DISCIPLINARY matters such as these have the potential to put clubs in an almost impossible position. Yes, Geelong set an example last year with Steve Johnson, but how would it have handled such a matter in spring rather than autumn? Nevertheless, in this case, the impression of a dog's breakfast of blurred judgement, cooked up in an over-heated kitchen, is hard to avoid.

On day one, drink-driving didn't warrant suspension; on day two, a desperate web of kindergarten lies, told in fear, did. On day one, an important player who, in a crucial week for his club, demonstrably drank to excess escaped suspension; on day two, a player having a drink while sidelined by injury didn't.

On day one, the club fell over itself seeking to give an impression of openness and honesty. When it emerged that what it had delivered was exactly the opposite, on day two, it put up the shutters: no president, no coach, no captain, no players. No coherence.

Perhaps the message to Collingwood is that it should strive to create an environment where, should the circumstances arise, even the most frightened and immature miscreant knows that his best course of action is ultimately the truth. This week, the whole club fell short.