http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/hats-off-to-andrew-walker/story-e6frf9jf-1226209680546


Come back Mike Sheahan if this is now considered newsworthy/headline material.

I didn't think the article was all that bad. Not so long ago - it might have read something like this...

CARLTON IN CAP TROUBLE...AGAIN

In what can only be described as a return to the 'bad old days', controversial Carlton forward Andrew Walker further disappointed his club and upset sponsors and State Government officials alike yesterday by donning a cap during a Blues training session. Sources close to the club have confirmed that President Stephen Kernahan and CEO Greg Swann were involved in numerous meetings as the story broke, which has sent the club spiraling into more turmoil - yet again before the club prepares for its Christmas break.

In another worry for the Blues, AFL head honcho Andrew Demetriou has weighed in on the cap issue. "As a governing body, we can't ignore the fact that a Carlton player was wearing a cap with no sponsorship nor affiliation with the Cancer Council. We have Essendon*, who through Adam Ramanauskas have a direct link to the Cancer Council and we've worked with them in their Call To Arms campaign. What this Carlton player has done flies in the face of all the hard work both this office and Essendon* have done. We have to protect existing partnerships - just as we would if a player from another club encroached on a Carlton partnership".

Following the Demetriou comments, Coach Brett Ratten attempted to divert the controversy away from his beleaguered forward. "I witnessed Dane Swan eat a Mars Bar on Brownlow Medal night, so I'd like to know the difference between the two". Quizzed on whether he thought the Blues would be fined or face draft sanctions, Ratten was non-committal. "It's early doors. We'll sit down as a group and assess where we're at, but I don't think the club or Andrew have a case to answer".

Collingwood President Eddie McGuire was quick to pounce on the Carlton coach's allegations against his star midfielder on 3MMM Breakfast radio. "Dane doesn't eat Mars Bars. In fact not one Collingwood player eats Mars Bars. Harry O'Brien banned all Mars products from the Westpac Centre as he felt the Mars brand only promoted suffering and didn't promote empowerment and unity in the same way as a family friendly, healthy food option such as McDonald's does."

A spokesperson from Crown Casino where Andrew Walker is banned was not available for comment.