Aside from the obvious implications of helping to covering something up...a couple of other thoughts.

Based on what has happened at other organisations, firstly the AFL are very lucky there has not been a player accused of paedophilia. Knowing first and not acting strongly and immediately would not sit well with the general public, I imagine.

Secondly, I wonder if it leaves the AFL open to legal action from a victim. Having information about, for example, a rape case and allowing other persons within the AFL to tarnish the reputation of the victim or promote the accused in a way that could prejudice the outcome of the investigation or a trail would be slippery ground. Even if a player is not guilty but was up to some shady activity, when you know about these things you have a duty to act.

Sometimes it's better not to have inside information.