Former AFL champion Daniel Kerr fined $5000 for stalking ex-partner

Ex-AFL star Daniel Kerr has copped a hefty fine for stalking his former partner and breaching a family violence restraining order.

Former AFL champion Daniel Kerr has been fined after pleading guilty to breaching a family violence restraining order and stalking his ex-partner Michelle McAtackney.

Kerr, 37, faced Fremantle Magistrates Court on Friday via video link from Hakea Prison.

He admitted sending 135 text messages to Ms McAtackney — the mother of his child — between June and August, and was fined $5000 plus court costs of $130.

Daniel Kerr pleaded guilty to breaching a violence restraining order and stalking his ex-partner. Picture: Angie Raphael/NCA NewsWire

Kerr was originally charged with aggravated stalking, but the offence was downgraded.

He was previously set to fight the charges, but on the day of the trial, his lawyer Rhett Williamson said the former midfielder had requested a change of legal counsel.

Prominent and experienced barrister Seamus Rafferty was then hired to represent Kerr.

His father Roger sat in the public gallery during proceedings on Friday.

Ms McAtackney no longer lives in Perth.

Daniel Kerr is the elder brother of soccer star Sam Kerr. Picture: Michael Wilson/The West Australian.

The premiership player remains in custody on separate charges that are yet to be dealt with in court.

He is due back in court next month.

Kerr played 220 games for West Coast and was runner-up for the Brownlow Medal twice.

He was part of the Eagles’ 2006 premiership-winning team and retired in 2013.

Kerr is the elder brother of Matildas soccer star Sam Kerr.