Harley Balic

2024 - 4 - 24

Father's Heartbreaking Claim Shakes AFL Community

AFL - athlete - drug addiction - Harley Balic - mental health - player welfare - professional sports - Ross Lyon - Sport Integrity Australia - substance abuse

The emotional impact of a father's words on his late son's tragic death in the AFL hits hard. Read on to learn more about the ongoing probe into the circumstances surrounding the former player, Harley Balic.

The AFL community is reeling from the heartbreaking claim made by the father of late AFL player, Harley Balic. Accusing the league of potential negligence in his son's death, the emotional statement has sparked a wave of emotions among fans and players alike. Sport Integrity Australia is reportedly investigating Balic's death as part of a broader probe into the AFL's illicit drug policies. The spotlight on Balic's passing has reignited discussions on mental health support and player welfare in professional sports.

Ross Lyon, former Fremantle and St Kilda coach, paid tribute to Balic, describing him as a 'special young man' in a touching reminiscence. Lyon's emotional reaction underscored the impact Balic had on those around him, shedding light on the personal connections within the tight-knit football community. The father's vocal criticism of the AFL's handling of his son's struggles has brought attention to the need for greater transparency and accountability in supporting players facing mental health challenges.

In light of the revelations surrounding Balic's tragic death, the AFL is facing renewed scrutiny over its drug policies and duty of care to players. The emotional responses from key figures in the league reflect the profound impact of Balic's passing on those who knew him. As the investigation unfolds, the AFL grapples with addressing systemic issues and ensuring the well-being of its athletes remains a top priority.

As the AFL community mourns the loss of Harley Balic, his legacy serves as a sobering reminder of the delicate balance between sportsmanship and mental health support in professional athletics. The ongoing probe into his death highlights the complexities and challenges faced by athletes both on and off the field, prompting a reevaluation of existing support systems within the league.

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Image courtesy of "Fox Sports"

'May have saved him': Father of late AFL player hits out in ... (Fox Sports)

'May have saved him': Father of late AFL player hits out in heartbreaking claim.

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Image courtesy of "The Age"

Former AFL player's death probed as part of investigation into drug ... (The Age)

Sport Integrity Australia is reportedly probing the death of a former Melbourne and Fremantle player as part of its investigation into the AFL's illicit ...

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Image courtesy of "AFL"

Emotional Lyon remembers 'special' former Docker amid drug probe (AFL)

Ross Lyon has paid tribute to former Fremantle and Melbourne player Harley Balic, who died in 2022.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Mail"

Harley Balic: Father of footy star who was found dead during his ... (Daily Mail)

The shattered father of former footy star Harley Balic has opened up about what he views as the AFL's role in his son's tragic death in January 2022 when he ...

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Image courtesy of "The West Australian"

Father of late Fremantle Dockers player Harley Balic speaks out ... (The West Australian)

The father of a former Fremantle player has spoken out against the AFL's illicit drug policy and claims the league knew more about his son's battle with ...

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Image courtesy of "Herald Sun"

Lyon baulks at clubs' responsibility after Balic tragedy revelations (Herald Sun)

An emotional St Kilda coach Ross Lyon outlined the personal relationship he had with Harley Balic, whom he labelled a โ€œspecial young manโ€, as the former ...

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Image courtesy of "Wide World of Sports"

AFL news 2024: Ross Lyon emotional reaction, Harley Balic death ... (Wide World of Sports)

Ross Lyon became visibly emotional when asked about the late AFL player Harley Balic and his experience with the AFL's illicit drugs policy.

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Ross Lyon remembers late Harley Balic as 'a pretty special young ... (ABC News)

The death of 25-year-old Fremantle player Harley Balic will reportedly be looked at as part of a probe into the AFL's illicit drugs policy, with former ...

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Image courtesy of "Fox Sports"

'Emotional' Lyon still impacted by player's death as tragedy becomes ... (Fox Sports)

Balic, who died aged just 25 after a long battle with drug addiction, played his four AFL games at Fremantle when Lyon was coach of the Dockers and the pair ...

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Image courtesy of "Wide World of Sports"

Lyon's emotional response as ex-player's death probed (Wide World of Sports)

Ross Lyon became visibly emotional when asked about late AFL player Harley Balic and his experience with th...

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Image courtesy of "9News"

AFL drug policy blamed in death of Harley Balic (9News)

Harley Balic died aged 25, his father now blaming the AFL and the secrecy of its illicit drugs policy.

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Image courtesy of "The Age"

The unravelling of former young AFL star Harley Balic (The Age)

Interviews with Harley Balic's friends and former teammates paint a picture of a complex young man who battled mental health problems and serious substance ...

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