THE long-term partner of rugby union star Kurtley Beale has been named as one of the two women linked to affairs that led two AFL executives to resign.
News Limited reported on Friday AFL Auskick staffer Maddi Blomberg had a brief relationship with AFL boss Simon Lethlean, who was in charge of the women’s AFLW league.
On Friday, Lethlean and fellow executive, Richard Simkiss resigned after having “inappropriate relationships with two younger women who work in the AFL industry”, CEO Gillon McLachlan said.
Lethlean apologised to his wife and family, saying he was “truly sorry” for causing them pain.
“I failed my wife, my family, my friends, my organisation and football by making the decision I have,” he said.
“I have hurt the people who are most important in my life and who I love. They have done nothing to deserve this. I am deeply sorry for all the hurt and embarrassment I have caused.”
“Regaining the trust and love of my wife and my family will be my total focus.”
Blomberg is believed to be currently overseas with Beale, where he has been playing English Rugby Union. Blomberg left Australia to support the Wallaby playmaker in his time in European Rugby. However, Beale will return for Australia next week and rejoin the NSW Waratahs for next season’s Super Rugby.
Channel Nine journalist Danny Weidler revealed on social media that the Blomberg affair was the “cross code romance” he had made veiled references to in his Sydney Morning Herald column months prior. Weidler also said Beale was made aware of the affair several weeks ago via an anonymous email.
Weilder even raised the question of whether the AFL had looked to “cover up” the incident. The journalist tweeted that he had contacted the governing body several months ago regarding the affair allegations, only for action to be taken now.
Neither Beale nor Blomberg have commented on the incident.
The Age reported on Friday evening that AFL legal staffer Ali Gronow was the woman involved with Simkiss. It is understood she is currently on leave from her role with the AFL.
The Herald Sun reported AFL insiders were concerned with how women were being treated at the organisation, prompting whistleblowers to bring the controversial relationships to light.
Lethlean was General Manager of Football Operations and Simkiss was General Manager of Commercial.
Simkiss has also apologised for his actions saying they “did not live up to the values of the AFL and is something I am truly sorry for.”
“I know that I have let people down. Our industry is on a journey of change, and I can’t let my actions halt or damage that journey,” he said.
McLachlan addressed the media on Friday afternoon and said he was “disappointed” in what had transpired but thinks the pair’s decision to resign is “the right one”.
He said the resignations were based on separate matters that have caused “distress and concern to a number of people”.
“The AFL that I want to lead is a professional organisation based on integrity, respect, care for each other and responsibility,” McLachlan said. “We are committed to a process of change and I am confident change is being seen and felt throughout our industry.
“I expect that my executives are role models and set a standard of behaviour for the rest of the organisation. They are judged, as they should be, to a higher standard.
“I want a diverse and inclusive culture where employees are treated respectfully, fairly and represented at all levels.
“The journey we are on to a more equal and respectful workplace must be more than just two words. It must be backed up with action and with change.”
McLachlan said numerous parties are involved in this situation and asked the media to respect their privacy.
He also said it was “commendable” Lethlean and Simkiss has taken responsibility for their actions.
Lethlean and Simkiss were both newly promoted, assuming their roles in early March.
Andrew Dillon will take over the role of General Manager of Football and Darren Birch becomes General Manager of Commercial.
McLachlan said the only concerns about Lethlean and Simkiss had been brought to his attention by the men themselves rather than from other parties.
He denied the AFL has a culture problem but said he would continue striving to ensure the organisation meets the standards expected of it by the community. McLachlan also said there were “no excuses” for poor behaviour.
The Herald Sun reported at least one affair was an open secret in the office and when confronted by a friend of one of the women involved, one manager yelled at her, leaving her in tears.
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