News

From The Mercury
Reported by James Bresnehan

A NAKED footballer shocked parents and children by cycling around during a game at Lauderdale Oval on Sunday.

He was part of a group of Tasmanian Devils VFL players, who were there to see their coach Daryn Cresswell play in a superules match.

A caller to the Mercury yesterday, who did not wish to be identified, labelled the incident disgraceful.

"They were drinking and one stripped off and got on a bike and rode around naked at the game," the man said.

"I'm not immune to having a drink and I understand they have to let their hair down after the season.

"But I was there with a group of young families and it's pretty poor form to have one of them running round and riding around naked.

"They're a high-profile club the Devils and they're trying to build professionalism and I read in the paper they're going to have zero tolerance to bad off-field behaviour.

"They have a responsibility to the community and when this type of thing occurs, it's pretty disappointing."

AFL Tasmania said there had been no official complaints.

"One of my staff received a call from someone who refused to be named or leave any contact details," AFL Tasmania general manager Scott Wade.

"So we are aware of the incident, but we have had no official complaints and we believe it was harmless."

Wade declined to name and shame the player. But he said the nude cyclist was a Tasmanian Devils player.

The player will line up for Glenorchy in its Premier League second semi-final against Clarence on Saturday.

Glenorchy coach David Newett said it was the first he had heard of the incident.

"If one of our players has stepped out of line . . . he will have to answer to the leadership group," Newett said.