AFTER Chris Judd, one of the best and most high-profile players in the AFL, wrote on the West Coast website last year that he did not want to be a role model, he was criticised. Mostly, he claims, by people who did not understand his point of view.

"I think many people in the community view footballers as role models, I would never dispute that," Judd said. "But if I were a parent, I would want my children to have as their role models someone they actually know. If people think that because someone is on TV, that makes them a better person than somebody else, then that is misguided."

If the Eagle's point was lost on those who thought he was shirking his responsibilities, then it has lately become much easier to comprehend - although for reasons Judd must deeply regret.

The stories of drug use among Judd's teammates have seen several stars - including brilliant midfielders Ben Cousins and Daniel Kerr - topple from their pedestals. Far from role models, the Eagles have become suspects - the innocent inevitably tainted by the admissions of others.

In an interview with Sydney journalists last week to promote Saturday night's game against the Swans, the drugs issue was officially off limits - although Judd did claim the Eagles' "culture" was strong and, despite a pre-season in which the allegations have dominated the press, insisted the premiers were motivated.

"One of the things we got from winning a premiership was just how great a feeling it was," Judd said. "Having felt that feeling, the players who were involved want to feel that again, and the players that weren't involved want to be part of that. So we are very much focused on having a successful year."

Just how sharp that focus can be, given the potential distractions, will not be revealed until the first bounce on Saturday night. Judd acknowledges the loss of Cousins is considerable, even as he talks of the opportunities it will create for the likes of Matt Rosa, Shannon Hurn and Matthew Priddis, the young midfielders who have stepped up during the pre-season.

The absence of Cousins would seem to put even more pressure on Judd as a player and, most significantly, as a leader. While Judd reluctantly took the captaincy before last season after Cousins' ill-fated dash from a booze bus, there was no doubt the former captain's influence remained strong - something acknowledged when he was called to join Judd on the dais to hold the premiership trophy.

"It's probably grown, how comfortable I am in the role as time has gone on," Judd said. "I've gained some valuable experience of captaining a side. I guess I am still only in my second year, so there are vast amounts of things I learn. But I'm enjoying the role and feel I am growing into it."

Judd will this year have to cope with almost constant speculation about his future. The decision to delay contract negotiations with West Coast was, he said, a consequence of his last deal, when the talks affected his form. But as long as he equivocates about his future, there will be a feeding frenzy among clubs and the media.

While the odds favour Judd remaining at the Eagles, he dodges questions about his future artfully. "I'm very happy playing where I am and leading the West Coast Eagles," he said when asked if he was prepared to leave. "I'm very proud to be a part of their club. I guess people [are] talking about the feeding frenzy that may, or probably will, occur, and that's not a legitimate reason to sign a contract at a time that's not convenient to you. I like to feel I'm in control of the decisions I make and I'm not just doing things to appease the minds of journalists."

There has been informed speculation that should he stay at the Eagles for 10 years and become eligible for the veterans' list, Judd could be paid up to $2 million a season. It is a mind-boggling figure, yet one his exceptional talents might justify.

Even more so if Judd can continue to lead a team entering the season under a spotlight almost as intense as that once endured by the Canterbury Bulldogs after they were the subject of salary cap penalties and pack rape allegations (No players were charged.)

In Judd's case, the only certainty is that what he does on and off the field will not be dictated by others. "From my personal experience, I never make a decision in my life based around what other people think of it," he said. "Other than close family and friends.

"The Eagles have got one million supporters - not members, but people who follow the club. If I based every decision on what those one million people think of it, it would be a pretty stressful way to live. I made my decisions based on how I want to live."