A former VFL player, Raymond Card, has been sentenced to nine years in prison following a fatal drunk driving incident that resulted in the death of his wife and serious injury to a young woman. The sentencing took place at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court, where Card, aged 68, was found to be operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level four times over the legal limit. On November 16, 2024, he drove on the wrong side of Geelong Ring Road in Lara, leading to a head-on collision with another vehicle, claiming the life of his wife, Mandy McDonald.
The crash also left a 19-year-old volleyball player with permanent injuries, preventing her from continuing with the sport due to ongoing pain and nerve damage. Her father, Peter Macleod, expressed concern for his daughter’s long recovery process, emphasising the emotional trauma inflicted upon her at such a young age. Her mother, Jenny, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the difficulty of coping with the lifelong consequences of the incident at just 20 years old.
Despite the tragic circumstances, Mandy McDonald’s family showed sympathy towards Card during the sentencing, even shedding tears in the courtroom. The court heard that Card had written a letter of apology to the young woman, expressing remorse over the incident while acknowledging the profound loss he faced.
Criticism arose from the families affected by the crash regarding the severity of Card’s sentence. Peter Macleod voiced his disappointment, arguing that the punishment was too lenient for such a serious crime, and called for a stronger societal message against reckless driving.
In court, Judge Gerard Mullaly considered Card’s letter and the heartbreaking impact of the crash while determining the sentence. Card confessed to having consumed alcohol before driving, as shown in body-worn camera footage where he admitted, “It’s my fault, I’m pissed. I thought I was alright.” Following the incident, Card was diagnosed with a rare terminal heart condition, with a prognosis of five years to live.
Known for his time with the Geelong Cats from 1977 to 1987, the circumstances surrounding Card’s case have prompted discussions about the consequences of drink driving and the long-lasting repercussions of such reckless behaviour.