An AFL employee who wrote a glowing character reference for a footballer later jailed for sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl is no longer employed in her former role by the organisation.
Background of the Case
Jaiden Fidge, 24, from Toowoomba, Queensland, was sentenced in March to four years and nine months in prison after pleading guilty to sexual penetration of a child under 16. Riley Glenn Smith, 26, from Albury, New South Wales, was sentenced to five years and 11 months after pleading guilty to two counts of the same offence. The pair admitted sexually abusing the teenage girl at a birthday party in Victoria's Surf Coast Shire in February 2024.
The Character Reference
News Corp has revealed that Jana Anderson, who at the time worked as AFL Queensland's Regional Lead – Central Queensland, wrote a character reference for Fidge on an official AFL letterhead after he had already been charged with the offence. The reference was provided during the 2025 football season, more than a year after the offending and after Fidge had been charged. He later pleaded guilty in early 2026.
It is understood that AFL Queensland was not aware the reference was being provided. Two months later, Anderson is reportedly no longer employed by the AFL. The Daily Mail has contacted the AFL and AFL Queensland for comment. The Daily Mail does not suggest her employment status at the AFL is linked to providing the reference.
Ms Anderson's LinkedIn profile still describes her as a 'competition and participation manager at AFL'. In the reference, Anderson wrote: 'My name is Jana Anderson and I am the Regional Lead – Central Queensland with AFL Queensland. I provide this character reference for Mr Jaiden Fidge, who I have come to know through my professional role, particularly in his capacity as Captain of the University Cougars during the 2025 season.'
Anderson described Fidge as someone who had 'consistently demonstrated strong leadership and professionalism'. 'Jaiden holds himself and those around him to a high standard and contributes to a team environment that prioritises respectful behaviour and accountability,' she wrote. The reference also stated Fidge had been providing 'support to younger players at his club' and 'encouraging good standards around training, preparation, and behaviour'. Anderson further wrote that Fidge could 'continue making positive contributions to his community, particularly through sport'.
Court Proceedings
The court previously heard the victim had told both men she was 14 years old during the party. Judge Gerard Mullaly said the offending involved 'domination by stronger, bigger, adult men over a young girl'. The judge described the conduct as 'abhorrent' and 'shameful'. The court heard Fidge later boasted about the assault using degrading language. 'You, Mr Fidge, boasted to other members of the party that you and Mr Smith had 'put the victim on a spit',' Judge Mullaly said during sentencing.
AFL's Response
The AFL told News Corp that AFL Queensland had not been aware Fidge was facing child sex charges at the time the reference was written. A spokesperson also said the organisation 'would not have approved' a character reference being provided. The AFL further stated Fidge would have been deregistered and banned from playing had officials known he had been charged.
Victim Impact
The County Court heard the victim later experienced nightmares and engaged in self-harm following the assaults. 'I continuously blame myself for what happened and nothing seems to get better,' she said in a victim impact statement. Her father told the court he found his daughter in a 'catatonic state' the following morning. 'I spend much of my time riddled with guilt for failing to keep my daughter safe,' he said.
Players' Background
Fidge captained University Cougars in Queensland's Darling Downs competition and won the Holman Medal as best and fairest in 2025. Smith played for the North Albury Hoppers in the Ovens and Murray Football League. Both men will remain on the sex offender register for 15 years.
