St Kilda has inadvertently leaked audio from its own coaches box to rival teams in a slip-up which could have exposed valuable information.
The Saints’ coaches addressed the matter with the players this week to explain the error in the event any of the audio is made public.
While the club is not concerned by any of the language used in the recording, the Saints on Wednesday said the file should not have been uploaded with the audio.
The club has reviewed the audio and is comfortable with its contents.
Clubs normally upload the behind-the-goals vision for the practice games, but do not include any audio from the coaches’ box.
The club removed the file as soon as it was made aware it existed several hours after it was originally uploaded on Saturday morning.
All clubs had access to the file in an embarrassing slip-up for the club, however it remains unclear if any rivals have heard it.
Fremantle would be most likely considering the Dockers play the Saints in the opening game of the season.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon and his assistants have been upfront with the players about the incident so they weren’t surprised if it became public.
St Kilda football manager David Misson said the club would review its upload practices to avoid a repeat.
“This upload occurred through human error, which was corrected as soon as we were notified,” Misson said.
“There is no certainty that this file has been accessed and downloaded by anybody, however, regardless of the low risk, we wanted to be on the front foot and proactive in our response.
“Our focus is on creating a program with high integrity, open communication and care for our people.
“As a matter of course, we addressed this issue directly with our playing group.
“As part of our response, we also alerted the AFL and relevant key stakeholders.
“We feel that this matter has now been resolved and our focus remains on our preparations for the season ahead.
“The club has also taken the opportunity to review its broader processes to reduce the likelihood of this error occurring again.”
St Kilda has undergone significant change in recent weeks revamping its football department under new coach Lyon, who took over from Brett Ratten.
Geoff Walsh was appointed football manager to partner Lyon but quickly departed due to a family issue.
Misson, who was fitness boss under Lyon when he coached St Kilda to three grand finals, was elevated to football manager amid the raft of changes.
The Saints will open their new season against Fremantle at Marvel Stadium in Round 1 in Lyon’s first game in charge since returning as coach.
Originally published as St Kilda coaches box audio inadvertently uploaded after practice match against Essendon
