Kane Cornes has called for the Western Bulldogs to immediately strip vice-captain Lachie Hunter of his leadership position after he crashed into four parked cars and returned a positive breath test on Thursday night.
Hunter was allegedly driven by 19-year-old teammate Bailey Smith to Billy Gowers’ house in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
Police then conducted a breath test on Hunter which returned a reading of 0.123 – more than twice the legal limit.
Cornes said the Dogs have no choice but to exclude Hunter from any leadership role at the club for at least 12 months.
“I think (stripping of the vice-captaincy) is the first position the club would take,” he said on Crunchtime.
“It’s probably untenable to hold that position. We’ve seen players dumped from leadership positions for a lot less than this.
“I think (Hunter) would probably put his hand up himself. It’s pretty hard to be involved in a leadership group with (other leaders) who will be handing down a punishment to him.
“I’d be surprised if he hasn’t already volunteered to step down for 12 months and then reassess things.
“There is a certain trust that is lost when something like this happens. We’re not going to hang the guy out to dry but we understand the seriousness of it.
“Everyone will get a second chance – he’ll be welcomed back (to the leadership group) but I’d say not for (at least) 12 months.”