The AFL learned on Thursday that Carey,who was born in Wagga Wagga,was to be inducted as a legend at a function to be held at the SCG on Friday night.
Dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes declined the NSW Australian Football Hall of Fame honour,continuing his estrangement from the AFL since his retirement in 2015 after widespread racial abuse from opposition fans,though he remains connected to his beloved Swans.
Carey,according to the AFL,was understanding of the decision and would not attend the function so as not to distract from the occasion. Carey,inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2010,will still take his place among the 100 inaugural inductees into the NSW hall of fame announced in March by AFL NSW/ACT head Tiffany Robertson.
Dillon said it would not be the “right decision” to bestow the new honour on Carey.
“The AFL acknowledge the decision by a committee of NSW football industry people to recognise Wayne Carey’s contribution on the football field as part of 100 inaugural inductees in the NSW hall of fame,” Dillon said in a statement.
“His contribution on the field is also why he was recognised in the AFL hall of fame in 2010. Yesterday afternoon the AFL Executive were alerted to the decision by the NSW hall of fame committee for Carey to be elevated to Legend status.