Dayle Garlett has informed Hawthorn Football Club he will remain in Perth and has requested to be released from his playing contract after continued difficulties coping with the demands of AFL football.
Garlett approached the Club at the end of February to admit some concerns he had adhering to the disciplines and demands of an elite environment, which he has been attempting to address with the Club’s support.
Having returned to Western Australia at the end of last week to undertake a driver’s licence test, Garlett has since decided to remain in Perth with his family and friends.
Hawthorn GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said the Club understood and accepted Garlett’s decision.
“Unfortunately this situation hasn’t worked out as the Club or Dayle would have hoped, and while we’re disappointed we understand his decision,” Fagan said.
“Despite the Club’s efforts over the past six months to help him adjust to an elite lifestyle, Dayle has found the regimented systems and standards of a professional club challenging,” he said.
“We acknowledge that Hawthorn Football Club places high expectations on all of its players, but it is equally supportive in working with each player to help them meet our standards and behaviours if they are committed to doing so.”
“No club wants to keep a player who’s not happy, and so while we are disappointed Dayle has decided to remain in Perth, we do not regret giving him a chance to pursue his dream of playing AFL footy.
“There is no doubt Dayle is a very talented player, and all at Hawthorn Football Club wish him well for the future,” he said.
Garlett said he found it difficult to cope with the demands required of him at the elite level.
“It has been tough to be away from my family and friends in a different environment and while I tried hard to stick to the disciplines of the Club, it got a bit much for me in the end,” Garlett said.
Garlett hopes to get back to playing football again at some stage in the future and asks media to respect his privacy during this time.
The Club has been in regular contact with both the AFL Players’ Association and Garlett’s management, who will continue to provide ongoing support.
