From the Age today. http://www.theage.com.au/afl/melbourne-demons/rising-to-the-challenge-20100703-zuyd.html

Wow! We never know the depths of what a player goes through until long after the injuries. Sometimes we are quick to criticise players but these guys 'bleed' for the red and blue!

From the Age today. http://www.theage.com.au/afl/melbourne-demons/rising-to-the-challenge-20100703-zuyd.html

Wow! We never know the depths of what a player goes through until long after the injuries. Sometimes we are quick to criticise players but these guys 'bleed' for the red and blue!

very true.

Perhaps this is why in the face of criticism of many, Bailey has stuck with Rivers. He bleeds red and blue and perhaps is one of the leaders that the players look up and respond too.

I just hope he gets back to his best...............soon!

Great article, really shows what he has had to go through to get past these injuries. I am sure there are a number of players that would not of had the mental strength he has shown to get back into the side as a respected leader.

I have gained just that extra respect for Jared Rivers. Some Supporters have no idea how hard it is to become an elite AFL footballer. I wish him all the best for his 100th today and hope he plays 100 more, because he is a true warrior.

Great article.

There was one part I had to read a couple of times.

Round 11 against Collingwood, he had his groin injected 3 times at half time. Comes back on and rips his groin and stomach muscles.

I'm amazed that our medical staff could let this happen.

Great insightful article!

Two points really stood out for me:

1. How important it was for a young player to have the coach's confidence in his ability

2. When Rivers was at his lowest point the assistant coaches put the hard word on him, rather than going soft, and to Rivers' credit, it worked.

On the first point, that's a good argument for coaches giving young players a descent chance to prove themselves and avoid reactionary mass axing of players after a poor performance. Show confidence in the players ability to bounce back...like, hopefully, today! Obviously, serial offenders are a different matter (yes Brad, I'm looking at you).

Great Article Emma....

Jared I hope you succeed individually & as part of the team because you now understand the merits of hard work.

The amount that bag him here are astounding. Always been a good demon Riv.....anyway off too see his 100th and a win? Well, it would be bloody great!!!

Unlikely is my word of the day!

There was one part I had to read a couple of times.

Round 11 against Collingwood, he had his groin injected 3 times at half time. Comes back on and rips his groin and stomach muscles.

I'm amazed that our medical staff could let this happen.

It sounds pretty bad. These bodies are pushed to their absolute limit all the time and it's probable that the medicos and the athletes themselves do not always know where the limit is. If the player goes "I'm a bit sore but I'm fine" and passes any test they offer, then what more are they meant to do? There's also this "everyone plays sore, you'll be right" attitude that's been lingering around since day zero.

It's pretty easy to point the finger at the medicos, but I'd probably portion equal blame on the medicos (inadequate testing), the coaches ("we need you, get out there"), and the player himself ("I'll be right, let me out there").