Former Fremantle and Melbourne midfielder Harley Balic has died, aged 25.
Balic, who was drafted by the Dockers with Pick 38 in the 2015 national draft and played four games for the club in two seasons, passed away on Sunday morning.
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A report for the coroner will be prepared and the death is not being treated as suspicious, according to police.
After starting his career with Fremantle, Balic was then traded to the Demons for Pick 65 in the 2017 trade period.
He announced his sudden retirement citing his lack of passion to play the game, after one year on Melbourne’s list.
When announcing his AFL retirement in August 2018, Balic said it was “an easy decision in the end”.
“It’s something I’m not going to regret and I’m very appreciative to Melbourne for letting me come to the club for a second chance,” Balic said.
“I’ve always loved football, but my heart’s not in it and everything ends up being a grind and I think it’s just the right thing to do.
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“The (club’s) VFL and AFL (teams) are both going to be successful this year and it’s something I’d love to be a part of, if I loved it, but unfortunately I don’t and it’s time to go out into the real world and see what else is out there for me.”
Former teammate Harley Bennell, who was at the Dockers during Balic’s two seasons with the club, posted a message to social media paying his respects to the former AFL player along with a photo of Balic and former Docker Shane Yarran, who passed away in April 2018, with the caption: “Rest easy my 2 brothers.”
He also posted another image that included him and Balic, along with the caption: “RIP my little HB … I’ll always love you little brother.”
f you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78.
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