Just attended a business breakfast that David Schwarz spoke at, and wow... he was far more articulate than he is on radio and TV.

He had the whole room's full attention for 45 minutes telling his remarkable story. Most of the talk was around his gambling addiction, and most of it was in his book but it is so much more powerful hearing it in person.

Many of you will have heard or read most of this, but I find some of it quite amazing (the good and bad).

Some points:

- Daniher's reaction to Schwarta suggesting he may retire after whacking Andrew Welsh. Verbatim: "Good, f$%^ off."

- Regrets getting his teammates mixed up with the wrong crowd, mafia etc.

- Regrets only having three mates from Melbourne days - Garry Lyon, Woey and Riggers.

- Talked about his education - has a Science degree from Deakin and a masters in marketing from Melbourne. Didn't know this. But he said any AFL player that finishes their career without a tertiary qualification is a "stupid dhead".

- Freo offered him $1.4M at the end of '93 or '94. He took this offer to Melbourne and they matched it. $700K over the table, $700K in a paper bag. But we knew this. Played 17 out of the possible 88 games and got paid the whole lot, but such is the story - blew it all.

He really has turned it all around with the support of his family, namely his Mum and wife Karen. Owns half of his Camberwell home worth $2.5M and his house at Barwon Heads.

I went up to him afterwards and just said thanks for the playing highlights, something that gets overlooked in his story. Although he didn't reach the Wayne Carey pre knee heights he was a great player for the club. I think he still has regrets on his playing days, but taking into account his injuries he achieved a lot.

He said he still doesn't feel comfortable with going back to the club, which is disappointing.

Although he admits to being a real jerk back then, you can't help but like the fella now!

Edited June 21, 201213 yr by David Williamson

Thanks for sharing DW.

DW

Saw your thread title over at Ology, was hoping you would post it on here!

Credit to him, his wife and mum for turning things around.

It's a shame he doesn't feel like he doesn't belong at the Club for the moment, hopefully that will over time. He's a valuable asset for us to have in the media, where majority of the footyheads wouldn't give the dees the time of day, it's good to have him 'spruiking' the MFC.

Seems like a genuinely humble and nice great bloke now, IMO probably a result of what his been through.

thanks for sharing.

cheers

He said he still doesn't feel comfortable with going back to the club, which is disappointing.

Although he admits to being a real jerk back then, you can't help but like the fella now!

Thanks DW. That parts really upsetting. He is and always will be a champion of the club. The Ox has a voice that we need to utilize. Hopefully this can be fixed.

what a legend

Shame he doesn't feel comfortable back at the club, because he still follows the club closely and his passion for the Dees on SEN is clearly evident.

what a legend

[media=]

God he had some talent

Apart from Robbie Flower, probably my next favourite Dees player ever. Strength, skill, aggression, arrogance, and a decent touch of mongrel about him. I still believe he would have been equal to Carey if not for injury and gambling. He was an outstanding kick and his pack marking hasn't been equalled at MFC since he left.

And he is not alone as a great player who team-mates didn't like. Lots of great footballers are, or have been, horrible people. John Nicholls, Leigh Matthews and Wayne Carey come to mind.

I hope he finds his way back to the club and that ex-team mates can forgive and move on. There are probably some genuine feelings against him by past players but these conflicts can be healed and resolved. Strange they weren't during Jimmy's time as President.

Edited June 21, 201213 yr by Maldonboy38

Briliant, 'Schwarta' !!!

Shame he doesn't feel comfortable back at the club, because he still follows the club closely and his passion for the Dees on SEN is clearly evident.

I get the feeling he's coming around to it.

Got a signed jumper by him in 95 was my fave next to Robbie as well.

Devastated when he had his injuries, and always believed he would have been one of the greats.

Edited June 21, 201213 yr by DeeZee

DW

Saw your thread title over at Ology, was hoping you would post it on here!

Credit to him, his wife and mum for turning things around.

It's a shame he doesn't feel like he doesn't belong at the Club for the moment, hopefully that will over time. He's a valuable asset for us to have in the media, where majority of the footyheads wouldn't give the dees the time of day, it's good to have him 'spruiking' the MFC.

Seems like a genuinely humble and nice great bloke now, IMO probably a result of what his been through.

thanks for sharing.

cheers

Stinga, I don't listen to his radio show, so can you please tell me honestly that he is a spruiker of the MFC? The last time I saw/heard Schwarz in the media was when Sheedy was last year on the Sunday morning show (AFL Game Day), Sheedy (being Sheedy) made some comment about who would want to coach Melbourne (or similar), and Schwarz sat back and kept his mouth shut. He was also the only ex-player that I heard/read that said Scully was going (the old "98% sure" comment), while the rest of the Club wanted us to believe that they believed he was staying. Schwarz the media personality was stronger than Schwarz the ex-MFC player, and didn't name his source. He had the opportunity to put pressure on Scully by naming his source, but instead, kept his mouth shut and we had that black cloud hang over us for the remainder of that season.

Don't get me wrong, I loved The Ox as a player, and am glad he has got his sh!t together offield. He is obviously doing well from the media, but there are not too many that can juggle the media game with gettin ginvolved with a football club.

This post is not intended to stir the pot, I sincerely want to see Schwarz back at the Club, as well as pumping us up in the media.

He said he still doesn't feel comfortable with going back to the club, which is disappointing.

did he say why ?

whatever the case may be, you can't fault his honesty since hanging up the boots.. he pulled no punches in his book, and I got to admit, I was quite shocked how forthright he was in admitting that there were some matches where he could hardly concentrate and the only thing on his mind was the punt

pretty much agree with MaldonBoy too - Schwarz is one of the best i have ever seen (I still wear no.5 on my back) and I think he was on his way to Carey-esque heights when he did his knee.

anyone who doubts this need only watch his last three pre-knee matches (leaving aside the WC loss over there which finished our '94 season). he booted 9.0 against Sydney at the SCG in round 22, turned the first final around against the Blues a week later, and then helped Garry demolish the Dogs the following week with an exhilerating game in the semi

did he say why ?

Reading between the lines, it was due to the instability he feels he caused when introducing his teammates to some bad eggs (3 now dead, 1 in jail and 1 out of jail and laying low). Thinks it had something to do with the form collapse in 2001.

Stinga, I don't listen to his radio show, so can you please tell me honestly that he is a spruiker of the MFC? The last time I saw/heard Schwarz in the media was when Sheedy was last year on the Sunday morning show (AFL Game Day), Sheedy (being Sheedy) made some comment about who would want to coach Melbourne (or similar), and Schwarz sat back and kept his mouth shut. He was also the only ex-player that I heard/read that said Scully was going (the old "98% sure" comment), while the rest of the Club wanted us to believe that they believed he was staying. Schwarz the media personality was stronger than Schwarz the ex-MFC player, and didn't name his source. He had the opportunity to put pressure on Scully by naming his source, but instead, kept his mouth shut and we had that black cloud hang over us for the remainder of that season.

Don't get me wrong, I loved The Ox as a player, and am glad he has got his sh!t together offield. He is obviously doing well from the media, but there are not too many that can juggle the media game with gettin ginvolved with a football club.

This post is not intended to stir the pot, I sincerely want to see Schwarz back at the Club, as well as pumping us up in the media.

Definitely valid points about the scully and sheedy stuff. I listen to his radio show fairly frequently and this year he has been alot more outspoken and supportive of the club. He was quick to shut down David King and got right behind the football department when the players were not putting in. You could hear there was some real passion behind his words.

He MC'd the B&F a few years ago so I wonder what's changed around the Club that he doesn't feel comfortable going back now.

Thanks David, great story, a real shame about players being disenfranchised and no long term friendships.

Junior , Brucey ,Woey, and Millsy just a few examples.

Would rarely ever happen at Collingwood or Geelong, that an ex player would not be comfortable.

We have a long way to go in regards to being a club.

Stinga, I don't listen to his radio show, so can you please tell me honestly that he is a spruiker of the MFC? The last time I saw/heard Schwarz in the media was when Sheedy was last year on the Sunday morning show (AFL Game Day), Sheedy (being Sheedy) made some comment about who would want to coach Melbourne (or similar), and Schwarz sat back and kept his mouth shut. He was also the only ex-player that I heard/read that said Scully was going (the old "98% sure" comment), while the rest of the Club wanted us to believe that they believed he was staying. Schwarz the media personality was stronger than Schwarz the ex-MFC player, and didn't name his source. He had the opportunity to put pressure on Scully by naming his source, but instead, kept his mouth shut and we had that black cloud hang over us for the remainder of that season.

Don't get me wrong, I loved The Ox as a player, and am glad he has got his sh!t together offield. He is obviously doing well from the media, but there are not too many that can juggle the media game with gettin ginvolved with a football club.

This post is not intended to stir the pot, I sincerely want to see Schwarz back at the Club, as well as pumping us up in the media.

Billy2803

Understand your not trying to stir it.

To be honest I have only really noticed this year, hence why I said something. Previous years I thought past players like Schwarta, Lyon etc have just sat on the fence and haven't gone into bat for MFC as hard as I liked (I could be hard to please), but I've just noticed this year that DS for one is starting to be a bit more of an MFC voice, couple of instances recently have got my attention:

As andrewlamprill37 alluded too, giving King a couple of whacks on is show in response to the MFC should sack the Coach comment;

Giving the MFC players are spray after one of more disappointing losses (swans game I think) was another time;

He had sheedy on his program as recently as monday just gone and queries him on why is he "giving the MFC a hard time", subsequently after Sheedy got off the line, DS joked "he's (Sheedy) still dirty on not getting the MFC Coaching role" etc;

Implored MFC fans to get to the game and supporters we'll be giving Scully hell come Sunday.

Just a couple of instances recently where IMO I thought he's standing up/supporting the Club.

Re not naming his source, he wasn't alone then. But, maybe that's one of the reasons why he feels uncomfortable about returning to the Club. On one hand doing the job he's paid to do, on the other hand, contradicting what the Club believed on the other.

cheers

Good yarn DW, thanks for sharing.

I think it's clearly evident the OX has changed a lot over the years. Seems to genuinely care about people and I think it shines through in the way he handles callers on his drive time radio program.

People can change and he's a testament to that.

Stinga, I don't listen to his radio show, so can you please tell me honestly that he is a spruiker of the MFC? The last time I saw/heard Schwarz in the media was when Sheedy was last year on the Sunday morning show (AFL Game Day), Sheedy (being Sheedy) made some comment about who would want to coach Melbourne (or similar), and Schwarz sat back and kept his mouth shut. He was also the only ex-player that I heard/read that said Scully was going (the old "98% sure" comment), while the rest of the Club wanted us to believe that they believed he was staying. Schwarz the media personality was stronger than Schwarz the ex-MFC player, and didn't name his source. He had the opportunity to put pressure on Scully by naming his source, but instead, kept his mouth shut and we had that black cloud hang over us for the remainder of that season.

Don't get me wrong, I loved The Ox as a player, and am glad he has got his sh!t together offield. He is obviously doing well from the media, but there are not too many that can juggle the media game with gettin ginvolved with a football club.

This post is not intended to stir the pot, I sincerely want to see Schwarz back at the Club, as well as pumping us up in the media.

No journo worth their salt is going to give up a source Bill. And I don't think you're looking deeply enough at the effect that "98%" comment had on the Scully proceedings. It really flushed things out into the open. An argument could be made that it put a whole hell of a lot of pressure on Scully and was the very start of the process that saw us gain the maximum in compensation picks from the AFL. Who's to say Ox's 'source' wasn't someone intimately involved with the MFC? We'll never know but it's entirely possible that it was. Cam Schwab was on air on SEN mighty quick after that 'revelation' came out. Think about that.

Thanks David, great story, a real shame about players being disenfranchised and no long term friendships.

Junior , Brucey ,Woey, and Millsy just a few examples.

Would rarely ever happen at Collingwood or Geelong, that an ex player would not be comfortable.

We have a long way to go in regards to being a club.

It happens at all clubs, sporting or otherwise, for various reasons. It's called the folly of human relationships.

Time heals most wounds and I'm sure everyone at the MFC would love to see the big OX have more of a presence at the club.

Can you tell I'm a huge fan?

Edited June 21, 201213 yr by Rogue

Anyone who heard Ox interview Tom Scully after he left for GWS would applaud him for calling Scummy out. He is still the ONLY media person I have heard to call him a liar (not with that exact word) and when challenged by the little Weasil he even offered to give up his source in private. I would imagine it would therefore be someone TS knows.

You could feel the discomfort from the Scummy side of the interview. Ox had months of calls from Melbourne supporters sweating on his decision leading up to it and he knew the truth even though no one wanted to blieve it. You could tell that OX was fithy on him for the way he'd lead us all up the garden path.

I hope the Ox can feel welcome again soon at the MFC. We need him & he needs the club.

...

No journo worth their salt is going to give up a source Bill. And I don't think you're looking deeply enough at the effect that "98%" comment had on the Scully proceedings. It really flushed things out into the open. An argument could be made that it put a whole hell of a lot of pressure on Scully and was the very start of the process that saw us gain the maximum in compensation picks from the AFL. Who's to say Ox's 'source' wasn't someone intimately involved with the MFC? We'll never know but it's entirely possible that it was. Cam Schwab was on air on SEN mighty quick after that 'revelation' came out. Think about that...

...Can you tell I'm a huge fan?

.

Any excuses for allowing Sheedy to slate us with no retaliation?

You love The Ox, good for you, and you will see the good in everything he does. I loved The Ox, but was disappointed with his form last year, and wouldn't be surprised if some within the Club felt the same. However, they may feel the same as you. None of us will ever know, so it will always be your opinion and my opinion.

Anyone who heard Ox interview Tom Scully after he left for GWS would applaud him for calling Scummy out. He is still the ONLY media person I have heard to call him a liar (not with that exact word) and when challenged by the little Weasil he even offered to give up his source in private. I would imagine it would therefore be someone TS knows.

You could feel the discomfort from the Scummy side of the interview. Ox had months of calls from Melbourne supporters sweating on his decision leading up to it and he knew the truth even though no one wanted to blieve it. You could tell that OX was fithy on him for the way he'd lead us all up the garden path.

How can you say this? Everyone called him a liar (not with that exact word) except for RPFC and me! I don't know 1 media personality that did believe him. Any journo that wrote an article saying that he is leaving are bascially calling him a liar, as he told the media that he hadn't been approached by GWS.

.

Any excuses for allowing Sheedy to slate us with no retaliation?

You love The Ox, good for you, and you will see the good in everything he does. I loved The Ox, but was disappointed with his form last year, and wouldn't be surprised if some within the Club felt the same. However, they may feel the same as you. None of us will ever know, so it will always be your opinion and my opinion.

Why should the Ox name his source??

He may have been told in confidence. I am sure the club knew just as much. Hence $cully not playing much in 2011.

Gee Bluey the change of scenery has cheered you up.Thats your most positive post in years!!!!! Graeme would be proud of you..................Meanwhile it would be great to see the Nureyev of footy back in the fold. .......Good post DW..I.didnt know about how heavy Schartas problems were