It is tragic when anyone gets caught up by drugs. I can appreciate his family wish they ‘someone’ had told them, but in reality this was Harley’s decision. His doctor is bound by confidentiality obligations and so was his employer, if they knew. I think all clubs have better support mechanisms in place now for young players. We know a ratbag kid who got drafted to a big Melbourne club from out of state - for the first year he lived in a share house with three other kids and a “house dad” who was an employee of the club. Made sure they learnt what to eat, were not out partying and generally keeping them on track. A few years later he fell foul of the law. The club supported him and his family, applied club penalties which included community service with an organisation that supported homeless kids for a season. To his credit he turned things around and kept up the volunteering. He is retired, but has a successful business and still lives in Melbourne. He saw in the homeless kids what his life could have been if he hadn't been drafted. For every Harley I reckon there are two kids like the one we know.
