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St Kilda nice Nick Riewoldt has made an impassioned plea to the AFL and the gamers’ union to supply extra ample assist to gamers as they transition out of the skilled sport.
Key factors:
- Nick Riewoldt’s feedback come after his former teammate Sam Fisher was jailed for drug trafficking offences
- The previous Saints captain has beforehand mentioned the AFL should do extra to handle drug use by present and retired gamers
- He’s additionally criticising the shortage of motion by the AFL Gamers’ Affiliation
Riewoldt’s name on Monday night time got here after former teammate Sam Fisher was jailed for trafficking business portions of illicit medication.
Fisher, 39, performed 228 video games for the Saints earlier than retiring in 2016.
“Loads of his shut teammates knew that he had some points, however to this extent, as soon as it was all laid naked final week, I believe plenty of us have been stunned at simply how dangerous the scenario had change into,” Riewoldt mentioned on Fox Footy.
“Nevertheless it landed heavy and, clearly, immediately you begin to consider Sam and the scenario he finds himself in, and his household and people near him, after which you perform a little little bit of inward reflecting round, ‘What extra might now we have accomplished?'”
Riewoldt — a long-standing captain throughout Fisher’s time at St Kilda from 2004 to 2016 — conceded questions can be requested of the membership’s leaders and the enjoying group from that period.
“As a gaggle, I believe we did as a lot as we presumably might for Sam.
“However, at a time like this, you actually realise how out of your depth you’re as a teammate, when a participant is going through challenges of the type that Sam has confronted.
“I perceive these questions will come about us and our group and the management and all that kind of stuff, however you may put your head on the pillow figuring out you probably did das a lot as you can.”
Riewoldt mentioned he approached the AFL Gamers’ Affiliation along with his considerations about Fisher however had obtained a delayed and insufficient response.
The union has reportedly offered some assist to Fisher however particulars are guarded by confidentiality provisions.
Riewoldt mentioned the extent of assist for gamers exiting the AFL system was one of many greatest points going through the league and the gamers’ union, declaring “sufficient is sufficient”.
“There usually are not plenty of Sam Fisher-type incidents that we’re listening to about now, however there are plenty of gamers [who] are slipping via the cracks,” Riewoldt mentioned.
“Let this be the line-in-the-sand second. That is the cautionary story.
“One thing must be accomplished as a result of gamers and teammates can do as a lot as they like however they don’t seem to be consultants within the house and so they need assistance.”
Riewoldt mentioned his plea was not about garnering sympathy for gamers.
“Gamers are paid very well. They have all of those alternatives out there to them as they undergo the sport however, someplace alongside the road, it is not working as a result of the situation that too many gamers are discovering themselves in, post-career, just isn’t on the degree that it needs to be,” he mentioned.
“We are able to do extra as an trade and I believe the AFLPA, particularly, must take the lead on this trigger and cease these conditions occurring.”
Riewoldt additionally took goal on the AFL’s illicit medication coverage, of which he has been a vocal critic prior to now.
“For the time being, the coverage that exists is one that permits gamers wiggle room to faucet into these issues,” he mentioned.
“I believe that is a matter. Gamers who take medication within the AFL system achieve this as a result of the system permits them to.”
AAP
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