Fallen football star Jimmy Krakouer may be employed by the AFL following his release from jail on drug trafficking charges.
Krakouer, a sparkling star with North Melbourne in the 1980s, walked out of Karnet Prison Farm, south of Perth yesterday after serving nine years of a 16-year prison term.
He was immediately claimed by Channel 9 Footy Show host Eddie McGuire, who said he had been "sent out as a reporter" to tell Krakouer's story and quickly rejected claims he was being paid for the interview.
But AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said today Krakouer may be approached to work with the AFL, warning players about some of the dangers that can snare them.
Demetriou said that Michael Long, a former Aborginal Essendon star who works for the league, wanted to meet Krakouer but it was uncertain whether the AFL would employ him at this stage.
"I think he's interested in meeting with him and having a discussion with him - where that leads, I don't know," Demetriou told 3AW.
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"Certainly I think Jimmy has probably got a story to tell, which is not a pleasant one, of being in jail.
"If there's anything that he's learnt from that which he can pass on to other young indigenous children, perhaps that's something that could turn a negative into a positive.
"I really and truly hope that Jimmy can get back into society, that he's not victimised or discriminated against," Demetriou said.
Demetriou said Krakouer could possibly be employed as a "reverse role model."
"The example I can give is that three years ago we employed (former Richmond player) Justin Charles to conduct our drug education program at the clubs.
"Justin was the first player and the only player who has been charged with anabolic steroids in the AFL.
"He delivered the most powerful message of all the speakers we've ever had at the clubs.
"The feedback we got from the clubs was unbelievably positive, so much so that his talk was taped and has been used by other sports," Demetriou said.
"You can have reverse role models.
"I think that people are entitled to a second chance."
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/08/25/1093246586855.html?oneclick=true