Ex-Saints star Sam Fisher to fight drug trafficking allegations

Former St Kilda star Sam Fisher may be home from rehab within months as he plans to fight drug trafficking allegations.

Former St Kilda star Samuel Fisher could be out of rehabilitation just in time for Christmas, as he plans to fight cross-border drug trafficking allegations.

Sporting a suit and tie, Fisher, 40, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday via video link from a residential rehab facility where he was bailed to in June after being arrested a month earlier.

His barrister Dermot Dann successfully asked for the case to be slated for a full-day contested hearing in December, where he will grill three police officers involved in the sting on Fisher.

Mr Dann said they also planned to apply to vary Fisher’s bail on that day.

At an earlier hearing, he indicated Fisher was making “excellent progress” in rehab, with plans to have his bail changed to allow him to reside in the community instead of the rehab facility in the future.

Sam Fisher was arrested during a raid on his Sandringham home in May. Picture: Getty Images

If granted, it could mean he is free before the festive season.

Fisher was arrested during a raid on his Sandringham home in May.

Victoria Police swooped following a tip from their Western Australian counterparts who had uncovered encrypted messages from Fisher in the phone of alleged Perth drug trafficker, Julien Morvan.

It is alleged drugs and cash were regularly being concealed in whitegoods and sent between Melbourne and Perth.

The ex-AFL midfielder is charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of methamphetamine, trafficking cocaine and possessing drugs of dependence.

Before adjourning his case to December 5, magistrate Tara Hartnett told Fisher to “make sure you keep in contact with your lawyers”.

“Thanks, your honour,” he responded.