Suspended basketball coach Shane Heal's lawsuit against the Sydney Flames over bullying claims is expected to include evidence his daughter was manhandled by a team staff member.
Heal, 52, was suspended as Flames head coach in January while an internal investigation into multiple bullying complaints was conducted.
His Federal Court lawsuit accuses the Flames of breaches of employment law and is seeking penalties and employee entitlements such as accrued leave.
The former Australian basketballer and Olympian denies any wrongdoing.
A hearing on Friday was told Heal was given notice of complaints in January before a show cause letter was issued to him in February, with that process put on hold by the lawsuit.
Heal's legal team would argue the Women's National Basketball League club sought to "construct a narrative" of claims that were not real while the respondent would contend "that case is not made out", the court was told.
In opening argument, Heal's counsel Glenn Fredericks said there would be evidence of a complaint made by his client's daughter Shyla Heal - a former Flames player - being "harassed" when she was "manhandled" by a member of the team's coaching staff.
The complaint related to the staff member's hands being put on Ms Heal's shoulders to get her to warm up with the team, Mr Fredericks said.
He said the accusation was relevant as it "disappeared into the ether", showing when a complaint did not suit the Flames it took things "fairly easy" but when it suited them they could act fast.
He said after signing a three-year deal in March 2021, Heal thought things were going smoothly until he complained about not having input on the team's schedule on a "string of away games".
The court heard the complex playing schedule of the team, which had two home venues, was set between the league and clubs.
Despite being shown emails between himself and the Flames general manager, Heal said he became frustrated at his limited consultation on the 2022/2023 schedule, the court heard.
It was told his view at the time was: "I can't believe that we accepted this".
"I don't believe I had input into the schedule," Heal said, under questioning from barrister Paul Moorhouse, representing the Sydney Flames.
He also rejected Mr Moorhouse's submission that he did not have a significant role in attracting team sponsors.
"No, that's not correct," Heal said.
He said it was due to "bad accountancy" that he did not invoice for his work helping to bring in sponsors, not because of a lack of contribution.
On his role in bringing players to the team, Heal said he believed "that I could pick my team within budget".
Among applicant witnesses would be former Flames assistant coach Shelley Gorman, Flames assistant coach William Granger and Heal's agent David Wolf, the court heard.
Respondent witnesses would include Flames majority owner Paul Smith, president Victoria Denholm, communications manger Julian O'Brien and a former Flames player.
The Flames have previously promised to the Federal Court they would not terminate Heal's employment until, at soonest, the final day of the hearing.
It continues before Justice John Halley on Monday.
