‘Foolish decisions’: Former Richmond bad boy Daniel Connors turns life around after rehab stint

Former AFL player Daniel Connors has told a court becoming a dad has “turned his life around” as he pleaded guilty to multiple charges – including possessing a weapon.

Daniel Connors played 29 games for the Tigers between 2007 and 2012.

Former Richmond bad boy Daniel Connors has reportedly “turned his life around” after a high-speed car chase landed him in rehab.

Mr Connors, 34, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for the second time in a week on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to dealing with property suspected of being proceeds of crime, possessing a weapon, failing to comply with direction and driving without a licence.

The charges were laid after a police raid on the former footballer’s Yarraville home on October 27 last year, just weeks after his licence was suspended over a drink driving incident.

Mr Connors’ lawyer Jordana Fayman said her client’s “foolish decisions” were made at a time when his “drug habit” had not been addressed.

“There have been some significant changes to Mr Connor’s life since that time,” she said.

“He has completed a 90-day intensive drug treatment program … (and has) welcomed his first child with his long-term partner three weeks ago.

“He’s made some concerted efforts to really turn his life around.”

Daniel Connors was slapped with a conviction and a $2000 fine.

Prior to his rehab stint, the footballer was charged with drugs and firearm offences after he was allegedly involved in a high-speed chase on Christmas Eve in which shots were fired from a stolen car.

Mr Connors was ordered to attend a residential rehab program after facing court in January, which he completed in April and returned to his then heavily pregnant wife.

The ex-Tigers player, who is now working as a traffic controller and labourer on the Metro Tunnel, told the court he would be subject to random drug screening tests.

“I did (pass a drug screening test) to get my rail ticket the other day,” he said.

Ms Fayman argued a fine should be imposed, rather than a conviction, due to her client’s good behaviour.

But while magistrate Julia Barling commended Mr Connors’ efforts, she slapped the troubled former player with a conviction and a $2000 fine.

She ruled not to further suspend his licence.

“He can count himself lucky,” she said.

Once considered a gifted footballer, Mr Connors played 29 games for the Tigers between 2007 and 2012 before he was sacked over a string of off-field issues involving alcohol and sleeping pills.

Mr Connors will return to court on September 12 over charges relating to the alleged Christmas Eve car chase.