‘Something I’ll always regret’: Hawks pair jailed briefly in USA after off-season trip gone wrong

Hawthorn’s Dylan Moore and Connor Macdonald were arrested on an overseas trip last off-season, costing Moore the club vice-captaincy.

Seven’s Mitch Cleary reported on Tuesday evening the pair spent a night in jail in Phoenix, Arizona and both players still face a pending court date on trespassing charges.

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A charge of drug paraphernalia was dismissed.

Moore was in Phoenix doing pre-season training when a big night out sparked the incident, which many of their Hawthorn teammates did not know about until today.

“I was in the US, I was out having a few drinks, and made a foolish mistake, decided to get on a scissor lift and next think I know the cops are there telling me to get off, and I got off, and next thing I know, I’m in police custody,” Moore told Seven News.

“It’s something that I’ll always regret. A foolish mistake has led to a night in a jail cell and many regrets.

“I felt a bit of disappointment, regret, stress, anxiety.

“I was in a cell overnight not knowing if my friends and family knew in Australia.

“It was all just disappointment and fear of what they’re going to think.”

Moore explained he immediately made contact with the club with the calls being “really tough” and “scary”.

“It was direct communication with the footy club straight away. They were firm but so supportive to me. The last four months communication has been really steady,” he said.

“I was on the other side of the world and they couldn’t help me and I couldn’t help them.”

Moore was removed as Hawthorn vice-captain after the incident, with James Sicily and Jai Newcombe now the club’s two captains.

“I’ve disappointed him (Sam Mitchell), and the fellow leaders,” Moore said.

“I was vice-captain at the time, and I should have recognised the situation and known the situation and consequences, and risks.

“And having Connor there with me, as an older player, I should know (better). I feel like I’ve let the leaders down and Connor down.”

Moore has been dealing with the matter outside of the court system.

“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.

“I think this is behind me now.

“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.”

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