Hawthorn Football Club has today met with Travis Tuck's management to discuss the players ongoing welfare and the commitment by the Club to Tuck's immediate future.
Preceding the events of the past week, the Club along with Tuck's management had been assessing his options for AFL football in 2011, as his spot on the Hawthorn list had become uncertain.
In presenting Tuck's condition of clinical depression to the AFL Tribunal yesterday, it was communicated by a leading medical advisor that it would be ideal to keep Tuck in an environment where structure and routine training would support him in his ongoing treatment and provide him continued motivation to improve.
Tuck is still a Hawthorn listed player with his contract set to expire at the end of the year. At a very minimum the Club will commit to the following, utilising recent changes in AFL rules:
- Keep its final rookie list spot open until March 2011
- Select Travis Tuck as one of its training squad and continue to support him financially
- Consider Travis Tuck for the final rookie spot in March 2011
If Travis is not selected in the Rookie draft, and Travis wishes, the Club will apply for him to be placed on the Club's 'inactive' list and continue to support him as a player at Box Hill. The Club and Travis would then have the option of re-listing him at the end of 2011 season.
In addition to the above footballing initiatives the Club will be doing everything possible to support Travis in his health and well-being.
Travis today told hawthornfc.com.au, "I accept the penalty and take responsibility for my actions.
"I have been dealing with personal and medical issues for the past 12 months and following some intensive treatment I really felt that I had come a long way.
"Friday night was a big setback for me and I understand the anxiety it has caused my family, friends and the Hawthorn Football Club, and for that I am truly sorry. I know I have to keep working hard to deal with my issues and at times this will not be easy.
"I have had excellent medical assistance and will continue this treatment weekly. I'd like to thank the Hawthorn Football Club for their support through this tough time, and the ongoing support of the AFLPA and the AFL.
"This support and the ongoing structure in my life, along with the motivation to train and return to play will be a big part of my progress and my recovery."
