Fev to the Pies? | Thebigtip

Innocent until proven guilty must not exist in the state of Queensland.  We all know that Brendan Fevola is a troubled footballer, his gambling and drinking problems have been well documented, and who can forget his brief rendezvous with model Lara Bingle.  What happens next to Brendan Fevola is anyone’s guess, but I have one scenario that would be scary for far greater reasons.

This is only hypothetical, but listening to yesterday's various press conferences this latest saga could drag out for a while. 

Adrian Anderson and Andrew Demitriou call an immediate press conference, the usual suspects gather round like vultures circling a carcass.  All the networks go live with the presser and after a long drawn out speech (not as long as a certain recent political speech) it is announced that Brisbane have terminated the contract of Fevola allowing them to free up the much needed to salary cap to sign the likes of Simon Black.

In a surprise move Demitriou then says the AFL have taken the move not to suspend or deregister Fevola, having seen fit that the loss of his $700,000 per year contract was enough punishment.  Fevola is free to nominate for the preseason draft, but has to attend weekly alcohol and gambling counselling sessions, and must undertake 300 hours community service.  Fevola agrees to this immediately as it's his only choice if he wants to play AFL again.

Shortly afterwards Carlton hold their own press conference to state that Fevola is not welcome back to Visy park, and that they don't want unwanted distractions at their football club.  Switchboards light up Melbourne airways with all talkback stations trying to answer where Fevola would end up.  Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna makes comments that Brendan would not be considered for the Suns, as they signing Nathan Ablett and are still pursuing the signature of his brother Gary.  Fevola refutes these claims saying that he would prefer to play his football in Melbourne, as that is where his family, friends and counsellors are. 

After a week of staying out of the public eye, whispers around radio land are abuzz that Fevola was seen leaving the Westpac centre.  On his radio show the following day Eddie McGuire laughs off these allegations, but never flatly denies them.  Over the next few days Collingwood supporters march the streets to Victoria Park demanding answers, also wanting closure on why Travis Cloke is Gold Coast bound.  Still seething from their Grand final loss, fans are looking for answers.

The following Tuesday morning Malthouse, McGuire and Fevola declare that all will be revealed during a primetime announcement.  At the press conference McGuire announces that Brendan has signed a two year deal on a very reduced wage.  Fevola thanks Collingwood for the opportunity to play league football, and explains that Malthouse will have a great impact on the remainder of his career.  He also states that being back in Melbourne will be a calming influence on himself and others around him. 

Fevola will undergo a 2011 media ban, and will not enter any licensed premises under the terms of his new contract.  At the end of the press conference McGuire announces that a new hotline number of 1800 STOP FEV is established for all possible sightings of Brendan in trouble are reported directly to Mavis at the Collingwood switchboard.

Throughout the season Fevola lives under the watchful eye of Malthouse.  Still hampered by his continual groin injury Collingwood do not allow their star recruit to play any interstate matches (It's only three anyway), as they are worried about his anti social behaviour.  After helping Collingwood to their 1st premiership in 21 years Fevola remains alcohol free; Collingwood supporters are happier than a 15 year old girl at a Justin Bieber concert. 

Walking away from the Collingwood coaching job Malthouse is asked his secret for keeping Brendan under control, Mick states that "it is Nathan's problem now, he's got a lot to live up to" as he gets into an awaiting car.