'Tis The Silly Season...

When looking at some of the off-field indiscretions that players get up to, you have to wonder whether it's a case of someone not knowing when they're on to a good thing -- or whether they're just wired to sabotage themselves.

Take Aaron Edwards for example, a young man with a bit of a track record for mischief. At one stage, Edwards looked destined to become just another suburban footballer; that was until North Melbourne threw him and his AFL career a lifeline. Since joining the Kangaroos, it would be fair to say that Edwards hasn't really set the world on fire, nor done near enough to secure his future at the highest level.

Yet despite being in an already precarious position, Edwards has managed to get himself clocked 38km/h above the speed limit on his way to training -- with alcohol in his system to boot. I'm not a supporter of the Kangaroos, but such stupidity bothers me to no end.

You would think that after being discarded by the West Coast Eagles, Edwards would make the most out of a second opportunity. Given North Melbourne's current lack of senior key position forwards, Edwards had an opportunity in 2009 to cement himself within the senior line-up. He now finds himself out of favour with the club whilst having developing forwards such as Robbie Tarrant nipping at his heels.

North Melbourne have acted swiftly by suspending Edwards for three months, which will rule him out of the pre-season competition along with the first four rounds of the premiership season. The speed and extent of the penalty is a credit to North Melbourne, who could ill-afford any bad publicity during the time of year when the drive for memberships is at its peak.

Whether it's a lack of maturity or a misplaced sense of entitlement, you have to wonder what goes through the minds of some players these days. I don't think AFL players are obliged - or should be - role models, but they should be well aware that they will be in the spotlight and as such their misadventures will not be granted the same anonymity as those commited by the average joe.

For a six figure salary and the opportunity to play this nation's most beloved sport, you would think - especially at the age of 24 - that you would be able to pull your head in just enough to avoid having it lopped off. Like they say though, the problem with common sense is that it's not all that common.