Hawks backing Vickery after police drama

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says ruck forward Ty Vickery has the full support of his club after his arrest on Wednesday.

Ty Vickery of the Hawks

Ty Vickery is at the centre of a police inquiry, but is being supported by Hawthorn. (AAP)

Hawthorn are confident ruck-forward Ty Vickery can remain focused on football despite being subject to an ongoing police investigation.

Vickery and former Richmond AFL teammate Jake King were arrested on Wednesday as part of an extortion investigation.

King, whose AFL career ended three years ago, was charged with six offences and released on bail.

Hawks recruit Vickery was released without charge, pending further police investigation, and will play for VFL affiliates Box Hill on Sunday.

Coach Alastair Clarkson says Vickery is co-operating fully with police and has the full support of the club.

"He's okay. It's been a big week for him," Clarkson said at Melbourne Airport on Friday.

"He'll get through this police investigation but we can't really comment too much on it. It's a little bit like the umpires - you're not meant to speak about that sort of stuff.

"He's got the support of his teammates and his footy club, and his family and friends, and that's all that's important at this point in time."

Box Hill named Vickery at full forward for Sunday's home game against Williamstown.

Vickery most recently played at senior level in round 11, but kicked three goals last weekend in the VFL.

He has played just six AFL matches this season after joining the Hawks from Richmond.

"Outside of it being quite a serious matter involving the police, he's tried to live his life as normally as possibly as he can and just co-operate with police in terms of what their requirements are," Clarkson said.

"He's done that outstandingly well over the last two days and everything else we've just got to compartmentalise - footy here, deal with the stuff that he's got to deal with outside of that.

Fairfax Media has reported Vickery is set to take legal action against a former business partner over an alleged six-figure debt.

That debt is said to be at the heart of the extortion claims.


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Source: AAP


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