Lion pleads innocence in AFL plunge - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Lion pleads innocence in AFL plunge

Laine Clark 31/05/2011 08:18:21 PM Comments (0)

His days as a Brisbane Lions forward appear over but Daniel Merrett says it has nothing to do with being the subject of yet another AFL betting plunge.

The AFL is investigating after Merrett was backed from $101 to $15 to kick the first goal ahead of his surprise switch from fullback to the forward line in the Lions' eventual eight-point loss to arch rivals Gold Coast in round seven in early May.

It is the second time in three seasons Merrett has been the subject of such an unusual plunge.

Punters netted $36,000 in 2009 when defender Merrett kicked the opening goal in a match against Collingwood.

Merrett said he had nothing to do with the plunges - but reckoned he wouldn't be venturing from the back six any time soon.

"I am pretty happy with where I sit - I am happy to stay down back," Merrett said on Tuesday.

AFL integrity officer Brett Clothier is heading an inquiry into plunges on Merrett, Lions teammate Matt Maguire and Hawthorn's Brent Guerra.

None of the bets won.

Merrett said he was happy to co-operate with the investigation but hoped a "common sense" approach was adopted by the AFL if there were similar plunges in the future.

He believed the bets were the result of an astute fan's observations at training rather than inside information.

But he hoped the AFL betting investigation did not result in supporters being shut out ahead of games.

"The whole betting thing is too hard to control," Merrett said in Brisbane.

"A guy could come down to training and then tell a few mates and it goes from there.

"I think everyone needs to take a deep breath and common sense will prevail.

"I would hate to get to the stage where we are closing training sessions because we are worried about someone putting a bet on us - we love our supporters being at training."

Asked if he was angry about again being the subject of a betting plunge, Merrett said: "There is nothing I can do about it (but) having my name in the paper is probably not ideal.

"It was a big surprise initially, but it was nothing to do with me.

"We are happy to help the AFL with their investigations."

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