Former AFL Player Nick Stevens Convicted in Pool Installation Fraud Case
Former AFL star Nick Stevens has been sentenced to imprisonment after a jury found him guilty of defrauding multiple families through his regional pool business. The ex-Carlton and Port Adelaide footballer, aged 46, was convicted in Victoria's County Court on Monday, following a fourth trial after three previous attempts were abandoned.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
Prosecutors revealed that Stevens defrauded six families in Mildura, located in Victoria's north, totalling $171,000. He was accused of failing to install pools legally, constructing them with defects such as cracks, or in some cases, not installing pools at all, leaving "giant holes in their backyards." Stevens pleaded not guilty to 18 offences, including theft, obtaining financial advantage by deception, and using a false document, opting to take the matter to trial.
Trials and Legal Proceedings
The legal process faced multiple setbacks. Stevens' first trial in May 2025 was aborted after the judge excused themselves. A second trial began earlier this year, but jurors were discharged on February 25 due to issues with evidence. A third jury was empanelled but discharged on March 5. In the fourth trial, jurors deliberated from March 25 before returning a verdict on Monday.
Prosecutor Toni Stokes stated that Stevens initially installed six legally compliant pools under a registered builder's supervision but later operated independently without the necessary licence, registration, permits, or insurance. He took money from families with promises of pool installations, but none were legally compliant.
Verdict and Sentencing
The jury found Stevens guilty of 13 charges of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception and one charge of using a false document. He was acquitted of one additional charge involving an alleged $3,000 deception. Judge Fiona Todd thanked the jurors for their service before dismissing them.
Stevens, who had been on bail, was taken into custody immediately after the verdict. Prosecutor Stokes indicated he is "very likely" to face a significant prison term. A pre-sentence hearing is scheduled for May 21.
Background and Career
Nick Stevens played 231 games for Port Adelaide and Carlton over 12 years in the AFL, retiring in 2009. His fall from grace highlights the serious consequences of fraudulent activities, impacting both his reputation and the victims involved.
