Former Fremantle player Harley Balic dies at the age of 25

Former All-Australian Under-18 star and ex-Docker Harley Balic has been remembered as “one of the most talented junior footballers” after his shock death at a Highett hotel.

Ex-Docker Harley Balic has died at the age of 25. Picture: Getty Images

Former AFL player Harley Balic has died at the age of 25.

Balic, who played four senior games at Fremantle before joining Melbourne in 2018, died on Sunday morning at Highett.

Balic played junior football at Mordialloc-Braeside and went on to join Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup.

He was included in the AIS AFL Academy in 2014 and made the All-Australian Under-18 team in his draft year.

Also a prominent under-age basketballer, Balic was touted as a top-10 selection in 2015 but Fremantle drafted him with pick No. 38.

The former Fremantle player made his AFL debut in 2017. Picture: Getty Images

He was troubled by a wrist injury in 2016 but still figured in Peel Thunder’s WAFL premiership.

IN DEPTH SPECIAL: 'Lost in the world' after footy: Balic's tragic interview.

The right-footer made his AFL debut in 2017, against Essendon, having 10 disposals. He played three more senior games but during the year also twice took “leave of absence’’ from the Dockers to deal with a personal issue.

Fremantle traded him to Melbourne ahead of 2018.

He retired during the season.

“It was an easy decision in the end, as I’ve thought about it for a little while now,” he told the Melbourne website.

“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.

Harley Balic celebrates his first AFL goal with Michael Walters in 2017. Picture: Getty Images

“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.

“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.”

Harley Bennell, who was at the Dockers during Balic’s two seasons with the club, posted an image to his Instagram account of him, Balic and former Docker Shane Yarran, who died in April 2018, with the caption: “Rest easy my 2 brothers.”

Bennell also uploaded an Instagram story with another image that included him and Balic, along with the caption: “RIP my little HB … I’ll always love you little brother.”

Harley Balic, right, celebrates a Dockers win. Picture: Getty Images

Collingwood AFLW star Steph Chiocci tweeted on Monday evening: “Saddened to hear of the passing of Harley Balic. A former Parkdale SC student and one of the most talented junior footballers I had the pleasure of witnessing. So athletic and agile and could run all day. Rest easy, Harley.”

Former Sandringham Dragons coach Justin Plapp said today he was shocked by the death of Balic, whom he coached in 2014.

“He was a salt-of-the-earth kid and a pleasure to coach, a really hard worker,’’ he said.

“I’m just shocked he’s been taken away from us, because he was such a kind young man and he had a lot of good living to be done.

“A humble, respectful young man and a talented footballer and sportsman.’’

He added: “I must admit, I haven’t slept well the last two nights, just thinking about it. It’s more about his family and what they’re going through. Your heart is with them.’’

Former AFL national talent manager Mick Ablett said Balic was a “lad’’ and a joy to coach.

“I always loved the players who had some character and a bit of spunk about them, and he had that,’’ an emotional Ablett said.

“He’d give you a cheeky smile and a bit of a sideways look and he played in a similar manner. You could see it in what he did, and what he did came very easily to him.

“I remember the first time I saw him play, and he just oozed class. He was someone you loved to have around the group, someone who brought something a bit different to everyone else.

“He deserved more.’’

In 2020, Balic spoke of his difficulties after leaving the AFL.

He said he had been “wandering around, feeling pretty lost’’.

“I guess the way I left football, unfinished, left me lost in the world,’’ he told Leader Newspapers.

“That brought on depressing episodes and things like that. Getting to the highest level, which you’d dedicated your whole life to, and then all of a sudden being a nobody, I found that pretty challenging.’’

Harley Balic, fourth from right, with his fellow AFL Under-18 draft hopefuls in 2015.

Balic played local football after leaving the Demons, linking with Parkdale Vultures in 2019 and Keysborough last year.

As an under-age basketballer he played in a national championship with the Vic Metro Under 16 team.

Victoria Police said tonight they would prepare a report for the coroner after the death of a man in Highett.

They said emergency services were called to a hotel on Nepean Highway around 11.50am on Sunday.

“A 25-year-old Highett man was located deceased. The death is not being treated as suspicious.’’