Former AFL Player’s Death Sparks Controversy Over League’s Drug Policy

Former AFL player Harley Balic’s tragic death at the age of 25 has ignited a controversial debate over the league’s drug policy, with his father, Eddie Balic, pointing fingers at the AFL for not offering adequate support.

Balic, who had stints with Fremantle and Melbourne, tragically passed away after a long battle with drug addiction, shedding light on the challenges faced by young athletes transitioning out of the high-pressure AFL environment.

The issue came to the forefront as Sports Integrity Australia (SIA) launched an investigation into the AFL’s illicit drug policy, spurred by allegations and statements provided by federal MP Andrew Wilkie and former Melbourne doctor Zeeshan Arain.

Eddie Balic voiced his disappointment in the league, suggesting that better intervention and support systems could have potentially saved his son’s life, calling for senior AFL management to acknowledge their duty of care towards players struggling with substance abuse.

One of the key aspects of the controversy is the «medical model» in the AFL, where players with drug issues are kept confidential and not penalized, a practice that critics argue enables a culture of substance abuse and hinders true player welfare.

In his career, Balic had highlighted battles with depression and anxiety post-retirement, underscoring the mental health challenges faced by young athletes transitioning out of elite sports.

Zeeshan Arain’s statement to SIA mentioned Balic’s case, emphasizing the responsibility clubs have towards players even after they move on, noting that simply ‘moving players on’ does not absolve clubs of their duty of care.

Throughout his football journey, from his junior days at Mordialloc Braeside to representing Vic Metro at the under-18 level, Balic’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and pressures faced by athletes in the competitive world of professional sports.

As the AFL and Sport Integrity Australia face growing scrutiny over their player welfare practices, the memory of Harley Balic stands as a powerful symbol of the importance of holistic support systems for athletes, both during their careers and beyond.