Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted

Troy Broadbridge spent six years at the Melbourne Football Club. He started as a rookie, worked his way onto the senior squad and by the end of his sixth season, he was on the brink of a promising career. His personal life was blossoming and he married Trish just before Christmas 2004 and they left for their honeymoon on an idyllic island in Thailand.

Tomorrow will mark the passing of another six years since he died, a victim of the tsunami that rocked the lands bordering on the Indian Ocean and killed hundreds of thousands.

We ask Demonlanders to pass their respects to Troy on this day. Unless it's big news we prefer that new threads are not opened in this section except those in honour of Troy.

Whispering Jack wrote this tribute to Troy after his funeral:-

OUT OF THE SHADOWS - A TRIBUTE TO BROADY by Whispering Jack

It's early morning and a honeymoon couple strolls along the beach. The wind stops. The waters thud over the shoreline and, in an instant, the waves cast giant shadows on the sand as it suddenly disappears below them. The tiny droplet of time left is barely enough for him to guide her to the relative safety of a balcony before the tide turns again. The roar of the ocean has become a shrill scream that echoes across the Bay of Bengal and beyond leaving tragedy and death in its wake. He is one of the many who are lost to us forever …

Troy and Trisha Broadbridge were on their honeymoon in the Thai resort of Phi Phi Island when the Indian Ocean tsunami struck on Boxing Day 2004. A little over a week earlier they were married and a few days before that Troy had wound up an intensive pre-season training period with his teammates at the Melbourne Football Club. He had just completed his best season since coming to club as a rookie-listed player in 1999. After six years as a Demon, Troy's career and his life were just starting to take shape.

A little over a month after the wedding Trish is repeating the vows she declared on their wedding day. As the mourners stand teary eyed in the shadows of a packed St James' Catholic Church in Gardenvale she recites them softly.

"Troy, you are my best friend. I promise I'm going to love you no matter what happens, I will always stand by you like you have stood by me. I love you so much because of everything you've done for me, for the person that you are, for the heart that you have."

For my part, I remember meeting Broady for the first time when he worked behind the bar at The Bentleigh Club in his first year as a rookie. He was friendly but appeared shy. Former Melbourne Football Manager Danny Corcoran had been confident from the beginning that he would blossom as player and was delighted to snaffle the services of the red headed youngster from South Australia. The pedigree was good (his father Wayne, was a star player with Port Adelaide), he was tall, fast, athletic and willing to learn. In time, he would recover from the serious injuries that were dogging his career and more lately he was overcoming the doubts he seemed to have in his own ability. They said that Troy Broadbridge was in awe of the fact that he played the game as some of footy's heroes and that he never saw himself at their level but by the end of 2004 Troy Broadbridge was moving out of the shadows.

Troy played most of his first season with the Melbourne reserves and was beset by shoulder problems in his rookie year. He came back through the Sandringham reserves and played in the Zebras 2000 winning grand final side in the last football match played at VFL Park. After gaining promotion to the senior list, he made his AFL debut in 2001 when the Demons went down to Essendon by a solitary goal in round 8. He snagged a major with his first kick in the red and blue.

Then followed a serious knee injury in 2002 and more shoulder problems in 2003 but Broady came back to play regularly for Melbourne and his 40th and last AFL game, also against the Bombers in the 2004 Elimination Final, was among his best. Eligible for the VFL finals, Troy went on to star in the Zebra defence a fortnight later in his second premiership with Sandringham.

Now we are going through a difficult process of overcoming the grief. The process involves accepting the reality of the loss, working through to the pain of grief and adjusting to an environment in which he is no longer there. After that, we move on with life but always remember that his spirit lives on.

Melbourne Chairman Paul Gardner summed up the feeling of many of the 700 who attended the funeral -

"Today, we farewelled our friend Troy Broadbridge. Sadly, these ceremonies are occurring all around the world. It is our great hope that generosity of spirit that has been shown regardless of creed and colour and race and religion will continue on and some of the lives have not been lost in vain," he said.

"The Broadbridges and Trisha have been consoled by their family, their friends and their faith, and now it is time for the Melbourne Football Club to move on.

"It's time for the club to show the confidence, the ambition, the factors Troy had as a footballer. I want to thank everybody for their support. It's been overwhelming. I urge every Melbourne supporter to get behind the club right now, to encourage the players and make 2005 the best it can possibly be."

Former Demon champion and good friend Jim Stynes said of Broady -

"Troy had a huge leap, he could take a great mark, he ran like a greyhound, he could match up on talls or smalls. He was quietly confident, with a wicked sense of humour. But above all, he was the most selfless footballer to play at Melbourne that I can remember..."

"Some will remember the way he died, but I'll remember the way he lived, the way he played, and most of all the way he loved."

Still, you can't forget the way Troy died. A guiding principle of one of the world's ancient religions says that he who fulfills his duty to save a life is considered as if he has saved the entire world. Broady's fateful last moments embodied exactly that. When he pushed his beloved wife Trisha out of the shadows of death and to safety, he demonstrated for all time that he was more than the equal of any of the heroes he played with and against in his short career. Troy Broadbridge will always be remembered in life and in death as a champion person and a true hero.

Posted

What a fantastic tribute to an amazing person.

When I'm at the G tomorrow i will take a small moment to reflect on his time at MFC and to think of all the people effected by the boxing day tragedy 6 years ago.

RIP Troy

Posted

From a purely footballing perspective , his loss was massive to the club .

Was destined to be the rock in defence that Daniher could never replace IMO .

RIP

Posted

As time marches on- our memory of Troy stays on...RIP.

Posted

My mates and I called him 'Strawbs' and he was a very good footy player, and from all accounts, and the way he died, an amazing person.

I'm very proud of him and I don't know him at all.

I don't know how to finish that thought.

Posted

My mates and I called him 'Strawbs' and he was a very good footy player, and from all accounts, and the way he died, an amazing person.

I'm very proud of him and I don't know him at all.

I don't know how to finish that thought.

You are not meant to, i feel the same way....


Posted

A sad loss to this world.

What Trish has done to continue his legacy has been nothing short of amazing, I recommend to anyone her inspiring book Beyond The Wave.

It paints the picture of a true hero taken from us way too soon.

RIP Troy...you will never be forgotten.

Posted

I recollect Troys first and sadly what was to be his last games. Although I hadn't personally met him, as a footballer on each of those occasions he left me with a positive feeling about his ability and as a person.

Definitely not forgotten.

Posted

I know that a number of Demon supporters have visited Phi Phi Island and seen the memorial and the facilities built in Troy's honour. If you can describe these or have photos please feel free to post about them. I've heard a lot about them in the past and peoples' recollections of Troy and of the education centre at Phi Phi would be appreciated.

Posted (edited)

I never met Troy, but I remember shedding tears when he was tragically robbed of the best part of his life, and a very promising football career in the red & blue.

Former Melbourne Football Club Chairman, Paul Gardner, wrote the following in the 2005 edition of the MELBOURNEfc Magazine:

"On 26 December 2004, the world stood in shock at the devastation and despair caused by a tsunami, and back home we faced a personal realisation that one of our own would not return. The loss of Troy Broadbridge, a young man cut down in his prime, gave us all call to evaluate our own life, to put football into true perspective, and to focus on those things that really make a difference. Troy became an enduring reference point for Melbourne, and a reference point for the Club.

To honour the life of Troy, Round One against Essendon indelibly left its mark on the two teams walking side by side onto the ground to the sound of Youll Never Walk Alone, the symbolic releasing of balloons, and a shared minutes silence with Trish and the players. Members, supporters and friends of the Club came to the game to pay their respects and farewell a loyal team man with Trisha, the Broadbridge family and the players.

That pre-match tribute to Troy is one of the most moving experiences in my life.

RIP Broady.

Edited by Deeoldfart

Posted

Always remembered...Troy Broadbridge R.I.P :wub:

Posted

Troy was one of my favourites. He was unassuming and quietly confident. His ability was really starting to shine through.

A tragic story, and a tragic loss for the MFC. We will always remember you Troy.


Posted (edited)

And we must not forget the way Trish has handled herself with so much dignity and grace- then and ongoing..Troy would be very proud of her. RIP Troy.

Edited by jayceebee31
Posted

Heart and prayers go out to the Broadbridge family and Troy's friends at this time. The rest of the world moves on but Im sure their grief is still great. I hope the passage of time has eased some of that pain :(

Posted

The Demon's win against Essendon round one 2005 was one of the best testaments you can make to a team-mate.

It was a very moving tribute to Troy as vision of the tsunami was played on the big screens and Trisha spoke her eulogy before the game.

Both teams united for the walk-on, the captains walked through the banner together.

Then it was game on. And what a win it was.

(If you want a copy it's still (probably) available through the AFL Name a Game series.

There was a big crowd and it's moments like that that makes you proud to be a Demon.

Vale Troy. Lost way too young.

Posted

The Demon's win against Essendon round one 2005 was one of the best testaments you can make to a team-mate.

It was a very moving tribute to Troy as vision of the tsunami was played on the big screens and Trisha spoke her eulogy before the game.

Both teams united for the walk-on, the captains walked through the banner together.

Then it was game on. And what a win it was.

(If you want a copy it's still (probably) available through the AFL Name a Game series.

There was a big crowd and it's moments like that that makes you proud to be a Demon.

Vale Troy. Lost way too young.

I remember vividly the sky was a deep red above the MCG that night. Very Surreal. Broady was watching as was Paul Hester who had just left us that week.

A night i shall never forget.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    2024 Player Reviews: #15 Ed Langdon

    The Demon running machine came back with a vengeance after a leaner than usual year in 2023.  Date of Birth: 1 February 1996 Height: 182cm Games MFC 2024: 22 Career Total: 179 Goals MFC 2024: 9 Career Total: 76 Brownlow Medal Votes: 5 Melbourne Football Club: 5th Best & Fairest: 352 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 6

    2024 Player Reviews: #24 Trent Rivers

    The premiership defender had his best year yet as he was given the opportunity to move into the midfield and made a good fist of it. Date of Birth: 30 July 2001 Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 100 Goals MFC 2024: 2 Career Total:  9 Brownlow Medal Votes: 7 Melbourne Football Club: 6th Best & Fairest: 350 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 2

    TRAINING: Monday 11th November 2024

    Veteran Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin, Slartibartfast & Demon Wheels were on hand at Gosch's Paddock to kick off the official first training session for the 1st to 4th year players with a few elder statesmen in attendance as well. KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Beautiful morning. Joy all round, they look like they want to be there.  21 in the squad. Looks like the leadership group is TMac, Viney Chandler and Petty. They look like they have sli

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 2

    2024 Player Reviews: #1 Steven May

    The years are rolling by but May continued to be rock solid in a key defensive position despite some injury concerns. He showed great resilience in coming back from a nasty rib injury and is expected to continue in that role for another couple of seasons. Date of Birth: 10 January 1992 Height: 193cm Games MFC 2024: 19 Career Total: 235 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 24 Melbourne Football Club: 9th Best & Fairest: 316 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons

    2024 Player Reviews: #4 Judd McVee

    It was another strong season from McVee who spent most of his time mainly at half back but he also looked at home on a few occasions when he was moved into the midfield. There could be more of that in 2025. Date of Birth: 7 August 2003 Height: 185cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 48 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 1 Brownlow Medal Votes: 1 Melbourne Football Club: 7th Best & Fairest: 347 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    2024 Player Reviews: #31 Bayley Fritsch

    Once again the club’s top goal scorer but he had a few uncharacteristic flat spots during the season and the club will be looking for much better from him in 2025. Date of Birth: 6 December 1996 Height: 188cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 149 Goals MFC 2024: 41 Career Total: 252 Brownlow Medal Votes: 4

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 9

    2024 Player Reviews: #18 Jake Melksham

    After sustaining a torn ACL in the final match of the 2023 season Jake added a bit to the attack late in the 2024 season upon his return. He has re-signed on to the Demons for 1 more season in 2025. Date of Birth: 12 August 1991 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 229 Goals MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 188

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 7

    2024 Player Reviews: #3 Christian Salem

    The luckless Salem suffered a hamstring injury against the Lions early in the season and, after missing a number of games, he was never at his best. He was also inconvenienced by minor niggles later in the season. This was a blow for the club that sorely needed him to fill gaps in the midfield at times as well as to do his best work in defence. Date of Birth: 15 July 1995 Height: 184cm Games MFC 2024: 17 Career Total: 176 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 26 Brownlow Meda

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 8

    2024 Player Reviews: #39 Koltyn Tholstrop

    The first round draft pick at #13 from twelve months ago the strongly built medium forward has had an impressive introduction to AFL football and is expected to spend more midfield moments as his career progresses. Date of Birth: 25 July 2005 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 10 Career Total: 10 Goals MFC 2024: 5 Career Total: 5 Games CDFC 2024: 7 Goals CDFC 2024: 4

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 9
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!
×
×
  • Create New...