The AFL may have applied “a bit of pressure” on Port Adelaide not to play Sam Powell-Pepper during the round just gone, according to a report.
“There is a much bigger story at play here with the internal politics of what is going between the AFL and Port Adelaide,” footy reporter Sam McClure has told SEN.
“My understanding is Port Adelaide were pretty close to naming Powell-Pepper,” McClure said. “I know Port said it was Powell-Pepper who said he was ruling himself out.”
“I think you will find there was a bit of pressure from the AFL as well, saying we haven’t finished our internal investigation here, if we find he is X, Y and Z wrong, and you play him, then we both have egg on our face.
“I can only read between the lines and suggest that there is a sanction coming for Powell-Pepper from the AFL. Whether that’s matches or a fine, or both, I don’t know. Port Adelaide isn’t happy about it.”
Earlier David Koch blasted the AFL on FIVEAA for its handling of the SPP investigation.
Port Adelaide "isn't happy" with the potential findings from the investigation from the AFL's integrity unit on Sam Powell-Pepper, according to @sam_mcclure | https://t.co/tG0KjjAOHJ | #AFL pic.twitter.com/fllEavV4ik
— SEN 1116 (@SENNews) April 23, 2018