My gut feeling is that you are both right AND wrong. As anyone who's gone through personal tragedy like this will tell you, the way he's feeling won't last forever. But regret WILL. AFL footy is a gift to anyone who is good enough and more important LUCKY enough to have a crack at it. Wonna's low point in his life won't last forever. He may take a year out of the game to get his head right, but I think given he played at the highest level AND played well, he'll be given another crack. Provided he's under the age of 25, whether it be us or someone else he'll play AFL footy again. The system is setup where rookies can start their careers in their mid twenties and have an impact. I think at worst, this is what will happen. At best he'll come back for a big 2012. He has close mates at the club that will miss him and cheer him on when he gets back. I reckon the question of whether Bailey stays may hold the key here too. Lord knows he loves him.

Doesn't stop it being a very grave tragedy, of course. And I don't think anyone in or around MFC would begrudge his leave of absence. If they did, then they can get stuffed anyway. Footy isn't everything.

If he does not come back this year and play very good football (guaranteeing him a new contract), and if he wants to continue at the club, I would like to see the AFL enable Melbourne to move Wonaeamirri straight to the rookie list for next season without have to nominate for the draft on compassionate grounds.

Ramanaskaus-like?

Would be fair.

But even if he were to nominate for the draft so that we could rookie him, it'd be fairly clear to other teams he wouldn't be looking for a move, and such an unsolicited selection would likely kill off any chance of him returning.

I really hope so! But his duty to family and community could drag him back up there.

We've held on to players like Newton and Meeson, in the past for not much return. Maybe the MFC could work a new type of contract for Aussie, were he has some flexiblity for awhile.

Ahhh yes and here comes the insults.. Come on pal, lift your game, you commented on a thread you said had no point or value and you continue to insult all you come across, pretty clear who the tool is.

Artie "My way or else" Bucco at it again is he???

Bit Rich Artie...Poor Form..

We all miss Aussie....That photo of Jim and Mr Wonna is now iconic.

Touched us all in 2008 when this club was just starting to roll again.

So i hope Aussie plays with the MFC again, but if he can't do it i will totally understand.

That is pretty much what this thread represents....

Artie "My way or else" Bucco at it again is he???

Bit Rich Artie...Poor Form..

We all miss Aussie....That photo of Jim and Mr Wonna is now iconic.

Touched us all in 2008 when this club was just starting to roll again.

So i hope Aussie plays with the MFC again, but if he can't do it i will totally understand.

That is pretty much what this thread represents....

Yeah good post. I guess this is more about showing our support for Aussie as fans, no matter which path he chooses, than speculating about his future. Any news is always welcome too. Looking forward to hopefully seeing you back on the field soon Aus!

I am the walrus .

I am the walrus .

"No Donnie not THAT Lennon"

"No Donnie not THAT Lennon"

"Are we gonna split hairs here"

Whatever happens, Austin Wonaeamirri will always be welcome at the Melbourne Football Club.

I love Aussie as a player, and he is among my favourite to watch when in form. Sadly this has not been the case of the last 18 months or so, due to injury and personal tragedy etc.

I do not think he will be with the Demons for much longer, although I would be happy to be proven wrong. I think the pull of returning home to the Tiwi's and being with his family who are no doubt still mourning their losses will be too strong for Austin to stay at the Demons in the long term.

What are people's thoughts on this young guys future??

As much as I hate it I think Aussie and Liam Jurrah won't handle living in Melbourne for too long, they probably both will be gone in a couple of years

I am the walrus .

I thought you were the egg man!!!