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Andrew Gaff rocked by sad family development

A tumultuous few weeks for Andrew Gaff just got even harder.

West Coast have allowed their star midfielder to remain in Melbourne to be with his seriously ill father.

Gaff’s father Paul is being treated in a Melbourne hospital for a serious heart condition that required surgery on Thursday.

Paul Gaff, a leading Melbourne tennis coach, remains in hospital.

“It’s a private matter. His dad is seriously ill. Our full support is behind Andrew and his family,” Eagles coach Adam Simpson said.

“He’s in Melbourne at the moment and he’ll stay there to be with his family. We’d appreciate some privacy on this one, if that’s possible.”

Andrew Gaff of the Eagles looks on during the 2018 AFL round 20 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium on August 05, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Andrew Gaff of the Eagles looks on during the 2018 AFL round 20 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium on August 05, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

It continues a torrid time for Andrew Gaff, who will miss the rest of the season after copping an eight-week suspension for punching Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw.

Gaff has been in Melbourne since his tribunal hearing last week and he visited Brayshaw to apologise in person.

His dad’s poor health will raise further doubt about whether Gaff will re-sign with the Eagles.

Gaff, who will be a restricted free agent at season’s end, is being heavily courted by North Melbourne.

St Kilda, Melbourne and Essendon are also reportedly interested in the Victorian.

Gaff was initially expected to return to Perth this week, but with his father seriously ill it’s unclear when he will return.

with AAP