Hawthorn hands stricken Travis Tuck a footy lifeline

Travis Tuck at his father Michael's Berwick home. Picture: Jon Hargest Source: Herald Sun

Hawthorn chiefs confirmed on Wednesday night the troubled midfielder had been told his future at the club was uncertain, before being found unconscious in a car at Berwick on Friday.

But in a welcome reprieve, the club said it was committed to keeping Tuck at the club next year - either as a rookie or on a new "inactive list" while playing with VFL side Box Hill.

In another day of drugs drama:

HAWKS president Jeff Kennett said he had written to AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick demanding an overhaul of the league's controversial illicit drugs policy.

ESSENDON, Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs backed the push for clubs to be told sooner of positive tests.

AFL chiefs hit back by saying Tuck would have been "demonstrably worse off" if required to tell his club of his health and drug-use issues.

PLAYERS' association chief Matt Finnis declared it was inappropriate for private medical data to be shared with club officials.

A REMORSEFUL Tuck said he would train with the Hawthorn squad at Waverley Park today.

Hawthorn said it had received medical advice indicating "that it would be ideal to keep Tuck in an environment where structure and routine training would support him in his ongoing treatment and provide him continued motivation to improve".

Tuck, 22, emerged from the family's Berwick home late on Wednesday with father Michael to greet a club official.

He was also visited by his manager Liam Pickering.

Tuck said in a statement: "I have been dealing with personal and medical issues for the past 12 months and following some intensive treatment I really felt that I had come a long way.

"Friday night was a big setback for me and I understand the anxiety it has caused my family, friends and the Hawthorn Football Club, and for that I am truly sorry."

"I know I have to keep working hard to deal with my issues and at times this will not be easy.

"I have had excellent medical assistance and will continue this treatment weekly. I'd like to thank the Hawthorn Football Club for their support through this tough time, and the ongoing support of the AFLPA and the AFL.

"This support and the ongoing structure in my life, along with the motivation to train and return to play will be a big part of my progress and my recovery."