Marrar hope their star forward James Lawton can turn his personal circumstances around after the recently-appointed co-coach appeared in Wagga local court over drugs and stolen goods charges.
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Lawton was a standout in the Farrer League, completing the season as the league's leading goalkicker, booting 78 in 14 games.
The Bombers believe football was a good focus for the former star junior, who has played in the VFL, SANFL, Ovens and Murray and Goulburn Valley leagues.
Lawton was prominent in the league medal count and runner up in the Marrar's best-and-fairest after missing the last four games with an ankle injury. The regional lockdown then ended the season just before finals.
But on Monday, Lawton.was given two Intensive Corrections Orders, for one year and for six months, after facing court on two charges of possession of stolen goods and also of drug possession.
The corrections orders are an alternative to prison. The court-imposed sentences are served in the community under supervision.
Court documents showed police found Lawton asleep in a car in the middle of the road in Mount Austin at 9.20am on October 26.
The vehicle had been stolen from Albury two days earlier. A stolen mountain bike and 13 cannabis seeds were also in the car.
Marrar will relieve Lawton of co-coaching duties. President John Carroll said their priority is to support the key forward as he faces some personal battles.
"Our main concern is for his own health and wellbeing at the moment," Carroll said.
"He's got more important issues at the moment to worry about than the coaching side of things.
"We want him to get himself right and we're there to support him and his family in whatever way we can."
The Bombers say they couldn't fault Lawton's attitude and actions, on and off the field throughout the year after he arrived in the pre-season in probably the best shape of his career.
At 30, Lawton said he'd "got himself back on track" over the summer and promised to deliver. He didn't disappoint, playing a key role as they secured the minor premiership with just one loss all season.
In July, Lawton said he was "very excited" at the opportunity to kick off a coaching career at Marrar in partnership with experienced mentor Shane Lenon next season.
The Bombers hope he can turn things around and be a valued player in their 2022 season. Lenon will continue as sole coach.
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