'Absolute joke': AFL great 'banned' over golf cheating accusations

AFL great Jason Akermanis has been banned from a New South Wales golf club over allegations of cheating, according to reports.

A three-time premiership winner with the Brisbane Lions, the retired footy star has designs to take up golf professionally.

However, those ambitions have been dealt a blow after the Herald Sun reported he was handed a ban from Thurgoona Golf Club, near Albury on the NSW-Victoria border.

Akermanis has vowed not to return to the club after describing accusations of him cheating on the course as an “absolute joke”.

“I’ve never had any trouble at any other club,” Akermanis said after news of his one month ban.

“This was the sixth time I’ve had issues there and I’m not going back.”

Akermanis’ ban centres around two complaints made by members of the club.

The first ban – which was rescinded after an appeal – centred around a member claiming he saw Akermanis play his ball from out-of-bounds on the third hole.

However, the Lions legend copped another complaint from a member earlier this month after being accused of signing for a four on the 17th hole when it’s claimed he shot a six.

“I knew he was watching, my first ball was in for four and I told my playing partners to watch this so I had a bit of a play around,” Akermanis said.

“I knew what the guy was doing, it’s an absolute joke.”