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Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Former AFL Player’s Father Blames League Over Son’s Tragic Death
The father of former footballer Harley Balic has pointed fingers at the AFL following his son’s untimely passing at the young age of 25. Balic, who died in January 2022, just days after celebrating his birthday, had a promising career in the AFL before retiring in 2018. His father, Eddie Balic, has revealed that his son struggled with drug addiction, which ultimately led to his tragic demise.
Harley Balic’s AFL Journey
Balic was drafted by Fremantle as the No.38 pick in the 2015 AFL Draft and made his debut for the Dockers in 2017. He played four senior games before being traded to Melbourne. Despite his talent on the field, Balic retired during his only season with the Demons at the age of 21, citing a lack of passion for the game. His struggles with depression and anxiety became public in 2020, shedding light on the challenges he faced post-football career.
AFL’s Controversial Drug Policy
In a shocking development, it has been reported that Balic was placed into the AFL’s “medical model,” which allows players to take illicit substances without facing penalties. His death has now become the subject of a Sports Integrity Australia (SIA) investigation, following accusations made by Federal MP Andrew Wilkie regarding the league’s illicit drug policy. The AFL has come under scrutiny for its handling of drug-related issues among players and the lack of transparency in reporting positive drug tests.
Family’s Frustration with the AFL
Eddie Balic has expressed disappointment in the AFL for not intervening early in his son’s substance abuse issues. He believes that better support from the league could have prevented the tragic outcome. The lack of communication from senior management within the AFL has added to the family’s grief, as they feel that important information was withheld that could have potentially saved Balic’s life.
Personal Struggles and Career Challenges
Balic’s journey in the AFL was marked by personal struggles and challenges. His battle with drug addiction, coupled with the pressures of professional sports, took a toll on his mental health. Despite his talent and potential, Balic’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health support and intervention in professional sports.
Remembering Harley Balic
As the AFL grapples with the fallout from Balic’s tragic death, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by athletes both on and off the field. His story highlights the need for better support systems within professional sports to address mental health issues and substance abuse among players. The legacy of Harley Balic serves as a cautionary tale for the league and a call to action for better player welfare initiatives..