Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says the AFL is facing a “challenging period” after a mass nude photo leak targeted more than 45 current and former players.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon also called the incident “nasty” as he confirmed none of his players were involved in the leak, which is being investigated by the AFL’s integrity unit and police.
Clubs contacted the AFL when the photos began circulating online, and while Hawthorn players were not caught up in the release, Mitchell said it was “pretty obvious” that players had to be careful with how they shared intimate images.
He said the players had the best support possible through clubs and the league to deal with a “really difficult” situation.
“I’ve been briefed about it, and to my understanding there’s not Hawthorn stuff in there, but it’s a really difficult thing to talk about, and our head of footy Rob McCartney spoke to the players first thing this morning and just gave them an update about what information was out there,” Mitchell said.
“I was pleased that none of our current players are involved in it, but it’s certainly a challenging period … it’s something for AFL Integrity and really, it’s a legal matter as well.”
Lyon said AFL players were his “community” and felt for those past and present players caught up in the leak.
“It’s nasty, isn’t it? It’s a shot over the bow for everyone that they are always at risk,” he said.
The images have been leaked by an anonymous source and it’s believed some are fakes.
North Melbourne coach Brett Ratten said the targeting of players was “unbelievable” as he expressed his care for the players who were implicated.
“I think we just need to look after the privacy of the people, that’s important,” he said.
“It’s unbelievable how these photos get out for a start. I haven’t really got much of a take on it, I think we just look after the individuals.”
AFLPA chief executive Paul Marsh slammed the distribution of the images on Wednesday night as an “appalling and disgusting” act.
“While it is important to note that some of the images may not be legitimate, this is an appalling and disgusting act and a likely unlawful breach of privacy that is unacceptable,” Marsh said in a statement.
“We ask the public to treat this matter seriously by not seeking out or sharing any of these photos and respecting the rights and privacy of those impacted.
“We will support our impacted members through our legal and wellbeing services. This is now a police matter, and we will continue to assist as necessary.”
