The unravelling of former young AFL star Harley Balic

Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.The grieving father of Harley Balic arrived unannounced at AFL House seeking a meeting with then chief executive Gillon McLachlan in the days that followed the ex-footballer’s death.

While Balic’s name is mentioned in a statement from former Melbourne doctor Zeeshan Arain, which is at the centre of a debate over the effectiveness of the AFL’s illicit drugs policy, these interviews paint a picture of a complex young man who experienced mental health problems through his life, and battled serious substance abuse.Balic grew up in Melbourne’s bayside south, attending Parkdale Secondary College and playing footy for Mordialloc-Braeside.

Ten different AFL clubs called on the family home in that year to talk to him. His parents, Eddie and Nancy, are now estranged, but Harley had spoken in media interviews of being “a bit of a mummy’s boy”. He had two brothers, Cooper and Jesse. Cooper is an artist who has worked with his dad Eddie, who runs an art school in Mentone, while Jesse is a doctor and medical researcher.

“It’s something I’m not going to regret, and I’m very appreciative to Melbourne for letting me come to the club for a second chance. I’ve always loved football, but my heart’s not in it and everything ends up being a grind and I think it’s just the right thing to do.”Four sources with knowledge of his situation confirmed Balic had been a drug user at Fremantle and again in Melbourne. He was later open about his life-long battle with mental health issues in several newspaper articles.

Post-football he tried real estate for a period, but his mental health and drug problems were escalating.Several times he went into drug-rehabilitation clinics paid for by the players’ association, but when he came out, he was drawn back into drug use.

Source: Healthcare Press (healthcarepress.net)

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Ross Lyon remembers late Harley Balic as 'a pretty special young man'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 coach Ross Lyon speaking emotionally about Balic as 'a pretty special young man'.
Source: abcnews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »

Emotional St Kilda coach Ross Lyon fights back tears remembering ‘special young man’ Harley Balic7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Source: 7NewsSydney - 🏆 16. / 63 Read more »

‘Be the man’: Inside the ‘boozy’ Grand Final rev-up that launched an AFL legendAFL: tom Hawkins joins the AFl 360 panel to discuss his longevity in the AFL.
Source: FOXSportsAUS - 🏆 24. / 51 Read more »

Young gun Harley Reid enters the AFL fishbowl and feasts on the hypeBeing the AFL’s No 1 draft pick can be a poisoned chalice. But the 19-year-old West Coast prodigy has sauntered into the game and made it look a breeze.
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

‘Showtime Eagles’, ‘Harley-mania’ as stunning proof of epic AFL transformation laid bareAFL: The First Crack crew dissect the 'awesome' resurgence in West Coast's form, spearheaded by rookie Harley Reid.
Source: FOXSportsAUS - 🏆 24. / 51 Read more »

AFL teenage sensation Harley Reid set for bumper pay rise with new contract7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Source: 7NewsSydney - 🏆 16. / 63 Read more »