footballs to Umpires
1.00 PM / 11:00 PM On-field pre-match set up
1.10 PM – 1.25 PM / 11:10 PM – 11:25 PM Preliminary on-field warm-up opportunity for competing clubs
1:25 PM / 11:25 PM Stage and sound set in centre square
1:30 PM -- 2:00 PM / 11:30 PM --12:00 MN Pre-match entertainment featuring INXS.  Welcome to country by Wurundjeri elder Joy Murphy Wandin.
1:30 PM / 11:30 PM International TV feed begins including coverage on ESPN Classic, TSN2, and ESPN3.com.  The host broadcaster is Channel 7 and the announcers will be lead by Bruce McAvaney and Dennis Cometti.