Why Stokesy?

Mathew Stokes had it all going for him. But he's blown it. Big time.

A relatively consistent small forward in one of the most dominant teams in AFL history, Stokes was charged today for allegedly trafficking and possessing cocaine, along with three other Geelong men.

The charges have rocked the Geelong Football Club, who in turn sacked him immediately with full support from the AFL. According to a code under the World Anti- Doping Agency, the consequences for Stokes' offence are severe with the minimum punishment being four years away from the sport with a life ban a definite possibility.

League operations manager Adrian Anderson said last night that under the World Anti-Doping Agency code a sportsperson found guilty of trafficking could receive a life ban.

Stokes' indiscretion is the latest of many controversial incidents involving Aboriginal players off the field. St.Kilda recruit Andrew Lovett has been indefinitely suspended by the football club for allegedly raping a woman back in October. Troy Taylor will face a Northern Territory court after the Richmond recruit allegedly assaulted three men on New Year's Eve.

The behaviour of Aboriginal players off the field is now a very serious issue for the AFL. The culture that they are brought up in is not ideal and something needs to be done about it if players are going to be able to cope with the publicity that comes with being a professional player.

Stokes was such a charismatic man amongst his teammates. He was very close with Cameron Mooney and was one of Mark Thompson's favourite players. His story is one of hardship, after being overlooked in the draft for three years running, even though he was a highly talented junior player. Stokes was finally drafted by the cats and debuted in 2006 and was part of the illustrious 2007 premiership team.

He had his down times however, especially against Hawthorn in the 2008 Grand Final when his opponent, Luke Hodge, dominated on the biggest stage and winning the Norm Smith Medal for best afield in the process. And of course he was the unlucky player to miss last year's Grand Final victory over St.Kilda after pulling himself out the week before due to injury, therefore making it difficult for him to break back into the side.

But Stokes was vital to the balance of the side. Stats don't lie, and his contribution of 108 goals from 71 matches is invaluable. His three goals in the opening quarter of the 2007 preliminary final against Collingwood was magical and inspiring for his teammates. And his five goals against Fremantle at Subiaco in 2007 proved that the man had talent around goals. Also, his clutch goal against St.Kilda in round 14 of 2009- which many considered to be the game of the year- also proved that he was a talented player.

However, this is his darkest day by far. And a dark day for AFL. Something needs to be done to help protect Aboriginal players from being exposed to his culture.

It must stop.