The Hawthorn Football Club has pledged to keep Travis Tuck within the fold and not to abandon the 22-year-old who is the first player to attract three strikes under the AFL's Illicit Drugs code.
Tuck, who confessed to using drugs after being found unconscious in his car by police in Berwick last Friday, has been suspended for 12 matches.
Evidence was led at Tuesday night's tribunal hearing that Tuck has been suffering from
clinical depression.
In a prepared statement, Hawthorn said it would continue to offer support on the basis of medical advice that Tuck would benefit from a structured environment.
The club has agreed to keep its final rookie list spot open until March next year and consider Tuck, whose current contract expires at the end of this season, for that final rookie spot.
In the meantime, he will be retained as part of the club's training squad and the Hawks will continue to support him financially.
If Tuck is not selected in the rookie draft, the club will apply for him to be placed on its 'inactive' list and continue to support him as a player at Box Hill.
The Hawks would then have the option of re-listing Tuck at the end of 2011 season.
Tuck told the club's official website that he has accepted the 12-match penalty and responsibility for his actions.
"I have been dealing with personal and medical issues for the past 12 months and following some intensive treatment I really felt that I had come a long way," Tuck said.
"Friday night was a big setback for me and I understand the anxiety it has caused my family, friends and the Hawthorn Football Club, and for that I am truly sorry."
"I know I have to keep working hard to deal with my issues and at times this will not be easy."
"I have had excellent medical assistance and will continue this treatment weekly. I'd like to thank the Hawthorn Football Club for their support through this tough time, and the ongoing support of the AFLPA and the AFL.
"This support and the ongoing structure in my life, along with the motivation to train and return to play will be a big part of my progress and my recovery."