Animal job likely for wayward Cat

Andrew Mathieson
A SOFTER, cuddlier Mathew Stokes could restore his shattered public image hugging animals, according to Geelong Football Club’s president.
Frank Costa said working with animals could be the key to the premiership forward’s redemption from drug charges.
“When he came to us from Adelaide, he was working for a zoo over there,” Costa told the Independent.
“He just loves working with animals, so when he first came to the club he also had a part-time job at Werribee Zoo.”
Mr Costa said a heavy training load when Stokes first worked his way into line for senior selection had forced him to give up feeding and housing many native animals.
The fallen star’s demeanour was ideal for taking care of animals, Mr Costa said.
Police have accused Stokes of allegedly purchasing one gram of cocaine last month. A Geelong magistrate bailed him on trafficking and possession charges last week.
The club has since imposed sanctions on Stokes, including him finding a full-time job until the end of April.
Mr Costa said Cats football operations manager Neil Balme was working closely with Stokes to find the right job.
The Cats president could not offer Stokes a job in his fruit and vegetable company because operations had moved to Melbourne.
Mr Costa said he unable to make further comment because the club had placed a blanket media ban on officials, coaches and players.
“I’m not allowed to speak about the whole thing because of the legal side with police charges,” he said.
The club issued a statement on Monday banning Stokes from training with teammates until the opening round of the AFL season.
He can join the VFL squad five weeks later and the entire playing list from round eight to be eligible again for senior-team selection.
Stokes was also fined a maximum $5000 under the AFL players’ code of conduct and ordered to join a drug-related community program.
“These sanctions do not speak to Mathew Stokes guilt or innocence on the charges issued by the Victoria Police on Wednesday (last week) and will stand regardless of the outcome of those charges,” a club spokesperson said.