Former AFL star Daniel Connors ‘commended’ for rehab stint following car-chase allegations

A former top-grade footballer accused of being involved in a car chase has been praised by a judge for doing “everything right” while in rehab.

A former AFL player accused of being involved in a violent car chase has been commended for doing “everything right” while in rehab on bail.

Ex-Richmond player Daniel Connors was arrested days after an alleged high-speed chase through the inner suburbs of Melbourne on December 24 during which shots were fired from a stolen car.

Police will allege Mr Connors was present in the rear of a Rav4 as it pursued a silver Volkswagen from Footscray, through Moonee Ponds and Essendon, before crashing in Pascoe Vale about 7.30am.

Four occupants of the vehicle allegedly fled the scene on foot before police arrived.

Earlier the same day, the 34-year-old is alleged to have attended an apartment where he lifted up his shirt, revealing a firearm tucked into his trousers shortly before 2am.

Daniel Connors played for the Richmond Tigers between 2007 and 2012. Picture: Instagram

At an earlier appearance, prosecutor Michael Roper described Mr Connors’ role in the alleged offending as “not just there for the ride”.

“He’s part of a common purpose,” he said.

But his lawyers have previously countered, saying the case is “bereft” of evidence against him.

Mr Connors faces seven charges, including theft of a motor vehicle, firearm offences and committing an indictable offence on bail.

He was granted bail in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 18 to attend a residential rehabilitation facility, after his parents agreed to stump up a $50,000 surety.

He returned to court on Friday afternoon via a videolink from Arrow Health’s rehab facility in Woodend, sporting a shaved head and white dress shirt.

The court heard he’d almost finished his stint at the facility, which was due to end on April 19.

Daniel Connors is accused of participating in a car chase on Christmas Eve. Picture: Matt King / Getty Images

His lawyer, Jordana Fayman, asked the court to change his bail conditions to allow him to reside with his partner in Port Melbourne and to visit his parents in NSW.

Magistrate Belinda Franjic said she’d received a report from Arrow Health, outlining how he’d successfully completed the conditions of his rehab.

“I’ve read the report; Mr Connors is to be commended on his engagement with the program,” she said.

“He’s clearly done everything right and hopefully this is the start of his rehab journey.”

She changed his bail, to allow him to move back in with his partner and travel interstate to visit his parents, from April 19.

Despite playing just 29 games at the highest level, Mr Connors was considered a gifted player when he was drafted in 2006, before off-field antics led the club to sack him in 2012.

He will return to court on May 19.