A young Melbourne player has admitted to drinking alcohol within 48 hours of sustaining a concussion.

Meanwhile, further clarity has come to light surrounding Essendon’s senior coach decision. Read on in AFL Daily.

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DEES ‘ADDRESS’ FORWARD AFTER ALCOHOL MISSTEP

It’s been revealed Melbourne livewire Latrelle Pickett admitted to drinking alcohol in the aftermath of his concussion almost three weeks ago.

According to the Herald Sun’s Jay Clark, the Demons “addressed” Pickett after he consumed alcohol in the 48 hours following his head knock in Round 20 against Geelong.

The report states Melbourne “reached out to support” its young forward “to help educate him on the need to look after himself”, as well as “affirm professional standards after sustaining a brain injury”.

Alcohol is a neurotoxin that interferes with brain tissue repair, thus why experts recommend complete avoidance after concussive incidents.

Clark adds that the Dees have “dealt with” the issue, opting not to sanction Pickett, who is available to return at either level this weekend.

But it’s a difficult Melbourne team to crack at the moment, particularly after Steven King’s mob knocked off premiership favourites Fremantle last Saturday.

Still, the former Glenelg star has burst onto the AFL scene this year after arriving at the Dees as the 12th pick in last year’s draft, playing 16 games for 10 goals.

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BOMBERS COACH CALL TIMELINE REVEALED

Essendon’s coaching finalists are going to have to wait another week to “work through this process” and come to a decision.

James Hird, Mark McVeigh, Jaymie Graham and Murray Davis make up the final four as the Bombers prepare to make an appointment.

“Essendon has told its four coaching applicants it’s going to need another week to work through this process,” the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph told Fox Footy’s On the Couch.

“It might end up whittling those four candidates from four down to two, and certainly one might end up meeting the board.

“Of course, this is in a week where Sydney assistant Mark McVeigh coaches against Essendon on Sunday night.”

Seven’s Mitch Cleary reported the Essendon panel, led by president Andrew Welsh, “will meet in the coming days to dissect the interviews from late last week”.

Cats prepare concussion waiver response | 01:16

It comes as Ralph revealed Hird had “personally contacted” GWS captain Toby Greene and Brisbane dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale to pitch the idea of going to Essendon if he’s appointed coach.

Three-time Richmond premiership forward Jack Riewoldt endorsed Essendon reinstalling Hird, arguing the 18th-placed club needs a “galvaniser” more than anything.

“I think in terms of contacting other players, this just shows the aura that James Hird has,” Riewoldt told On the Couch.

“I think this is what this club is starved of at the moment; they need a galvaniser, and it has to be one of their favourite sons.

“(McVeigh) hasn’t got the star power that James Hird’s got, and I think the Hird factor will sit right behind Mark McVeigh if he is to get the role.

“And that’s going to happen for anyone that doesn’t get the role … a club on its knees needs a galvaniser, and I think James Hird is the man.”