Geelong CEO Steve Hocking has dismissed any notion of a “cover up” after the AFL fined the club $77,500 for administrative errors tied to undisclosed third-party benefits.
Of that amount, $40,000 has been suspended, with the Cats now facing stricter compliance measures over the next two years.
Speaking on SEN, Hocking said the six-month investigation had been one of the most challenging experiences of his career.
“There’s a feeling of letting down,” he said. “You don’t want to get caught up in these items. As far as vindication goes, I’m certainly not sitting here going ‘you beauty’ and punching the air. I don’t think that’s the response from my end or the club more broadly.”
‘It’s not the case’: Hocking on AFL ties and probe
Hocking acknowledged his previous work with the AFL had led to speculation that Geelong may have been treated favourably, but he rejected that suggestion outright.
“There will be a range of people out there that think there’s a cover up, I’ve had a relationship with the AFL, I’ve worked there, Geelong may have been receiving some favours — it’s not the case,” he said. “It’s one of the more trying things I’ve been involved in.”
He revealed that during the audit, investigators seized staff laptops and phones to trace communications involving player managers, sponsors, and potential inducements. “They basically chase down and try to reveal any movement of players or discussions that may be related to sponsors,” Hocking said.
The Cats boss admitted some breaches stemmed from “grey areas”, such as sponsors offering accommodation to staff or players, but insisted the club had been transparent and compliant throughout. “We’ve copped a fine, and it’s on us to educate our people far greater in this area so that they know what they can and can’t do,” he said.