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Just over a week after being dropped by the Canberra Raiders, Josh Dugan has now split with his partner who is six months pregnant with his son. Amanda Palmer took to social media over the weekend announcing their year-long relationship was over and she was considering moving overseas for a “fresh start”. The soon-to-be mother of two has continually supported and stood by the fullback throughout injury and off-field misdemeanors during his time with the Raiders. The 23-year-old leapt to Dugan’s defence when he was sacked on March 14 after photos emerged on social media of him and fellow Raiders star Blake Ferguson drinking while injured. The comparisons between Dugan and troubled Bulldogs star Ben Barba continue to build. Both were scouted and groomed for greatness at young ages and both come from close knit, supportive families. They also appear to approach love and relationships with the same intensity and passion it takes to win premierships and Dally M Medals. However, the dizzying heights and the low lows which occur on the field appear to also follow them off it. “The break-up wasn’t mutual. I wanted the relationship because I have my daughter and soon my son to think about, but I guess he was after different things. He had a lot on his mind with his career so I didn’t blame him,” Ms Palmer told Fairfax Media of the separation. Their son is due on July 20. “We both love and care for each other; maybe in days or weeks things might take a turn, but for now he just needs the space to clear his head. It’s been rough time for him but he is handling it really well, I’m so proud of who he is. I believe when everything is all settled down and his head is clear there is a chance for us.” Ms Palmer has returned to her home town of Brisbane to be with her family. Something she did to ensure her daughter, from a previous relationship, is healthy and happy. “My aim right now is to focus on being healthy for my son. Even though Josh is always in the back of my mind, my main focus now and always, will be my children. My daughter is four, she is my rock, she holds me together, she misses her ‘daddy’ a lot,” she said. While Ms Palmer is unsure about which club the 22-year-old football prodigy will eventually sign with, she believes a move out of Canberra is long overdue, saying he was “a big fish in a little pond, a change is always good”. “I believe he needed to get out of Canberra. He’s been there his whole life and it was just a toxic place for him," she said. "Whatever club he chooses will be better for him. I hope he changes his mind about our relationship but I won’t hold my breath.” Dugan was unavailable for comment.

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