Following his dismissal from the Brisbane Lions, BRENDAN Fevola will make a return to Melbourne and might pursue an opportunity at a VFL club.
These details were shared by Collingwood president Eddie McGuire, who has been in communication with Fevola through text messages since the troubled athlete learned of his release from the Lions’ roster by coach Michael Voss.
The news comes as possible rule violations from Brisbane’s trip to China last year have been disclosed as contributing factors to Fevola’s termination.
This morning, McGuire stated that Fevola is uncertain about his future and is contemplating the possibility of trying out as an NFL punter.
“He is currently unsure of the direction to take regarding his football career,” McGuire shared with Triple M’s Hot Breakfast.
“Given the existing AFL regulations, he cannot join a list despite being sacked, which is something I would press the AFL about if I were his manager.”
“I would also be pursuing them quite aggressively regarding potential unfair dismissal in this context; however, he should receive his payout, estimated at around 1.4 million, in addition to several hundred thousand from Carlton, who are still contributing to his contract with the Brisbane Lions.
“He might be able to (join an AFL list) next year, but at 30 years of age, a year away from football is not ideal, right?”
“It will be intriguing to see if Brendan decides to, as I know he’s been inquiring with various individuals about the possibility of joining a VFL list.”
However, McGuire dismissed the notion of Collingwood welcoming Fevola if he becomes available in the future.
“I don’t believe he’s part of our plans,” McGuire remarked.
As Fevola’s representatives expressed their frustration and disappointment over Brisbane Lions’ lack of transparency yesterday, it has surfaced that he missed a team meeting after a night out with teammates in Shanghai.
He was also removed from a nightclub in the city.
Fevola’s manager Alastair Lynch confirmed the speculation from last night.
When asked if skipping a team meeting constituted a violation, Lynch responded, “I would assume so. I can’t imagine there is anything else.”
This latest development adds to a lengthy history of Fevola’s missteps.
Several members of the AFL Commission, including chair Mike Fitzpatrick, were present in China for the exhibition match against Melbourne.
Despite only recently being reintegrated into the Lions after a club suspension, Fevola was in a celebratory mood during the trip.
He was asked to leave a Shanghai nightclub, which is owned by a Melbourne supporter, where both clubs were socializing. The Lions refused to specify the “multiple serious breaches” that ultimately concluded Fevola’s career.
“It is incredibly disappointing,” Lynch commented last night. “I’ve been advocating for the specifics of those breaches since last night.
“It’s entirely reasonable for us to request clarification.”
Fevola, now 30, may continue in rehab for another week.
“It felt overwhelming on Sunday night, but this morning he woke up to the reality that his career has ended,” Lynch conveyed.
Meanwhile, the AFL has firmly refuted any involvement in Fevola’s downfall.
“It is entirely incorrect,” stated football operations manager Adrian Anderson last night.
“This is solely a matter for the club, and we have not sought to sway the Lions’ decision either way.”
Buford Balony says: LOSER
