AFL Collingwood star Jaidyn Stephenson has been banned from playing in the Magpies’ next 10 matches and copped a $20,000 fine for betting on three AFL games involving his club.

The 2018 Rising Star Award winner was banned for 22 matches but 12 of those games were suspended.

It’s the heaviest sanction for a player in relation to a breach of AFL rules relating to wagering.

“This is the toughest penalty imposed under our wagering rules,” said AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon.

There is no clearer instruction – AFL players, club and league officials are banned from betting on Australian Rules Football in any form.

“The rules are very clear and if you breach them you will be penalised.

“Jaidyn’s actions have compromised the integrity of the game.”

Stephenson placed three multi-bets on three separate games involving his team, with the wager totalling $36.

He gave cash to a friend on two occasions for him to place the bet and on the other used his friend’s online betting account.