Gillon McLachlan explains Adam Goodes apology, ‘locks in’ 2016 grand final time
AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has defended the league’s decision to ‘say sorry’ to Adam Goodes.
The league formally apologised to the Sydney great this week for the booing.
Neil Mitchell questioned ‘why now?’ and wondered whether Goodes wanted the issue re-ignited.
‘I think the issue had to be addressed,’ McLachlan said on 3AW.
‘But, as I said, I do wish we’d come out earlier.’
McLachlan went on to say the league would ‘always’ have a job for Goodes, if he wanted it.
Meanwhile, the league boss also addressed concerns over in-game betting during games. There have been calls to scrap it.
‘I understand why people take that position, but the problem and consequence is that it pushes people who want to bet in the game to unlicensed bookmakers off-shore,’ McLachlan explained.
‘The problem when you’ve got money and liquidity with these off-shore operators is you don’t know what’s going on.
‘And in terms of integrity of the sport, and potential issues pertaining to integrity ? you can’t see what’s going on.
‘That’s the worry I have with that.’
McLachlan also confirmed this year’s grand final would be played at the usual time of 2.30pm.
Neil Mitchell: ‘Can we leave the grand final in its traditional spot?’
McLachlan: ‘OK. Done. You run this town, Neil. We’ll go with 2.30.’
Click PLAY below to hear more from Gillon McLachlan on 3AW