‘Personal issue’: Western Bulldogs star takes indefinite leave

The future of Bulldogs star Lachie Hunter is in doubt after a shock announcement he is taking a break from football to deal with a personal issue.

Lachie Hunter in action during the 2022 AFL season. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

The immediate future of Western Bulldogs star Lachie Hunter is in doubt after the club announced Tuesday night he is taking an indefinite leave of absence.

The club said in a statement Hunter is taking a break from football to deal with “individual challenges, which have affected his health and wellbeing”.

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Western Bulldogs Head of Football, Chris Grant said: “Lachie has been dealing with some personal issues for a period of time. After some recent internal discussions, it has been determined and agreed with Lachie that the best course of action is for him to spend some time away from the Club while he addresses his personal issues.

“We will continue to support Lachie during his leave of absence, with his personal wellbeing the sole focus for everyone in the immediate term.

Lachie Hunter of the Bulldogs. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“During this period of absence from the football program Lachie will not play at either AFL or VFL level.

“We expect that Lachie’s privacy will be respected during this period.”

The 27-year-old also took personal leave from the club in July, 2020, just a couple months after he stood down as vice captain.

The 2016 premiership player has played in all five games the Bulldogs have played this season after he was at the centre of the selection storm that triggered coach Luke Beveridge’s explosive outburst at former Fox Footy journalist Tom Morris.

Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli on Tuesday night told Fox Footy’s AFL 360 the club and Hunter had made the decision together.

“It’s obviously unfortunate with Lachie. The position at the minute is him and the club have decided together it might be a good time for him to step away for a little bit just to prioritise his health and wellbeing,” he said.

“It’s been a bit of a journey these last few years for Lach, so the priority in these situations is always the health and wellbeing of the player.”

Channel 7 journalist Mitch Cleary reported on Tuesday Hunter’s immediate future is “in doubt”.

Originally published as ‘Personal issue’: Western Bulldogs star takes indefinite leave