By Ian Neubauer
GEELONG: An electrical appliance retailer in Geelong has been named in a legal battle between controversial AFL star Gary Ablett Jr and his former manager, Michael Baker.
The Geelong Advertiser reported Tuesday that Baker is suing the footballer for $181,000 in unpaid fees, while Ablett is countersuing Baker for not living up to his contract.
Citing court documents, the Advertiser listed a litany of promotional opportunities allegedly offered to and rejected by Ablett. Among these were a $360,000 portrait and “an appearance for Elsworthy’s Retravision in return for $10,000 worth of goods, which the documents alleged were not fulfilled despite [the] defendant receiving goods.”
Contacted Tuesday, Baker said the report was “incorrect” because Ablett never received the goods. He refused further comment.
Elsworthy Retravision proprietor Trevor Elsworthy disputed the report as Ablett had appeared at his store.
“Some of the facts aren’t true, some are. I just need to clarify what’s going on before I comment,” Elsworthy said.
“This relates back to some time ago.”
Trevor Elsworthy won the award for best Victorian retail store at Intermedia’s Electrical Retailing Awards (ERAs) in 2006.