Bootsma sacked for social media gaff

North Albany product Josh Bootsma has been sacked by the Carlton Football Club this afternoon after breaching his club and the AFL’s codes of conduct.

Carlton released a statement confirming the termination of the young defender’s contract after a series of disciplinary issues.

Bootsma had been engaging in inappropriate behaviour on social media, which the club was made aware of.

The club had offered Bootsma counselling and welfare support but he failed to live up to the standards required at AFL level.

Twenty-year-old Bootsma, the son of former Fremantle player Brad Bootsma, debuted in 2012 after being a first round selection in the previous year’s draft.

The West Australian has played 14 games for Blues, the last being against Richmond in round 21 last year, but he was yet to play a senior game for them this year.

Last year Bootsma was put on the trade table by the Blues and he requested a trade to West Coast which didn’t eventuate.

He had a year to run on his current contract, which he signed last year after a suitable trade could not be completed.

Bootsma enjoyed a remarkable rise to the AFL ranks after playing six league games for the Kangas in 2011 before moving to Perth mid-season to play colts at South Fremantle.

He played 13 colts games for the Bulldogs and was part of their premiership side before being picked up by the Blues with pick 22 in the national draft later that year.

Carlton’s general manager of football operations Andrew McKay said it’s extremely disappointing.

“The Carlton Football Club has high expectations of its players and staff; we expect them to uphold certain standards,” McKay said.

“The club has attempted to offer Josh numerous forms of welfare and support in recent times, however he has continuously not lived up to the standards expected of a senior listed AFL player.”