AFL great Carl Ditterich charged with child sex offences

Carl Ditterich, a former Australian Rules Football (AFL) player and coach, was charged with multiple child sex offenses by Victoria Police in March 2023. The charges stem from an alleged incident that occurred in 1985 involving a then-underage girl.

Ditterich, who played for North Melbourne Football Club between 1977 and 1983, was a key forward and won the club's leading goal-kicker award in 1980. After retiring from playing, he went on to coach various football teams, including North Melbourne's reserves and the South Melbourne Swans in the Victorian Football Association.

The charges against Ditterich came to light after a woman reported the incident to police in late 2022. The alleged victim was a teenager at the time of the incident and is now an adult. The charges include indecent assault and sexual penetration without consent.

Victoria Police confirmed that they had launched an investigation into the matter and that Ditterich had been charged following a thorough examination of the evidence. He was released on bail and was ordered to appear before Melbourne Magistrates' Court on a later date to face the charges.

Ditterich's legal team issued a statement denying any wrongdoing and expressing their client's intention to fight the charges. The statement read, "Mr. Ditterich maintains his innocence and will defend these allegations vigorously."

The news of Ditterich's charges came as a shock to the football community, with many expressing their disbelief and disappointment on social media. North Melbourne Football Club issued a statement expressing their concern for the alleged victim and their support for those affected by child sexual abuse. The club also stated that they would fully cooperate with police in their investigation.

The AFL and the Australian Sports Commission have also released statements expressing their commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children in sport and their support for those affected by child sexual abuse. The AFL's statement read, "The AFL takes all allegations of child sexual abuse seriously and will continue to work closely with Victoria Police and other relevant authorities to ensure that those who commit such crimes are held accountable."

The case is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. It is important to note that all allegations of child sexual abuse are taken seriously, and anyone who has experienced such abuse is encouraged to report it to their local police or support services.