Brendan Fevola has confirmed speculation, admitting he has a significant gambling addiction.

The trouble-prone Brisbane Lions and former Carlton spearhead has been seeking professional help but he denies ever betting on football.

Jemma Cutting reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Fevola approached Lions coach Michael Voss in January, seeking help for his gambling addiction.

He’s been receiving treatment from a psychologist about his problem for 10 weeks, but Voss concedes, it’s still early days.

Michael Voss, Brisbane Lions Coach: “I think the important thing is that it’s being addressed and we’re addressing IT, it’s not addressed we’re addressing it and that’s the important thing out of the last twenty-four hours.”

Fevola has admitted his addiction to the punt is not a new development.

Voss however is confident the media scrutiny will not affect the team.

Michael Voss, Brisbane Lions Coach: “It’s not like this happened last week, this has been going on for a while and you know he’s been able to get out there and perform and been able to gel within the team, so I’m not concerned about having an impact on the team.”

The Lions have included Jared Brennan and Albert Proud for tomorrow night’s showdown with the Bulldogs.

The last time they met, the Dogs bundled the Lions out of the finals.

Michael Voss, Brisbane Lions Coach: “It’s a pretty big game for us, they’re a very good side, they’ve had our measure, so for us to be able to get out there and compete against a good side is pretty important to us.”

Simon Black is still suspect with a strained calf muscle, while All-Australian ruckman Mitch Clarke and Ash McGrath have been suspended.

It’s a big weekend of footy in Brisbane with four local teams playing and with a combined attendance of over 100,000, Translink has announced more than 500 shuttle buses, and forty-two extra train services, to get the fans to and from the matches.

The weekend kicks off with the Gold Coast Titans against the Dragons tonight on the Gold Coast.

Tomorrow the Queensland Reds tackle the Northern Bulls at Suncorp Stadium.

Rounding out the footy bonanza is a second Suncorp clash on Sunday, as the Broncos attempt to post a much needed win against the Cronulla Sharks.

Jemma Cutting, QUT News