Leading player agency Hemisphere Sports Management has copped the maximum $10,000 fine – none of which is suspended – after a lengthy investigation into a training session involving unsigned AFL prospects.
News Corp revealed in July the company was under investigation for breaching strict rules on when they can speak to prospective clients.
The agents’ code of conduct forbids them from contacting players, or their parents, until October 1 in their 16th year and they can’t officially sign them until after the draft in the year before their own eligibility.
They also must not offer any benefit or “thing of value” in anticipation of signing a footballer, such as athletic training.
The session in question was run by Anthony Phillips, the father of ex-AFL footballers Tom and Ed who is also involved in the Victoria Metro, Oakleigh Chargers and Caulfield Grammar programs as a coach.
Hemisphere managed, or manages, both of Phillips’ sons, with former Hawk and Magpie Tom delisted this month after spending the past two seasons at Hawthorn but hopeful of a lifeline at a third club.
It’s believed Hemisphere was already in the AFL Players’ Association’s sights for breaching rules on approaching teenage players, including leading 2024 prospect Jagga Smith, before this session was held.
The Agent Accreditation Board found that players involved in the Phillips-run session were unsigned by any management company and several of them did not meet the age eligibility rules.
There would not have been an issue with the session if the players involved were already Hemisphere clients and met the age signing criteria.
News Corp understands other top player agencies were also issued with warnings for inappropriate conduct with players and sternly reminded of the rules.
Hemisphere Sports Management has been contacted for comment.
Updated regulations for accredited agents have come into effect but this investigation was run on the previous code of conduct, given the timing of the issues, but the changes would not have impacted this matter.
