Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge admits Lachie Hunter has got some “challenges” ahead of him.
Hunter was involved in a car accident in April where he pleaded guilty to drink driving, careless driving, failing to give his name after a collision and failing to render assistance.
The 25-year-old was stripped of the Bulldogs vice-captaincy, fined $5000 and suspended for four games during the 2020 season.
Hunter also took time away from football in July for personal reasons.
“Let’s be honest, I’m sure Lachie would be ok with me saying that he had a disappointing year off the field,” Beveridge told SEN Breakfast.
“He’s had some challenging times dealing with some personal struggles in his life and he hasn’t necessarily managed it too well and he’s needed support that maybe we hadn’t given him enough of.
“As you saw when he came back into the fold the second time and played again, he started to have the usual influence.
“But why I paint that picture and lay a foundation, it’s to say that Lachie’s got some challenges in the future, there’s no doubt about it.
“I don’t think he’s where he wants to be quite yet. In the short term, hopefully we get to the early part of the season and he’s settled, he’s in the team and he’s playing good footy.
“For the longer term, we hope over the ensuing years that he continues to mature and settle in life and he’s going to be ok, but he’s got some challenges on his hands.”
Hunter, a premiership player in 2016 and Charles Sutton Medallist in 2018, is contracted to the Bulldogs until the end of 2024.