Luke McGuane: Former AFL star admits mid-range drink-driving on the Gold Coast

Luke McGuane, who played more than 100 games for Richmond Tigers and Brisbane Lions across a nine-year career, was witnessed swerving across the road without headlights on, a court has heard.

Former AFL player Luke McGuane (right) leaves Southport Magistrates Court with lawyer Daniel McShane on July 1, 2025. Picture: Alex Treacy

A former AFL player who appeared more than 100 times across a nine-year playing career has admitted to drink-driving after cops witnessed him swerving across the roadway without headlights, a court has heard.

Hope Island man Luke Francis McGuane, 38, a veteran of 112 games between 2006–15, playing for both the Richmond Tigers and Brisbane Lions, appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

He pleaded guilty to a single charge of mid-range drink-driving.

The court heard police were conducting mobile patrols at Helensvale on February 17 this year when they witnessed a vehicle being driven by McGuane swerving across the road without headlights on.

Officers also witnessed McGuane accidentally activate his windscreen wipers instead of his indicator.

They pulled McGuane over, who conceded he had been drinking alcohol and told them he was on his way to give a friend a lift.

Brisbane’s Luke McGuane looks to deliver forward during the Round 22 AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Brisbane Lions at Aurora Stadium in Launceston, Tasmania, Saturday, August 29, 2015. (AAP Image/Dale Cumming)

McGuane returned a positive reading of 0.128 per cent blood-alcohol content – more than two and a half times the legal limit.

Defence lawyer Daniel McShane told the court his client was in a “rebuilding phase” of his life.

He said post his playing career, McGuane undertook a degree in sports science and became involved in a number of business ventures in Melbourne, including establishing a barber shop, taking on part ownership of a gym, and becoming the director of a law firm.

However, Melbourne lockdowns impacted on his businesses, and McGuane was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2020.

Mr McShane said his client was currently in receipt of a disability support pension, but hoped to re-establish his business career on the Gold Coast.

A leaping Luke McGuane competes for the ball against Campbell Heath at AAMI Stadium. Picture: File

McGuane was fined $500 and disqualified for three months – he had already been unable to drive since the offence date, pending the outcome of the court case – with no conviction recorded.

It’s the second time in a year McGuane has been before the Southport court.

Last June, he pleaded guilty to assaulting a security guard after being cut off from the bar at Broadbeach watering hole Fat Freddy’s Sports Bar & Diner, which has since shut its doors for good.

On that occasion, McGuane was placed on probation for nine months and ordered to pay $500 in compensation to his victim. No conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Luke McGuane: Former AFL star admits mid-range drink-driving on the Gold Coast