http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/dean-bailey-reveals-great-regret/story-e6frf9jf-1226004047912

I know this is about something that the club handled poorly, but I can't help gaining more respect for Bailey reading this.

And I feel gutted for Junior.

I didn't realise it was such a shock to him.

What a class act to handle it the way he did.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/dean-bailey-reveals-great-regret/story-e6frf9jf-1226004047912

I know this is about something that the club handled poorly, but I can't help gaining more respect for Bailey reading this.

And I feel gutted for Junior.

I didn't realise it was such a shock to him.

What a class act to handle it the way he did.

James is a magnificent character. He wore the disappointment on his face, but never slagged off the club, publicly or privately.

I agree it is good that Bailey has come out and admitted fault. Hopefully demonstrates insight and learning. But let's face it, on his own account, he is not the only one who stuffed up.

The fact we can treat a magnificent character that poorly despite all the advisors, etc... raises some questions.

Surprised about the way it was handled. Kudos for Bailey coming out feeling regret. But more admiration for Junior the way he handled it.

Is he saying this to send a message to Tom that it won't happen again to other players?

McDonald is a champion, he should be still with the club in some role. Very disappointing that we have lost him to GWS.

No footballer likes being told their time is up and he was given the word at the start of the season .

It won't be the last lesson Bailey learns during his coaching career either .

Edited February 10, 201114 yr by Fork 'em

Shows the measure of the man - Junior - the way he handled it

Also shows the measure of the man - Bails - that he can put his hand and say - we didnt handle it correctly

I'm sure that I heard either Parkin or Walls talknig about that their only regret in footy was the way they let blokes know that their careers' were over. Hated it, worst part of the job and one that is very hard to get 'right' while having many ways to get wrong.

Shows the measure of the man - Junior - the way he handled it

Also shows the measure of the man - Bails - that he can put his hand and say - we didnt handle it correctly

Totally agree.

Whats more its a sign of the maturity of our club.

Junior is one of the games true gentlemen and a champion.

Totally agree.

Whats more its a sign of the maturity of our club.

Junior is one of the games true gentlemen and a champion.

Given all this, I'm not sure why there is/was no role found for Junior moving forward. Galling to me that he has found his way to GWS, no matter how minor the role

Given all this, I'm not sure why there is/was no role found for Junior moving forward. Galling to me that he has found his way to GWS, no matter how minor the role

Well, given MFC have just gotten out of debt, and GWS have more money than God, it's not terribly surprising.

Given all this, I'm not sure why there is/was no role found for Junior moving forward. Galling to me that he has found his way to GWS, no matter how minor the role

I think most AFL players, once they have completed their playing career, endeavour to get away from their club for a while (if they can) to experience a different environment.

Football clubs can be very insular.

Exposure to different styles and ways of thinking can be very beneficial.

Very few don't take this path.

Junior should have a word to Scully about how much he wanted to keep playing for Melbourne and how terrible GWS is

Given all this, I'm not sure why there is/was no role found for Junior moving forward. Galling to me that he has found his way to GWS, no matter how minor the role

Junior was at MFC for 14 years, i think it's great he is working at another club for a year or two. Learn from new people, he can teach new people-Grow as a person.

I have no doubt Junior will be back working at the MFC within 5 years. He is one of our True Champs

Even Robert Harvey went to the Blues for a couple of years before going back to the Aints .

Ratten came to us before going back to the Blues.

Adam Simpson left North and went straight into a role at the Hawks.

Brendon Lade went straight to Richmond.

Damien Hardwick went straight to Hawthorn.

Dean Wallis went to Freo, now back at Essendon.

Chris Scott went to Freo.

Brad Scott to Collingwood then North.

Wellman went to the doggies then us, before going back to Essendon.

Viney was at Hawthorn and Adelaide before coming back to us.

O'Bree left the pies and went straight to GC.

Burton left Adelaide for Brisbane.

It's just how it goes - footballers careers end and the majority move on immediately.

For a while Sheedy retained a lot of former players as assistants, but that was the exception to the rule.

If you remember that press conference when junior announced his retirement I don't remember Bailey being there....stynes was there...don't remember the footy department being represented...is this right?

It's just how it goes - footballers careers end and the majority move on immediately.

I think you really need to if you are going to learn new perspectives on things.

Bailey's not perfect. As remorseful as he indicates, he is a repeat offender in the way he mistreats people of significance around the club. Chris Johnson, James, Cameron Bruce, can all tell similar stories. It can be argued the right decision was made in each case, but it takes another skill to do it well so that you don't lose players and families when we are rebuilding not just a team but a club. Bails get a mentor and you will be a better man for it. Most good leaders do it. Lesser leaders don't think they need it.

Chris Johnson ... please , he deserved a send off spray .

His old man was significant .

Bruce demanded another year on his contract , the boss said no , tough .

Junior was told by Bailey at the start of the season it would be his last .

Unfortunately he didn't believe him .

Bailey hasn't made a bad list decision yet and I personally hope he remains ruthless .

Being nice has got the club no-where .

Edited February 12, 201114 yr by Fork 'em

Chris Johnson ... please , he deserved a send off spray .

His old man was significant .

Bruce demanded another year on his contract , the boss said no , tough .

Junior was told by Bailey at the start of the season it would be his last .

Unfortunately he didn't believe him .

Bailey hasn't made a bad list decision yet and I personally hope he remains ruthless .

Being nice has got the club no-where .

Fully agree with all of the above. It worked for Malthouse, and player transition to retirement is no less sensitve than for the rest of the workforce - it just happens sooner for them. Junior has done the right thing going to GWS - back at the 'G within 3 years IMO. - Not that Sheedy will teach him anything about good list management, but they will benfit from the player mentoring/welfare aspect Junior will bring to them.