A new punting podcast co-hosted by star Sydney forward Tom Papley has caught the attention of the New South Wales Responsible Gambling office.
The podcast called The Early Crow is hosted by Papley and professional gambler Jack ‘Dicko’ Dickens and gives tips on NRL, horse racing, and “all things” sport.
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Papley’s teammate Nick Blakey appeared on the first episode of the show, where the two Swans stars made it clear they do not bet on AFL and had no intention of doing so.
The AFL has strict betting rules and players, AFL staff, and club staff are prohibited from placing bets on any level of Australian Football games.
Players risk suspension and financial sanctions if they are caught placing bets on AFL.
Tom Papley might have to moderate his language when talking about punting. Credit: Getty Images/@TheEarlyCrowPod
In 2019 Jaidyn Stephenson was banned for 10 matches and handed a $20,000 fine for betting on three games that involved Collingwood, his AFL club at the time.
Papley has a strong interest in horse racing and appears on a SEN radio show called Track.
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His new show has been an instant hit and quickly jumped into Spotify Australia’s top-10 sporting podcasts.
But there are now calls for Papley – who is known for his on-field exuberance and wild goal celebrations – to temper his language around betting.
NSW Office of Responsible Gambling have raised their concerns about the podcast to the Swans.
“While there is no affiliation between the Swans and the aforementioned podcast, we have raised concerns directly with the Swans, who are treating the matter very seriously,” a spokesperson for the Responsible Gambling office said.
“The Office of Responsible Gambling works closely with the Sydney Swans and has confidence in their ongoing commitment to Reclaim the Game.”
The forward is famous for his enthusiasm and wild celebrations on the field. Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
AFL football journalist Damian Barrett said the Swans had “a problem”, and Papley’s podcast – that “encouraged punting” – whiffed of hypocrisy.
“The Sydney Swans are in that zone of wanting to present to the world of being perfect. They’re all about image,” Barrett said.
“(They made) a big song a dance around we’re not having any gambling in our stadiums on matchday because ‘we’re above all of that’.
“We also know, too, they are taking money from an anti-gambling body in New South Wales, and that’s all fine too.
“(But) they’ve got a problem … with Tom Papley (and his) involvement with another podcast that promotes gambling.”
SEN owner Craig Hutchison noted that Blakey been “roped in” and was “described as a gun NRL punter”.
And Barrett questioned the image of that.
“Is it good to be seen for an AFL player to be punting on the NRL?” Barrett asked
“That’s not an image anyone really wants these days, is it? I know it’s not illegal.”
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Hutchison said: “The podcast is billed as two punting obsessed humans just trying to find a way.”
Barrett said he had “no issue” with Papley being a punter … “but it doesn’t line up with what the Swans have chosen to present and all the other causes that the Sydney Swans have got.
“If you want to pick and choose your moment … you need to have everything lined up,” he said.
“Dane Rampe (and) other leaders at the footy club have gone out of their way publicly to bemoan gambling and to talk it down as though it’s one of the greatest evils of society.
“(And the Swans are) taking money from the anti-gambling cause.“
Hutchison said the club could have its views and did not have “to be entirely in step” with Papley, but maybe Papley needed to sell some “moderation” when discussing betting.
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