Don McLardy at a press conference at youth support foundation Reach, which gives him a unique insight into issues facing young footballers. Picture: Darren McNamara Source: Herald Sun
MELBOURNE president Don McLardy has backed Collingwood counterpart Gary Pert's concerns about illegal drug use and says players may rebel in the off-season because of the AFL's "pressure-cooker environment".
McLardy is chairman of the youth support foundation Reach, which gives him a unique insight into issues facing young footballers.
He believes that players are under such tight constraints during the season that some are determined to cut loose with illicit drugs when they hit their mandated holiday period.
Players cannot be tested for illicit drugs during their break, except when they return to their club for occasional fitness tests.
McLardy's concerns were yesterday echoed by coaches Mark Neeld and James Hird, who said the AFL echoed many of society's concerns.
"I am chairman of Reach so it is something I have a fair bit to do with," said McLardy, who has no concerns with Demon players.
"There is absolutely no reason why the AFL wouldn't have the same issues the general community has got.
"It is a very high-pressure environment during the year, and no doubt at the end of the year there is that let-down and people do things they wouldn't normally do.
"Sometimes we forget we are talking about 18 and 19-year-old kids with enormous expectations on them and an enormous effort by them to chase their dreams.
"They are more susceptible because of the pressure-cooker environment.
"What we do with AFL footballers is we put them in a cocoon."
McLardy said he would welcome an industry-wide discussion after Pert called for a January symposium on drug use in the AFL.
Hird said he shared concerns about drugs in the community, which crossed over to the AFL.
"There are a lot of issues in society and they come into football," Hird said.
"Whether it's drugs, or gambling, or guys with a lot of money and time on their hands, we have got to make sure they are making the right decisions and help them make the right decisions."
Neeld said AFL clubs were in a perfect position to play a leading role in the fight against illicit drugs.
"As a parent all you have to do is pick up a newspaper or listen to radio and there will be a story about drugs," Neeld said.
"Drugs are becoming an issue in society, and it affects everyone, so I think Perty is on to it. And I think we could use our game and some of the faces in it to get the issue out there and discuss it."
DISGRACED Adelaide chief executive Stephen Trigg will be barred from communicating with Crows personnel during his six-month ban, the AFL said yesterday.
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