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Program: 01 Hometown Boys | Welcome to Balmoral

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In this one-street town of 280 residents, there's an unspoken code: don't rock the boat, or risk being cast out.

Balmoral is a small Victorian town built on tradition, loyalty and knowing your place.

The football club is the beating heart of this small close knit community.

But a decade ago a serious crime happened here that rattled the town and the club. Everyone knows about it but few will discuss it with outsiders.

When reporters  Charlotte King and Andy Burns head down to Balmoral at the end of the home-and-away footy season to understand why no one will break their silence, the pair is met with suspicion.

Then, on a freezing July morning, one coach steps forward. He wants to speak. He's worried about Balmoral's reputation if nobody confronts what happened.

An investigation into crime, loyalty and power in the shadow of the Grampians.

Note: this program contains confronting themes. If it raises concerns for you, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 131114.

To explore the best in-depth investigations and documentaries from this award-winning team, search 'Background Briefing podcast' on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes and series exposing cover-ups of all kinds, misuse of power, big and small, miscarriage of justice, crime, frauds and scams, all told by trusted journalists at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Balmoral, Crime, Gender Roles, Gender Identity, Australian Rules Football, Sheep Farming, Law, Crime and Justice, Courts
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