Australian rules: Contrite Carey apologises for his sins

Wayne Carey has taken an emotional step towards repairing the damage done by his destructive off-field actions, but admits there is a long way to go.

The dual AFL premiership captain used his induction into the North Melbourne club's Hall of Fame on Saturday night to publicly apologise for the mistakes in his personal life.

He admitted he had been an emotional "failure" as a man, brought pain to family, friends and teammates and delivered a "slap in the face" to people who tried to help.

But he said he was trying to atone for past wrongs and was making progress in his long path to emotional maturity.

"I blame no one for my past actions other than myself and I have much work to do in rebuilding not only my life but my self-respect. Although for the first time in a very, very long time I can tell you I'm a very much healthier and more emotionally fit person."

He struggled with emotion as he contrasted his on-field heroics - which have made him the club's greatest player in the eyes of many - with his sorry record off the field.

After a standing ovation as he took the stage, Carey received equally wholehearted applause from the North faithful when he uttered the words, "I'm sorry".

"I'm sincerely sorry for all of the pain I've caused over the past years to so many people in so many ways," Carey said. "I've let down my family, my teammates, my closest friends, the supporters, this great club which has given me so much and of course myself. I may have been successful as a footballer ... but nonetheless I have been a failure as an emotionally mature man."

Carey played 244 games for the Kangaroos, captaining them to premierships in 1996 and 1999, but was forced out on the eve of the 2002 season after his affair with the wife of teammate and then close friend Anthony Stevens became public.

His life sank further in the past two years, when he faced assault charges for separate incidents in the United States and Australia. He was convicted and fined in a Melbourne court last month for assaulting police.

The 37-year-old, who has admitted to substance abuse and undergone counselling, paid tribute to friends and family who "loved me when I've been at my most unlovable".

They included his brother Dick and former 'Roos administrator Greg Miller - "a second dad"- and former teammate Anthony Rock - one friend "I couldn't push away".

He thanked ex-wife Sally and 3-year-old daughter Ella, a motivating force to rebuild his life.

Denis Pagan, coach during both his premierships, was also singled out, with Carey saying he respected and loved him.

Stevens was not at the function and while Carey did not offer him a specific apology he did name him as one of several players whose courage and tenacity made the 'Roos of the 1990s so great.

- AP