A former AFL player has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for shooting two men in drug-related incidents.

Billy Nicholls, 34, shot two men, Khalib Alloush and Scott Shepherd, on separate occasions in Geelong’s northern suburbs in 2012 and 2013, and was found guilty of two counts of intentionally causing serious injury.

The court heard Nicholls played for Hawthorn and Richmond until 2004 when he was de-listed because of injury.

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Judge Phillip Coish said Nicholls was “feeling lost” after he was de-listed and he had “no plans” for life after football.

Nicholls will be eligible for parole in eight years. Photo: ABC

“Your life spiralled out of control as the drug use escalated,” he said, describing him as a “chronic, long-term ice user”.

The court heard Nicholls shot two men in their legs in the separate incidents.

Judge Coish said Nicholls had addressed his drug use since he was arrested.

He said the Corio man was an active member of the community, including working at the Inverleigh Football Club, where he was a mentor and a non-official coach.

Judge Coish said the club was initially apprehensive about Nicholls’ involvement but “to their credit” they gave him a go.

But Judge Coish said Nicholls’ actions were very serious.

Nicholls will be eligible for parole in eight years.