The AFL's presumption of innocence seems selective The AFL, run as a socialist paradise with regular programs of conscience raising, seems to have difference standards of justice, depending on the cause. The presumption of innocence was sacred last year when Melbourne's Liam Jurrah was charged (later cleared) with hitting a man in the head with an axe: AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has backed Melbourne Football Club's decision to name Liam Jurrah in the team to play against Sydney at the SCG tomorrow, just hours after the forward had faced an Alice Springs court via video link... "He's not the first player who's been charged who's been able to play football," Mr Demetriou said. We understand the complexities of Liam Jurrah as a person, as an Indigenous elder. I value the presumption of innocence. Everyone is entitled to have their day in court. Let's not jump to conclusions... But when Stephen Milne, not an indigenous elder, was this week charged with rape: St Kilda has stood Stephen Milne down from playing duties for an indefinite period while he faces four rape charges stemming from an alleged incident in 2004... "The (club) board acknowledges this is a most serious matter, one that is distressing to all the parties involved," St Kilda president Greg Westaway said in a statement... In considering the matter the board has been mindful of the rights and obligations of everyone impacted... I accept that even on Milne's account of that night nine years ago, his conduct was sordid. But thank heavens his team-mates have an understanding of the presumption of innocence: St Kilda has thwarted a potential player rebellion by assuring its senior group that it had every intention of clearing Stephen Milne to play, potentially within the next four weeks. A deputation of senior players including Milne, his captain Nick Riewoldt and Jason Blake met a group of club directors early on Thursday seeking urgent clarification of Milne's status as a St Kilda player. There seems to me a dangerous sanctimony in the AFL today, in which the presumption of innocence applies only when it suits the AFL's ideology - or its sponsors. Ask James Hird, who earlier this year was scapegoated for legally taking legal drugs that for a professional athlete could be performance enhancing: The AFL gives players who take illegal drugs - even cocaine - three chances before naming or shopping them, but is now reportedly considering action against [Essendon coach] Hird for taking drugs that are legal. AFL boss Andrew Demetriou even hinted last week Hird should step down: "That is an option he has to consider." Gun lawyer Justin Quill: Milne has been treated differently from just about any other man who might have been charged with rape this week. And I don't think it's fair... I don't think it is fair that he should be stood down from playing unless he is found guilty... [He] should be afforded the presumption of innocence.