In a candid interview on the latest episode of the SACKED podcast, former AFL player and coach Damian Drum reflects on his controversial
sacking from the Fremantle Dockers, his journey through professional football, and his transition into politics.
Drum, who was unexpectedly dismissed as Fremantle’s coach, describes the experience as a surreal moment, comparing it to football’s
version of reality TV. Recalling the day of his sacking, he reveals that journalists were already waiting outside the meeting room, fully aware of
the decision that was about to unfold—something he himself had not anticipated. “I was accosted by reporters as I walked into that
meeting,” Drum says. “They knew what was coming, but I didn’t. It’s one of the uglier moments in football, and it really opened my
eyes to the business side of the game.” Throughout the episode, Drum discusses his early football career, the highs and lows of
his coaching tenure, and the difficult decisions he faced while leading the Dockers. Despite the challenges, he expresses gratitude for his time in
the AFL and how those experiences have shaped his current role in politics. Now a Member of Parliament for the Nationals in Victoria, Drum
reflects on the transition from the field to the political arena, acknowledging the similarities between both professions in terms of pressure,
public scrutiny, and the need for strong leadership. The full interview offers an inside look into one of Australian football’s most dramatic
coaching exits and provides insights into how Drum navigated the tumultuous world of both sport and politics.