Luce, none of us really know what it is like inside the MFC or AFL bubble (except Saty), so it's quite possible we share some responsibility for Hogan's current situation. I actually respect Niall's journalism and know he's well connected. He didn't claim our environment caused the problems, he wrote "if", which means that it's possible, which it is. Arguably, the same could be said for Liam Jurrah, who supposedly didn't drink before he came to our footy club.
The AFL industry is littered with unfulfilled talent. The stiffs here will shout "personal responsibility!", but I've known a couple of AFL/VFL players in the past who got scant support from their club or the industry.
The point of the article is that Freo has a major problem recruiting star players with issues outside of football, and there is a reason we were prepared to trade a player of Hogan's rare quality. That's a fair call.