Sam Fisher varies bail to move out of residential rehabilitation

A fallen AFL star on bail for alleged drug trafficking has been given permission to leave a residential rehab centre and move into his own home.

Fallen AFL star Sam Fisher “hasn’t put a foot wrong” during his time in residential rehabilitation while on bail for alleged drug trafficking, a court has been told.

The 40-year-old former Saints player appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday in a bid to alter his bail conditions.

Mr Fisher had originally been granted bail in July 2022 after spending seven weeks in custody following his arrest over his alleged involvement in the drug trafficking operation.

His barrister, Dermot Dann, on Thursday said Mr Fisher had responded well to the restrictive rehabilitation home operated by Arrow Health in Woodend, which provides treatment and rehabilitation for drug addiction.

The court was previously told that Mr Fisher became a daily user of ice while he allegedly ran a Melbourne-to-Perth drug trafficking operation, which police allege ended when West Australian authorities intercepted a rangehood containing a kilogram of ice and 84 grams of cocaine.

Sam Fisher’s bail has been varied to allow him to leave his residential rehab centre.

Mr Fisher was allegedly linked to the seized drugs valued at $230,000.

Police will allege he communicated with a co-accused WA man through encrypted messaging to organise the transportation of hidden illicit substances across the country.

Mr Fisher is charged with eight offences, including trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine and cocaine.

Mr Dann said Mr Fisher had spent about 120 days in the residential program and now wished to move into his own home while continuing with the program.

The court was told Mr Fisher, who had previously been named best and fairest by two clubs and an All-Australian over a 228-game AFL career, had been offered part-time work with a telecommunications company based in Melbourne.

Mr Dann said Mr Fisher’s progress within the rehabilitation program had been “outstanding” and he had since taken on a leadership role within the group to help others battling their addiction.

“He hasn’t put a foot wrong,” he said.

Mr Fisher was arrested in May 2022 over allegations he was involved in a drug trafficking operation.

An Arrow Health spokeswoman told the court on Thursday that Mr Fisher had been “committed to the program” since joining and was “really eager and supportive” of other participants.

“We’ve been a big part of him coming in and wanting to change his life,” she said.

“Eight weeks ago we put him up to a senior position within the community, he’s a great role model.

“He’s actively working towards his recovery.”

The court was told Mr Fisher, if granted the bail variation, would continue to attend the Arrow program Monday and Friday while working at his new job from Tuesday to Thursday.

Magistrate Bernard Fitzgerald granted the bail variation, which also included changing police stations where Mr Fisher will report, and allowed him to move into his new Melbourne home.

The Arrow program will continue to assist Mr Fisher in this transition as he continues to attend day rehabilitation.

Mr Fisher is still required to undergo random drug tests, house searches and a curfew.

Mr Fitzgerald said Mr Fisher must also continue to abide by the original bail conditions, including not leaving Victoria or Australia or speaking with witnesses.

Mr Fisher’s matters will continue before Melbourne Magistrates Court at a later date.