AFL 2023: Giants head of development Robbie Chancellor charged for buying cocaine

An official at the GWS Giants has been charged after police busted him buying illegal drugs, with the club denouncing his actions.

The head of development at the GWS Giants has admitted to buying cocaine, after police busted him “acting suspiciously” following the transaction.

Robbie Chancellor was charged by police on December 10, after they spotted him buying 0.87 grams of cocaine near his Marrickville home.

Chancellor made full admissions about the purchase of the drugs, telling the arresting officers he paid $300 for the cocaine.

He was charged with drug possession and pleaded guilty to the offence this week.

Giants General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, said Chancellor had made a “serious error”.

“The GIANTS are incredibly disappointed by Robbie’s actions which are in no way aligned with the values and behaviours of our organisation,” he said.

“Robbie has made a serious error and understands he has let a number of people down.”

Chancellor will return to court for sentencing in March.

The Giants have denounced the actions of development coach Robbie Chancellor.

How ‘little mentor’ Toby is helping No.1 Giant through pre-season

— Chris Cavanagh

No.1 draft pick Aaron Cadman says he is determined to put on some kilos in the gym over summer after being thrown “down in the dirt” by some more seasoned teammates during his first month of pre-season training.

The key forward from the Victorian town of Darley joined Greater Western Sydney in last November’s national draft and said while the AFL experience had been “awesome” so far he had quickly realised he had some things to work on.

“Coming up against bigger bodies is a bit harder, so I’m just working on my body position and all that sort of stuff,” Cadman said.

Aaron Cadman wants to add a few kilos before the season kicks off.

“It’s pretty hard when you’re coming up against Sam Taylor. He’s been throwing me down in the dirt.

“I’ve still got to add a bit of meat to these bones.

“It’s pretty hard when you’re sweating it all out on the track, but I’m trying to add as much as I can. Hopefully I can add another three or four (kilos), which would be nice.”

Cadman has been living with new teammate Toby Greene in Sydney, who has been serving as a “little mentor”.

No.1 Draft pick Aaron Cadman during his first training session with the GWS Giants.

“He’s been cooking up some pretty special meals for me,” Cadman said at the AFL Players Association Player Leadership and Development Conference.

“He’s a little chef, he reckons. He’s been really good for me and he’s always taking me into the club and looking after me.”

Cadman said he had a keen eye on a Round 1 AFL debut against Adelaide, but understood it could take time.

“Fingers crossed,” he said.

“But there’s a long way to go.”

Is Dangerfield the right choice to captain Geelong?

Geelong veteran Patrick Dangerfield says he will put his hand up for the Cats’ captaincy as the club looks to fill the void left by long-term skipper Joel Selwood.

The reigning premiership captain, Selwood announced his retirement last October after 16 seasons at the top level including 11 as skipper.

Dangerfield has served as a vice-captain of Geelong since 2017 and shared the role with gun defender Tom Stewart last year as part of a streamlined three-man leadership group.

While a leadership vote could still be another month or more away, Dangerfield said he was keen to lead the club going forward.

“We’ve got so many different players, to be honest, that could fill that void that’s left by Joel,” he said.

“We’re in a really fortunate position that we have a really strong leadership group. (I’m) probably one of five that could very, very easily assume that role. It’s probably not something we’ll pay too much attention to until the end of January or start of February, which is sort of in line with every season.”

Dangerfield is contracted for two more seasons but turns 33 in April, raising the question of whether the Cats could opt for a younger captain.

Patrick Dangerfield is keen to captain Geelong. Picture: Getty Images

“I think this decision for us will be about best person for the job for (this) year,” Dangerfield said.

“It’s not really looking any further beyond that. It’s to give us the best chance of winning the Grand Final in season 2023. I get the notion behind longer-term appointments but we also want to win now.

“When we get to that stage we’ll make that call and the coaches will make that call in conjunction with the players and our board.”

Dangerfield struggled with a calf injury during the middle part of last season but still managed to play 18 games and said he was “feeling good” in the early stages of pre-season.

“Every pre-season is sort of catered to the individual so it’s not just one-size-fits-all and particularly as you get older there are adjustments that you make,” Dangerfield said.

“But by and large, I haven’t missed a session so far.”

Geelong will resume pre-season training on January 16.