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Lions player Brendan Fevola (r) reacts after kicking a spectacular grubber kick goal. AAP Image/Dave Hunt
When Brendan Fevola packed up and moved north we all knew he had excess baggage, but what we didn’t know was he also had a massive gambling problem. The figure is believed to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, the issue so deep it’s more than just a problem but a severe addiction.
Fevola is 10 weeks into a counselling program he hopes can curtail his gambling, the problem I have is it’s taken him 10 years to seek help.
How many AFL players have gambling problems?
How many develop gambling related issues early on but don’t put their hand up and admit they are in trouble?
Fevola took his problem to coach Michael Voss in January and together they worked out a plan to help him get his life back on track. Clearly he’s been battling his gambling demons off the field for much longer than anyone thought, but like any social issue in football, his on field success overshadowed the need for assistance.
For months the rumours had been circling about an AFL star with a significant gambling addiction, and for months Fevola continually denied it was him. On Channel 9’s Footy Show last year he claimed he was just like any other responsible gambler, but it appears now, he really was just like any other gambler, in complete denial.
What we can only hope is players including Fevola aren’t gambling on AFL matches!
For the integrity of the game and the AFL competition, the league must do everything possible to protect itself against its own players betting on matches.
The football field is a players sanctuary; a place where all the problems of the outside world disappear and allow them to do what they do best. That’s why in my mind Fevola and others have been able to perform at the top level despite such significant problems.
With a huge disposable income and so much down time, there’s no doubt AFL players are susceptible to gambling. The poker revolution has also taken over at clubs and helped fuel the fire of any burning addiction. This doesn’t help the AFL’s cause!
The AFL and Players Association provide ample education about the dangers of the punt, but despite all the programs sometimes the message simply doesn’t get through.
What we have to remember is the AFL reflects society in every way, even in relation to its social issues. When the chips are down, the onus is on the clubs and players now to show their hand and admit they have a problem.
It must be such a massive burden to carry around and perhaps although it’s taken him 10 years, maybe the admission of Fevola will actually help other players follow suit?
Former demons star David Schwarz had a much-publicised battle with gambling, as did current Adelaide skipper Simon Goodwin, both have now conquered their addictions.
It’s a wonder why there is such a stigma behind having a gambling problem? Is it an admission of weakness?
Maybe in this case Fev has finally helped do some good?
But trouble follows Fevola wherever he goes, even the move to Brisbane and a self-imposed media ban cant stop the skeletons from his past creeping out of the closet.
He has two bets he needs to repay in Brisbane. The first is to the bookies; the second is to the Lions.
Brisbane took a gamble on Fevola, and so far on the field it’s paying off in a big way.
The issue now is, can he keep his off field problems in check for the entire season?
What would be the odds of that?
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