North Melbourne coach Brad Scott regards problem gambling as a bigger concern for AFL footballers than illicit drugs or alcohol.
Scott says he is proud of the stance taken by his club, which can no longer accept gambling sponsorship.
The Kangaroos have an arrangement with World Vision and one of the conditions is that they don’t take revenue from areas such as pokie machines.
“It’s something that we as a club are going to take a really strong stand against,” Scott said.
“As coach of North Melbourne, the thing that concerns me most about young AFL footballers is problem gambling.
“I’d put it well ahead of drug abuse or alcohol abuse.”
Earlier this week, former North Melbourne board member Peter de Rauch was scathing of the club for making a deal that would mean it cannot accept gambling income.
He called club chairman James Brayshaw a “teddy bear” and the insult received wide coverage.
“I don’t think anyone enjoys being ridiculed … I had a little bit of a chuckle to myself and he (Brayshaw) has copped a good ribbing,” Scott said.
“But the issue from our point of view is that it glossed over what is an extremely important topic and that is problem gambling.”