The AFL has confirmed Gold Coast Suns young gun Rhys Nicholls has been fined $5,000 and suspended for two games for betting on games.

Nicholls, who’s yet to play a game for the club after being drafted in 2020, placed 10 bets totalling $256 across the 2021 AFL season.

Six of the bets placed were on Gold Coast Suns matches, but all bets were unsuccessful.

“The investigation concluded that the bets were made on Nicholls’ account and further there was no evidence to suggest there was any intent to influence the outcome within the contest in respect to the bets,” an AFL statement read.

AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon added: “The AFL amended its rules relating to wagering in March 2020 to make it clear that players and officials would be held responsible for bets that are placed on accounts in their name,”

“The AFL, AFLPA, and all clubs provide extensive education and counselling on all matters relating to gambling.

“There simply is no excuse – if you have a betting account it is your responsibility to ensure that it is not used for betting on AFL matches regardless of whether you place the bets or not.”