AFL (Australian Football League) players are often regarded as role models. Due to their fame, talent, and success in their field, it is expected that they are of good conduct both on and off the pitch.
However, like in other sports, there are always a few bad eggs that make the headlines for the wrong reasons, and AFL stars have not been exempted.
These AFL players have found themselves on the wrong side of the law for numerous crimes ranging from drug trafficking to substance abuse, and a host of other wrong reasons.
Without further ado, this article will look at five Aussie footy players who have been arrested.
5 AFL stars who have been arrested ft. Marlion Pickett
#5 Zephaniah Skinner
Zephaniah Skinner is not a name that easily resurrects a memory among Aussie fans since his AFL career was short-lived.
Skinner, a number 88 pick by the Western Bulldogs in the 2010 AFL draft, played only two seasons of footy. The former Dogs forward made his debut in 2011 but only recorded five goals and eight appearances, retiring at the end of the 2012 season.
He was recently arrested for possession of large amounts of alcohol above legal limits.
#4 Chris Yarran
Another player on the infamous list of AFL stars who got on the wrong side of law enforcement is ex-Carlton half-back Chris Yarran.
Yarran was arrested for multiple car thefts, assault, and obstruction in 2018. The former Blues player reportedly crashed a stolen car after threatening the driver. On the same night, he allegedly stole another car before being apprehended by police.
Yarran represented the Carlton Blues from 2009-2015, racking up 90 goals in 119 games.
#3 Sam Fisher
Sam Fisher is a former professional Aussie rules star who played for St. Kilda. Fisher was drafted into the AFL in 2003 by the Saints, spending 12 seasons at the club and making a total of 228 appearances before retiring in 2016.
In 2022, five years after hanging up his footy boots, the former Saints star was arrested for drug trafficking. Police raided Fisher's home and found huge amounts of illicit drugs. The ex-Saints defender was charged for trafficking large quantities of illegal drugs across Western Australia.
#2 Brian Lake
Former Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn full-back Brain Lake has a well-known history with law enforcement.
In 2013, Lake and his wife were put behind bars for four hours after a drunken altercation at the popular Portsea Polo event. In 2018, he was also arrested after being involved in a drunken bar fight in Osaka, Japan.
Lake's most recent arrest took place in 2019 when he was charged with multiple offences, namely theft, stalking, and criminal damage.
#1 Marlion Pickett
Richmond star Marlion Pickett is the most prolific Australian Football League star on this list. The two-time premiership player has been involved in multiple arrests since his youth days. At age 15, he spent time in youth detention after being found guilty of serious bodily harm.
Pickett has also been arrested and imprisoned for various criminal offences. His most recent arrest was in 2023 when he was apprehended for burglary and stealing.