Mitchell comments on Hawks pair as fresh details emerge

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says legalities held the club back from coming forward any earlier regarding Dylan Moore and Connor Macdonald’s US arrest.

The Hawks pair were arrested for trespassing after being caught having a joy ride on a scissor lift in Phoenix, Arizona last November.

It was made public through a Channel 7 exclusive earlier this week before Mitchell explained why it took months for the story to be revealed.

“We couldn’t do that (release it earlier) for legal reasons,” Mitchell said on SEN’s Fireball.

“In hindsight we wouldn’t have done anything differently. I don’t think we could have legally released anything until quite recently, and then it becomes a decision for this time of year.

“It came out reasonably quickly after we had that as an option.

“Those boys have been working through this. I was enormously disappointed at the time, but to their credit they’ve worked really hard on regaining the respect of those who knew about it up to this point.

“They’re good lads who are pretty clear on if you make a mistake like this you have to live with the responsibilities and embarrassment of what comes afterwards.

“They’re in the middle of that right now and this will make them stronger over time.”

Fresh details have emerged with the Herald Sun reporting that Moore was found to be in possession of a baggie containing “a crystalline substance” and a rolled up $100 bill containing residue of the substance.

“As I was pulling a couple of items out of his pocket, a small plastic baggie with a small amount of a crystalline substance fell out of his pocket and landed on the sidewalk,” the arresting officer wrote in a Scottsdale PD report.

“I picked it up and asked what that was and Dylan immediately responded that (it) wasn’t his.

“I then searched his pocket again (and) located a rolled up $100 bill with a crystalline residue inside of it as well.”

Moore was initially charged with ‘possessing drug paraphernalia’ but that charge was later dropped.

There remains a trespassing charge which according to the Herald Sun “is classified as a class three misdemeanour, the least serious offence of its kind, and carries maximum penalties of up to 30 days in jail, a $500 fine or one year of probation”.

Both Moore and Macdonald have been named to face Essendon at the MCG tonight as the Hawks strive to bounce back from last weekend's disappointing Opening Round defeat to GWS.

"Foolish mistake": Star Hawk reveals all

Earlier this week Moore opened up on the pre-season incident that led to the arrest of he and teammate Macdonald.

Moore revealed to Channel 7's Mitch Cleary that he and Macdonald were taken into police custody after a "foolish mistake" on a night out.

"I was in the US, out having a few drinks and made a foolish mistake," Moore told 7News.

"(I) decided to get on a scissor lift, next thing I know, the cops are there telling me to get off. I got off and the next thing I know, I was in police custody.

"It's something that I'll always regret. A foolish mistake led to a night in a jail cell. I have many regrets.

"They were tough calls, really tough calls to make back home. It was scary because they all wanted to help me, but I was on the other side of the world.

"I feel quite sorry for Sam. I disappointed him and my fellow leaders. I was vice-captain at the time, and I should have recognised the situation and knowing the consequences and risks.

"Having Connor there with me, as a vice-captain at the time, I should have known better. I feel like I've let the leaders and Connor down."

Moore and Macdonald were financially sanctioned by the club, while also undergoing alcohol awareness counselling and community service.

The former vice-captain was also relieved of his role as a leader of the club as a result of the incident.

“I did a diversion program so went and did some education, did 16 hours of education on alcohol, relationships,” he said.

“I’ve done that and I’ll be doing some community service and it’s something I hope I can better myself.

“I’ve done all I can now and (I need to) just put it to one side, be the best person I can be, help the football club to finals, premiership and each day play my role.”

"He was regretful and remorseful from day one. He has learnt form this, and he is going to re-educate himself from this," said club CEO Ash Klein.

“I think this is behind me now,” Moore continued.

“I just have to come into the football club and be the best person I can be and be the best mate, partner, and best family member.

“It’s been so tough, but I’ve felt so supported at the football club. We’ve been in constant communication - and I feel like I’ve been so supported.”

According to Seven's Mitch Cleary, both Moore and Macdonald are listed to appear in an Arizona court in the coming months.