The AFL Integrity Unit are continuing an investigation into Gold Coast Suns team manager Mark Opie, after the revelation he holds links to gambling firm, Okebet.

The firm was fined $100,000 in 2024, after the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) found that the company struck deals with local football clubs to encourage their players to open accounts with the platform.

In the wake of umpire Nick Foot's partnership with Sportsbet being publicly scrutinised before being terminated, Opie's links came to light, and Damien Hardwick was pressed on Opie's conflicting commitments in his Thursday press conference.

The height of the awkward exchange came when Hardwick suggested the persistent journalist speak to the club's CEO as opposed to him.

Read the climax of the confrontation below:

HARDWICK: You want to start talking about conflict in AFL? I'm here to talk about footy.

(Club staffer attempts to shift questioning).

REPORTER: Why isn't the club wanting to stand him down through this period? Is it not appropriate that he is stood down?

HARDWICK: I think I've answered the question. At the end of the day, he's there to perform a role and he does that role with our football club. Conflicts of interest within AFL circles are prevalent everywhere, as we're seeing at the moment. That'll get dealt with in due course.

REPORTER: What about culture of bookmakers? Do you see that wider picture as a conflict?

HARDWICK: You should probably book in with Mark Evans the CEO. I'm a football coach. I'm here to talk about the game and what it means to the Northern Territory people. If you want to take it down that path, talk to the CEO who controls the business aspect of the game.

REPORTER: But he is .. (QUESTION CUT OFF BY CLUB STAFFER)

HARDWICK: Are we clear? (Raising hand). Let's be clear.

The Suns face Port Adelaide on Friday night.

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