A Melbourne court has begun hearing a fraud case involving footballs allegedly sold with fake signatures from the Melbourne Football Club's historic 2021 AFL premiership win. Former player agent Ricky Nixon, 62, is representing himself as he fights four fraud charges.
Premiership Players Called as Witnesses
The team's captain, Max Gawn, along with other Melbourne Demons players, are expected to be called as witnesses. The hearing commenced on Tuesday at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court. Nixon is accused of selling footballs on Facebook for $595 each, including $20 postage, with certificates claiming they were signed by the premiership team.
Three alleged victims told the court they purchased the footballs after seeing Nixon's Facebook advertisements. Each contacted him directly to arrange payment and delivery.
Fans Detail Their Disappointment
Warwick Weir, a Demons supporter for over 40 years, testified that a friend tagged him in the Facebook post. Nixon personally delivered a ball to him on October 3, complete with a signed certificate. "I wanted a piece of memorabilia from that grand final, something to cherish," Weir told the court.
However, Weir soon noticed a glaring error: captain Max Gawn's signature featured the number 13, not his playing number 11. When Weir sent a photo, Nixon claimed he had "just spoken with Max," who had allegedly apologised for the mistake. A replacement ball arrived about a week later, which Weir believed was genuine.
His belief was shattered when he was tagged in another Facebook post claiming the signatures were counterfeit. Upon requesting a refund, Nixon reportedly replied, "For what? A legitimate ball you have?"
Another victim, Tim Holt, bought a $595 football as a wedding gift for his best friend. After seeing media reports questioning the signatures' authenticity, he also sought a refund. Holt said Nixon responded, "Players and club have confirmed they have signed the ball ... If you want to believe media bullshit, go ahead."
Player Confirms Signatures Are Fake
Three of the allegedly fraudulent yellow Sherrins were presented in court to former Melbourne player Charlie Spargo, who now plays for North Melbourne. Spargo examined the signatures and clearly stated they were not his.
"I use a cursive running writing style, it's in print ... it's not the way I'd write it," Spargo testified. "It's not my handwriting, I didn't write it."
Speaking outside court, Spargo expressed his disappointment for the fans who were deceived. "It's just frustrating for the fans and the football club," he said.
The hearing is ongoing.
