Arabic version: ديفلز تدافع عن ثقافتها بعد قرار بشأن قيادة فوكس

According to ABC News, the Tasmania Devils say their decision not to re-sign VFL captain Robbie Fox for 2027 was not based on a single incident. Chief marketing officer Kath McCann said the club’s culture remained strong and described the decision as partly the culmination of several “situations”.

The Devils confirmed that Fox would not be offered a playing contract for the 2027 season, citing the club’s expectations on player behaviour and adherence to its standards. The decision followed an off-field incident at Hobart’s Granada Tavern, where Fox was ejected after becoming drunk and disorderly and acting belligerently toward staff. A bottle was also understood to have been thrown and smashed. Nobody was believed to have been injured and police were not involved.

McCann said there was no particular incident that led to the outcome. She said Fox had areas for improvement and growth and was dealing with the consequences. The club said its high standards had been part of its success and would continue to be important in the future.

Fox had earlier attended a charity golf event at nearby Claremont Golf Club with several Devils teammates, including vice-captain Jye Menzie and reigning best-and-fairest Hugh Dixon. There is no suggestion Menzie or Dixon were involved in the later incident at the Granada Tavern. Fox has been contacted for comment.

Despite ending his playing role, Fox will remain employed by the Devils as Strategic Projects Lead. McCann said the club was very comfortable with its position on his playing contract and would not disclose internal processes. Fox played 13 games in an injury-affected year after returning to Tasmania following his delisting by the Sydney Swans. Under his captaincy, the Devils finished in the VFL top four and earned a finals double chance.