AFL and St Kilda legend Carl Ditterich has been charged over child sex allegations from nearly 40 years ago.
The 78-year-old's charges became public on Friday, when he was due to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
The Sporting News explains the back story behind the ex-AFL star, the allegations and the charges.
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Who is Carl Ditterich?
Ditterich is an AFL Hall of Fame member after playing 285 matches for St Kilda and Melbourne between 1963 and 1980.
He was a powerful ruckman, who was often suspended by the VFL Tribunal, which included missing St Kilda's only premiership in 1966 through suspension.
Ditterich was St Kilda captain from 1976-77, while he was Melbourne's captain/coach through 1979-80.
He also won best and fairests at both his clubs (St Kilda 1968 and Melbourne 1973).
What has Carl Ditterich been charged with?
Ditterich's charges relate to one alleged victim in Heatherton in 1985 - five years after his retirement.
Charges
- Three counts of indecent assault
- One count of gross indecency
Could Carl Ditterich be expelled from the AFL's Hall of Fame?
Ditterich's position in the AFL Hall of Fame will likely come under scrutiny regardless of whether he is found guilty of any charges.
Barry Cable was removed from the AFL's Hall of Fame in 2023 after he was convicted of sexually assaulting a young girl in 1971.
While anticipating the verdict in the Cable case, the AFL modified its Hall of Fame charter to be able to suspend or expel any Hall of Fame member if they are charged or found guilty of a major offense.
This means Ditterich could be suspended or expelled from the Hall of Fame before his case is processed through the legal system.
When will Carl Ditterich appear in court?
Ditterich was scheduled to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday, but a letter supplied from Bendigo Health by his lawyer Tony Hargreaves excused him.
He is next due back in court for a committal mention on June 28.
What they said about Carl Ditterich's charges
St Kilda released a statement acknowledging the allegations against their former player.
"St Kilda Football Club is aware of historical charges laid against Carl Ditterich relating to an alleged incident after his playing career, " the statement said.
"As the matter is currently before the courts, the club will not provide further comment."
The AFL is yet to make an official comment about Ditterich's charges.
