Heath Scotland.
HEATH Scotland could suffer a significant financial setback under his performance-based contract if he fails to play most of the season.
The contract with Carlton was outlined by barrister Bruce Nibbs in the District Court yesterday.
“He is a good player and their best-and-fairest winner last year,” Mr Nibbs said.
He tendered a letter from the Carlton club outlining the financial implications for Scotland.
There is a stipulated financial reward for playing 16 games which increases after 18 games.
Mr Nibbs said such a contract had been drawn up because Scotland was getting older and the possibility of injuries arose.
He said unless Scotland played a set number of games, he missed further benefits.
Mr Nibbs said the case had attracted a lot of media attention because of Scotland’s profile.
There had been substantial costs for him having to be represented with the case being back before the court.
Scotland was fined $3000 and banned from two pre-sentence matches by his club for the assault incident at Mulwala.
Judge Paul Lakatos said Scotland was a high-profile footballer who did a massive amount of community work.
His efforts in helping others were acknowledged in many character references tendered on his behalf.
Carlton’s general manager of football, Andrew McKay, said yesterday the club had previously imposed its own penalties which would not be altered.
“Heath accepts the decision that was made in court today,” he said.
“The club has already imposed its own sanctions which will not change and we all look forward to putting this matter behind us.”
He said the club would make no further comment on the matter.