Ex-AFL Star Nick Stevens Guilty of Defrauding Families Over Pools

MELBOURNE, Australia — Former AFL player Nick Stevens has been found guilty of defrauding six Mildura families of more than $171,000 through his unlicensed swimming pool installation business, with a Victorian County Court jury convicting him Monday on multiple counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception nearly a decade after the alleged offenses.

The 46-year-old, who played 231 games for Port Adelaide and Carlton between 1998 and 2012, faced 13 charges of obtaining a financial advantage by deception and one count of using a false document. Prosecutors alleged Stevens deceived clients in the regional Victorian city by taking deposits and payments while knowing he was not a registered builder and lacked required domestic building insurance.

The offenses allegedly occurred in 2017 when Stevens, operating through a business linked to Leisure Pools as a distributor before going independent, entered contracts to install swimming pools for the six families. Three families reportedly received incomplete or "shoddily" installed pools that failed to meet legal standards, while the other three were left with excavated holes in their backyards after work never progressed or was abandoned.

Prosecutor Toni Stokes told the jury during the trial that Stevens never intended to deliver legally compliant pools and instead used the funds for his own purposes. She described him as a "habitual liar" who misled vulnerable families excited about adding pools to their homes in the sunny Mildura region. Some clients paid tens of thousands of dollars upfront, including one couple who handed over more than $25,000 without receiving any pool or refund.

Stevens pleaded not guilty throughout the proceedings, with his defense arguing he always intended to install compliant pools and that any failures stemmed from business difficulties rather than deliberate deception. His barrister emphasized the technical nature of building regulations and urged the jury to consider the full chronology of events.

The trial, which began in late February 2026 after multiple delays and a previous aborted hearing, lasted several weeks. Jurors heard evidence from affected families, building surveyors and council officials. One witness from Mildura Rural City Council testified that Stevens inquired about permits in early 2018 — after accepting client money — raising questions about his awareness of licensing requirements.

The case has dragged on for years, with earlier proceedings complicated by judicial recusal and technical issues that led to jury discharges. Monday's verdict marks a significant development in what prosecutors framed as a clear breach of trust by a well-known former sports figure leveraging his community profile in regional Victoria.

Stevens was taken into custody following the guilty verdicts, with sentencing expected in the coming weeks. He faces potential jail time, though exact penalties will depend on submissions regarding his personal circumstances, including any financial restitution efforts and his post-football life.

AFL fans and Mildura residents reacted with disappointment to the news. Stevens, a midfielder known for his toughness and leadership — serving as Carlton vice-captain — enjoyed a solid career before retiring and transitioning into business ventures, including landscaping and pool installations in the Sunraysia district.

The convictions highlight broader issues around unlicensed tradies operating in Australia's building industry, particularly in regional areas where families often rely on local reputations. Consumer advocates noted that swimming pool projects involve significant upfront payments and strict regulatory oversight for safety and compliance, including fencing and structural standards designed to protect children.

Victorian building regulations require pool builders to hold appropriate licenses and insurance to safeguard consumers against incomplete work or defects. Prosecutors argued Stevens knowingly bypassed these requirements, exposing clients to financial loss and potential safety risks from non-compliant installations.

Families involved described emotional and financial stress. Some had saved for years for backyard pools only to face delays, legal complications and costly rectification work. One victim reportedly told the court the experience left them with a large hole and ongoing anxiety about recovering their money.

The jury acquitted Stevens on alternative theft charges after the prosecution narrowed its case in closing arguments, focusing on the deception counts. The single false document charge related to alleged misrepresentation in business dealings.

Legal experts following the case said the verdict underscores the importance of due diligence when hiring builders. "Families expect that someone advertising pool installations has the qualifications and insurance in place," one building industry observer said. "When that trust is broken, the consequences can be devastating for everyday people."

Stevens' legal team has not commented publicly on plans for appeal following the conviction. His supporters outside court in recent weeks maintained his innocence, pointing to the complexities of running a small business in a competitive sector.

The case first came to police attention around 2018-2020, with charges laid in subsequent years. Multiple trial dates were set and vacated due to procedural matters, including a 2025 hearing where a judge recused herself after revealing a prior professional connection to Stevens.

Mildura, a key regional center known for its citrus orchards, wineries and hot climate, has seen steady demand for residential pools. The alleged offenses occurred against a backdrop of growing consumer expectations for quality home improvements in the area.

Post-AFL, Stevens maintained a relatively low public profile until the fraud allegations surfaced. He had no prior criminal convictions of note, according to court records, which may factor into sentencing considerations alongside victim impact statements.

The Victorian County Court will hear sentencing submissions, where the judge will weigh factors such as the amount defrauded, the number of victims, the breach of trust and any remorse shown. Restitution to victims could influence the outcome, though many families have already incurred additional expenses to fix or complete their projects.

This verdict serves as a cautionary tale for the home improvement industry. Industry bodies have long called for stricter enforcement against unlicensed operators to protect consumers from rogue traders who exploit demand for popular projects like pools.

For the affected Mildura families, Monday's outcome provides some sense of justice after years of waiting. Several expressed relief that the matter had finally reached a conclusion, though the financial and emotional toll remains significant.

Stevens' football legacy includes 231 senior games, with strong performances for both Port Adelaide and Carlton. He was drafted in the late 1990s and became a reliable midfielder known for his work rate. His transition to civilian life after retirement is common among former athletes, but the pool business venture has now ended in criminal conviction.

As sentencing approaches, the case continues to draw attention in sports and regional media circles. It underscores how past fame can intersect with everyday business dealings, sometimes amplifying scrutiny when things go wrong.

Authorities reminded consumers to verify builder licenses through state registration bodies before committing large sums for home projects. In Victoria, the Victorian Building Authority provides public tools to check credentials and insurance status.

The long-running prosecution, spanning nearly a decade from initial complaints to verdict, highlights challenges in bringing complex fraud cases involving building contracts to trial. Technical evidence around contracts, payments, permits and construction standards required careful presentation to the jury.

With the guilty verdict delivered, focus now shifts to the next phase of the justice process. Victims are expected to provide impact statements detailing how the alleged deceptions affected their families and finances.

Stevens remains in custody pending sentencing. The court has not set a specific date, but proceedings are likely within the next month as the judge considers all relevant material.

This case adds to occasional high-profile instances where former sports stars face legal challenges in their post-career business activities. While many athletes successfully transition, others encounter difficulties navigating regulatory environments unfamiliar from their playing days.

For Mildura's tight-knit community, the story has been a topic of local discussion, mixing sympathy for the victims with surprise over the involvement of a recognizable former AFL name.

As details of the sentencing emerge in coming weeks, the full consequences for Stevens will become clearer. In the meantime, the verdict stands as accountability for the deceptive practices alleged against him in his pool installation dealings.