Australian Football Association of North America

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Brendon Fevola was suspended by the club last week for his poor performance against the Dockers. The club told him to go away and think about his football future and how he could improve as a team player. In last week's game, he kicked only one goal and gave away two successive 50 meter (55 yards) penalties.
CEO Greg Swann said the club was unhappy with his onfield petulance which has seen him fail to perform and to argue with umpires. He has kicked just nine goals in the past five games.

Fevola is contracted to Carlton through next season, but Swann conceded that if Fevola does not change his ways, he could find himself playing elsewhere next season. Coach Denis Pagan, who is fond of Fevola, said everything was being done to make Fevola a better player for himself and the team. There is also an issue of his attitude at training.

Should the Blues lose patience with Fevola and decide to trade him, he would have several options. West Coast Coach John Worsfold, despite the goalkicking talent at his disposal, said the Eagles would definitely be interested. The Western Bulldogs may have Chris Grant and Luke Darcy as tall forwards, but Darcy is still feeling his way back from two knee reconstructions and sometimes required in the ruck while Grant is often dispatched into defense. Under the circumstances, Coach Rodney Eade said the Bulldogs would definitely be interested considering their lack of tall key forwards. While Adelaide might be interested as well, team captain Mark Ricciuto said the club didn't need the off-field baggage carried by Fevola.

Brendon met with several club officials a few days ago, including Greg Swann, and told them he wants to stay with Carlton. He will be meeting with Coach Denis Pagan next week. All those involved want Fev to remain a Blue and become a better team player with Pagan saying improvement from Fevola would benefit both Fevola and the club.

Source: Herald Sun & ed. notes