Fevola a 'great asset' to Lions: Black
Another day, another headline for Brendan Fevola - yet Brisbane Lions veteran Simon Black insists the controversial forward is a "great asset" to the AFL club.
Barely 24 hours after it was revealed he had confronted a beer-throwing spectator, Fevola was again in the news after the contract on his new Brisbane home collapsed and his family returned to Melbourne indefinitely.
He was due to settle on a $1.4 million family home this week, but it fell through after Fevola admitted to a gambling addiction that reportedly racked up debts topping $300,000.
It adds to a tumultuous introduction to the Lions that has also included the Lara Bingle nude photo scandal and revelations on Monday that Fevola had beer thrown on him after clashing with a Western Bulldogs fan on the weekend.
Another distraction is the last thing the Lions need as they look to keep their unbeaten season start intact against Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday night.
But Black could not fault Fevola and claimed the Lions players would rally around the Coleman Medallist in his time of need, even volunteering to provide accommodation.
"We will try to support him where we can," Black said.
"There are lots of guys who would be willing to put a roof over his head that's for sure - hopefully it won't come to that.
"We really feel for Fev because they are really personal, tough situations that he is going through.
"But credit where it's due. He has been fantastic around the footy club - you really wouldn't know that he has had off-field issues.
"The guys have really enjoyed having him around the club the last six to eight months - he has been great."
Asked if Fevola was "worth the trouble", Lions vice-captain Black said: "To me, I haven't seen any trouble.
"He has worked really hard, he has been good for us around the footy club, he is an infectious character.
"He's good fun, everyone enjoys being around him.
"And he's put performances out on the footy field which is the main thing - he has been a great asset for the club."
There were reports that the Lions were concerned about what impact the absence of his wife Alex and their three children would have on Fevola.
However, Lions star utility Jared Brennan said Fevola had only had a positive effect on the club this season.
"He doesn't bring outside influences into the football club, which is amazing actually - I am not sure what I would do in the same situation as him," he said.
"He doesn't let anything distract him from what he knows he has to do on the football field which just shows what a great character he is."
Meanwhile, Black has surprisingly backed himself to line up against Melbourne despite nursing a calf complaint.
Coach Michael Voss admitted on Monday he was not sure when the classy midfielder would return, but Black was quietly confident of running out onto the MCG.
Black will make a final call after their Thursday training session.
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