Fallen AFL recruit Dayle Garlett may still have had a future at the top level before he was this week charged with criminal offences.
The 20-year-old, who walked away from Hawthorn six months ago, is accused of stealing a vehicle from Caversham on September 13. It is alleged he used the car during an aggravated burglary on a home in Greenmount.
Fairfax Media understands the one-time boom prospect was still being considered by some AFL recruiters, if he could turn his troubled off-field life - and stalled on-field career - around.
But it now appears Garlett will be lost to the AFL forever, following the recent allegations against him.
Garlett appeared in the Midland's Magistrates Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody, before he appears in court again on September 26. He has also been charged with breach of bail after it was alleged he failed to appear in court on previous charges.
After starring in the 2011 Under 18s National Carnival, Garlett was touted as one best young players produced in WA for years.
But the small forward was overlooked for the 2012 draft because of off-field issues, including social media posts that showed him drinking and smoking.
Following an outstanding year with WAFL club Swan Districts in 2013, Hawthorn took a punt on the wayward youth with the 38th pick of the national draft.
However, after only three months with the reigning premiers, Garlett quit - citing homesickness and the failure to cope with the rigours of AFL.
He did not play an AFL game.
Garlett played a handful of games for Wheatbelt club Dandaragan this year, after his original club Swans District told him his services were not required.
Former Dockers' player Brad Wirra, who coached Garlett in the Under 18s National Carnival in 2011, said he was "disappointed" to hear of the latest developments.
"He was a super talented player," he told Fairfax Media. "He could play".
At the time of Garlett's drafting, Hawthorn officials admitted the youngster's talent wasn't in question.
"From a talent perspective I think everyone is in [agreement] that he is a super-talented player, but he has got to get in and work hard and let's see where he goes," Hawthorn recruiting manager Graham Wright said.
After Garlett chose to leave the club, Hawks coach Alistair Clarkson said he did not believed the AFL door had closed on him.
"We didn't feel like it was a significant gamble," said Clarkson.
"We saw significant progress in what he was able to do last year. We think in Dayle's circumstances, he deserved that chance.
"It hasn't worked out on this occasion but he's not lost to AFL football either.
"I think he can still give himself a chance to play in the years ahead."
