Daryn Cresswell, a former champion of the Sydney Swans, has admitted to placing a bet of $200 on a match against Carlton in which he participated.
Cresswell chose to back the Swans, who entered the opening match of 2003 as slight favourites, ultimately winning at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium.
“It was just a win bet. It was a small wager,” stated Cresswell. “It was $200.”
The game marked Denis Pagan’s debut as the coach of Carlton.
When questioned whether he thought players still engaged in betting on AFL matches, Cresswell responded: “I reckon it does.
“Gambling’s a huge problem; I just don’t believe it should be permitted.
“I’ve been aware of players doing it … I have.”
In a revealing interview with Channel Seven, the 244-game veteran disclosed that he had lost over $1 million due to gambling prior to being imprisoned for fraud in December.
“Jail’s been beneficial for me. It’s provided me with ample time to reflect and take responsibility for the chaos I’ve created,” he noted.
Cresswell, who served as an assistant coach for Geelong and the Brisbane Lions after retiring at the conclusion of the 2003 season, was not questioned about whether he engaged in football betting during his coaching tenure.
An AFL spokesperson stated last night: “Since Daryn Cresswell mentioned placing a bet on an AFL match in round one of the 2003 season, the AFL has implemented new regulations prohibiting players, coaches, and officials from betting on AFL matches and events.
“We have also established agreements with bookmakers for information sharing to assist in detecting any unusual activities.
“These regulations are vital for upholding the game’s integrity.
“If Daryn Cresswell has any claims or evidence regarding players, coaches, or officials betting on AFL matches or events, we would encourage him to present it to the AFL.”
Cresswell, now 40, was declared bankrupt in April 2009, carrying debts exceeding $700,000.
He received a three-year prison sentence for two counts of fraud related to falsified housing loan applications, serving 10 months in a Queensland prison before being released two weeks ago.
by Buford Balony
