The AFL won’t stand in the way of fallen star Brendan Fevola attempting a Ben Cousins-style comeback in 2012.
Human headline Fevola wore out his welcome at Brisbane on Sunday night, sacked by the club for what it called “repeated breaches” of his $1.5 million contract.
A 12-year playing career marked by off-field mischief and mayhem has now descended into gambling, alcohol and depression issues, and the 30-year-old is currently housed in a rehabilitation clinic.
AFL football operations boss Adrian Anderson said the league would allow Fevola to attempt to resume his career once he sorted out his life.
Now clubless, Fevola would have to attempt a similar path to the one Cousins took after his life spiralled out of control – re-entering the game via the national or pre-season draft beyond this season.
Cousins was eventually drafted by Richmond, where he spent two seasons following his sacking by previous club West Coast and a 12-month AFL ban for bringing the game into disrepute.
Anderson said the AFL had not exerted any pressure on the Lions to axe Fevola, though they did support the club’s decision.
And Anderson said should Fevola find another club willing to take a chance on him, the AFL would not hinder his return to the game.
“It’s a matter of ongoing concern for both us and the club that he continues to receive the best possible support,” Anderson said.
“The club and ourselves have been deeply concerned for Brendan’s welfare through this whole episode.
“We have offered his management the support of the AFL medical officers and … to be involved so he receives the best possible treatment.”