Western Bulldogs senior coach Luke Beveridge has reportedly been the target of alleged threats and a $100,000 extortion plot.
According to The Age, Brendon Berry, 53, is accused of sending a letter to Beveridge demanding the money.
Per the report, Berry failed to attend the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Watch live coverage of the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft on Kayo Sports 19-20 Nov | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
While the contents of the letter have not been publicly revealed in court, The Age reports court documents state Berry is alleged to have demanded payment “in a manner which a reasonable person would regard as menacing”.
A warrant was issued for Berry’s arrest on Tuesday after he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing regarding the case. He had also failed to appear on October 3 and 14.
Per the report, Berry is charged with making an unwarranted demand for money with menace and using a postal service in a manner that could be regarded as menacing.
Magistrate Donna Bakos said: “I don’t issue warrants ever lightly. We explore all possibilities as we should … and I think I’ve exhausted all those possibilities.”
The AFL’s Integrity Unit employed a security guard to accompany Beveridge during the Bulldogs’ Round 17 game against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on July 3.
In July of this year, a Collingwood member received a five-year ban from AFL and AFLW matches for directing a threatening text message at Carlton senior coach Michael Voss.
Discussion about this post