Former AFL coach Dean Laidley heads home after rehab

The former AFL coach was sporting a new look when he appeared in court to give an update on his rehab after being hit with stalking charges.

Former AFL player and coach Dean Laidley has returned home after completing treatment at a rehabilitation facility, a court heard.

Laidley, who was charged with stalking in May, appeared via videolink in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

The Herald Sun reported the 53-year-old was “sporting long, bright orange acrylic fingernails” and “sat quietly throughout the brief hearing, at one point sipping from a mug adorned with a smiley face and the words ‘Don’t worry, be happy’.”

His lawyer Rob Stary told the court Laidley had finished a stint at the Hader Clinic in Geelong.

The Hader Clinic specialises in drug and alcohol rehabilitation with the Geelong location providing its 28-day withdrawal and detox program.

Mr Stary told the court Laidley was continuing to use the services as an outpatient.

Laidley now must reside at his Moonee Ponds home as a condition of his bail on charges including stalking, which were brought after he is alleged to have repeatedly contacted and been verbally aggressive towards a woman.

A court sketch of former AFL player and coach Dean Laidley during a bail hearing at Melbourne Magistrates Court on May 11, when he was released on bail to attend an inpatient rehab facility. He has now returned home. Picture: AAP Image/Nine News

Dean Laidley when he was Carlton Blues assistant coach in 2015. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Photos of the former premiership player and North Melbourne coach wearing a blonde wig, makeup and feminine attire during his arrest in May were leaked by Victoria Police officers and widely distributed.

Seven police officers were stood down for leaking the private photos and criminal charges could be laid.

“There have been no charges laid in this matter at this time,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman told NCA NewsWire. “Investigation remains ongoing.”

Laidley, who was coach of North Melbourne from 2003 to 2009, reportedly told police he now preferred the name Daniella.

Dean Laidley after his arrest.

His AFL career began as a player for the West Coast Eagles in 1987 before moving to North Melbourne at the end of 1992 where he helped them take the premiership in 1996.

He was coach of North Melbourne for seven years and his since been part of coaching teams at Port Adelaide, St Kilda and Carlton.

He will next appear in court in December.

Originally published as Former AFL coach Dean Laidley heads home after rehab