STAR BLOWS 0.108
JARROD HARBROW CHARGED WITH DRINK-DRIVING | JACK MARTIN VICTIM OF ASSAULT
THE Gold Coast Suns’ season is threatening to unravel with respected team figure Jarrod Harbrow caught drink-driving and Jack Martin assaulted in separate incidents.
Harbrow, 28, was charged by Queensland Police after recording a blood-alcohol reading of 0.108 – more than double the legal limit – on Monday morning after drinking on Sunday night.
Martin, 22, was assaulted in Broadbeach over the weekend but has been cleared of any misconduct.
Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft said Harbrow would be stood down from the Suns’ clash with Hawthorn at the MCG this weekend.
A final punishment will be determined by the club and Suns leadership group in consultation with the AFL.
“Jarrod has expressed to us that he is extremely embarrassed by his actions and understands his poor judgment has let many people and his club down,” Ashcroft said.
“In the next period of time Jarrod will have to work hard to regain the trust and respect of his teammates, peers and the wider Gold Coast community.
“On top of the legal sanctions to be imposed in due course, we can confirm that Jarrod will be unavailable for senior selection this week.
“The club will hold further discussions with Jarrod and finalise its penalty following consultation with senior management and the player leadership group.”
It is a huge blow to Gold Coast’s hopes of reaching their first finals.
The Suns sit in 14th on the AFL ladder with a 4-6 win-loss record and are in desperate need of securing more victories in order to stay within reach of the top eight.
Harbrow has been in what Suns coach Rodney Eade has labelled career-best form this season, providing his run and dash from half-back while helping guide the younger players around him.
Harbrow isn’t in the Suns leadership group this year but is one of the first that teammates seek out for advice.
He is also a mentor for young indigenous players through his Jarrod Harbrow Leadership Academy.
It is a hard line taken by Gold Coast to stand down one of their top role models ahead of the game against Hawthorn on Saturday.
In 2015 then Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge dodged suspension for being caught driving with a blood-alcohol limit of 0.068.
Hodge received a $450 fine and lost 10 demerit points but returned for the club’s first qualifying final before going on to win the premiership with Hawthorn that year.
The Suns informed the AFL of the incident yesterday and the governing body will oversee any punishment.
Martin was assaulted at the weekend but has been cleared of any misconduct and will be available to play this weekend.
He was with a couple of other Suns players and their partners in Broadbeach in the early hours of Sunday following the club’s three-point win over West Coast when the attack took place.
A man has been charged in relation to the incident.