Blues to put Fevola up for trade - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Blues to put Fevola up for trade

By Sam Lienert and Greg Buckle 30/09/2009 06:50:02 PM Comments (0)

Carlton have lost patience with serial bad boy Brendan Fevola and will put the AFL's Coleman Medallist up for trade.

Fevola's alcohol-fuelled misbehaviour at the Brownlow Medal count, the latest in a long line of off-field misdemeanours, was the last straw for the Blues.

"The Carlton Football Club has advised Brendan Fevola and his management that it will be working to secure a trade that will see Brendan join another club during next week's AFL Exchange Period," Carlton said in a statement.

The shopping around of the Blues star, who topped the league's goal-kicking for the second time this season, will enliven the trade period after just six lower-profile players changed clubs in the same week last year.

But there is no guarantee the Blues will be able to offload the 28-year-old.

He is contracted for another two seasons and his $700,000 annual salary is likely to prove a sticking point for potential suitors, along with his behavioural record.

Sydney are considered the most likely destination if Fevola is to leave the Blues.

The Swans have lost key forwards Barry Hall and Michael O'Loughlin, but they have all-but dismissed the possibility.

"I think it will have an effect on trade week but it won't have any effect on us," Swans coach Paul Roos told AAP by telephone.

"In terms of Brendan directly, it won't affect us.

"It has been a Carlton issue, they've put out a statement.

"But in terms of where we are as a footy club, it would be highly unlikely that he was playing with us."

The Western Bulldogs, seeking to land Hall in a trade deal, and Collingwood are other possibilities.

The Magpies declined to comment on Wednesday, while the Bulldogs were unavailable.

Fevola said while he is disappointed with the Blues' decision, he understands his behaviour is the cause and is preparing for a future elsewhere.

"I am committed not just to being the very best player I can be but also to rectifying off-field issues," Fevola said.

"I acknowledge that this is largely of my own doing, I remain remorseful for the events of the past 10 days and once again apologise to those people I have let down - especially family and friends.

"But I cannot turn back the clock. Instead I will welcome the opportunity to join a new club and look forward to pursuing the dream of an AFL premiership.

"I will await with interest the outcome of trade week."

Fevola angered the Blues at last Monday night's Brownlow count, where he was recording footage for the Nine Network's AFL Footy Show.

Among his indiscretions, Fevola accosted various guests, including Chris Judd and the captain's partner Rebecca Twigley, and later vomited.

His long list of previous low-lights include being caught on video urinating on a restaurant window days out from the start of the 2008 season.

That prompted Blues officials to publicly warn Fevola he was on his last chance with the club.

He was also kicked off Australia's International Rules tour of Ireland in 2006 after scuffling with a barman.

But his on-field talent will still make him an attractive proposition for clubs in need of a big forward.

He has been an All-Australian three of the past four seasons, including this year, and has led the Blues' goal-kicking for seven straight years.

If Fevola is traded, it would mean Carlton start next year without their two biggest stars, given Judd is suspended for the first three games stemming from an incident in the Blues' elimination final loss to Brisbane.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

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