Byron was suspended for a week for failing to attend the Melbourne versus Western Bulldogs game last Sunday where he was selected as an emergency and for drinking the night before the match.
During this week of suspension the Football Department and Senior Leadership group requested that Byron give considerable thought to whether or not he wanted to continue his AFL career. He was expected to provide an answer to this question on Friday but instead organised a meeting with Coach Neale Daniher and General Manager Football Chris Fagan at lunch time today where he expressed his determination to knuckle down and get his career back on track.
Subject to fitness he will play for Sandringham on the weekend in their game versus Williamstown on Saturday.
General Manager Football, Chris Fagan said, “Byron spoke to a number of current and former team mates during the week as well as his parents as he pondered his future. From these discussions and after considerable soul searching he has decided that going out of the game in this manner is not what he wants and he is determined to work hard to get back to his best form in the weeks ahead. He understands that he will play at Sandringham for at least the four next matches. Provided his form and fitness is at an acceptable level, he will be considered for selection in the AFL team once this has been achieved. His destiny is in his own hands.
“The club is extremely pleased that Byron has chosen to take this pathway and will continue to assist him in whatever way possible to achieve his goals. In his best playing form he is a valuable asset to our team and we look forward to having him back in the AFL team when he is deserving of selection, “ Fagan said.
