New Tiger Edwards awaits harsh AFL lesson

2 Nov 2012, 4:39 pm   -   Source: AAP

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has suggested AFL recruit Aaron Edwards can expect a heavy club sanction for his recent alcohol-related offence.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says recruit Aaron Edwards can expect a harsh lesson when the Tigers' leadership group sanctions him for his recent drunken escapade.

Just two days after being traded to his third AFL club, the 28-year-old forward was locked up by Melbourne police and fined for being drunk in a public place early on Sunday.

He had already been sanctioned for alcohol-related offences previously in his career, with former club North Melbourne.

Hardwick acknowledged he did not react kindly when told of Edwards' latest indiscretion.

"It would be fair to say he nearly had the shortest (career) in the history of the Richmond Football Club, to be honest," the Richmond coach told Melbourne's SEN radio on Friday.

"He was deeply embarrassed by it.

"We all make mistakes and he'll learn a pretty harsh lesson.

"We'll deal with that when our leadership group gets back."

While Richmond's youngsters have already started pre-season training, the senior players are not due back until mid-November.

Hardwick also said the Tigers were still working on ways to help young midfield star Dustin Martin occupy himself away from football so that he stayed out of trouble.

Martin was suspended for two games in July for missing training after drinking and taking sleeping tablets.

But Hardwick said the off-season was a greater concern for the 21-year-old.

"He needs to find something outside of footy to keep him interested," Hardwick said.

"The more time you've got, the more time you're probably going to be social in your lifestyle.

"The reality is 18, 19, 20-year-old kids, if they've got a lot of time, they'll certainly find some sort of trouble at some stage.

"Dusty's a great kid, I love him, but he's got some things that we've got to work through."

But Hardwick said most clubs would have similar issues with young players.

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