TROY BROADBRIDGE DAY - 2013

[Demonland 67,016]

Boxing Day 2013 marks the 9th anniversary of the death of Melbourne's Troy Broadbridge at Phi Phi Island during the tsunami.

We commemorate his passing every year on Troy Broadbridge Day.

Troy Broadbridge: No. 20

Born: 5 October 1980

Recruited from Port Adelaide Magpies (SANFL)

Died: 26 December 2004, Thailand

Playing Career:

Debut Round 8, May 20, 2001, Melbourne vs. Essendon, at Melbourne Cricket Ground

Team: Melbourne (2001-2004)

40 games, 2 goals

Melbourne Most Improved Player 2001

Sandringham Premiership Team 2000 & 2004

Looking forward to your tributes.

[Demonland 67,016]

This was Whispering Jack's tribute to Troy on the first anniversary of his death:-

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE WITH TROY by Whispering Jack

Three hundred and sixty-five days ago the earth moved, the seas split and a wave was sent across the ocean leaving a trail of devastation that took with it a quarter of a million lives across two continents.

We were touched by the tragedy; we felt its sadness and then life went on. Soon after, we could have been forgiven for thinking that despite the enormity of the event, the world remained unchanged.

Seemingly, nothing did change our world in 2005. People still died whether by natural causes, by natural disasters like earthquakes, floods and hurricanes, by epidemics such as AIDS or by mans own hand everywhere on the planet but most notably in the deserts of Darfur, in the streets of Baghdad and even in the London Underground.

"Nothing's gonna change my world"

These are the words of the late John Lennon. Perhaps a single individual in a vast universe may feel that there is nothing he or she can do to change our world.

But we are not totally helpless - we can make a difference.

Trish Broadbridge, the Melbourne Football Club and friends proved this at Phi Phi Island - at the very place where their fallen husband and comrade Troy perished in the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004.

Their persistence and endeavour enabled the building of a school for the children of the devastated island - the finishing touches were applied with their own bare hands. That generations of young Thai children to come will benefit from their labour bears testament to the fact that all of us can make a difference.

We can change the world.

[Demonland 67,016]

And the lyrics of the song ...

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Lennon & McCartney

Words are flowing out like

Endless rain into a paper cup

They slither wildly as they slip away across the universe.

Pools of sorrow waves of joy

Are drifting through my opened mind

Possessing and caressing me.

Jai Guru Deva. Om

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Images of broken light, which

Dance before me like a million eyes,

They call me on and on across the universe.

Thoughts meander like a

Restless wind inside a letter box

They tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe.

Jai Guru Deva. Om

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Sounds of laughter, shades of life

Are ringing through my opened ears

Inciting and inviting me.

Limitless undying love, which

Shines around me like a million suns,

It calls me on and on across the universe

Jai Guru Deva. Om

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Nothing's gonna change my world

Jai Guru Deva.

Jai Guru Deva.

Jai Guru Deva.

Jai Guru Deva.

Jai Guru Deva.

Jai Guru Deva.

[Whispering_Jack 28,147]

It seems that the years are starting to dim some peoples' memories since I recall it was only a few years ago that the tributes for Troy would already be flowing in at this time. Perhaps, my message was right and that the world continues for the great mass of people no matter what disasters occur across the world whether they be natural like tsunamis and earthquakes, fire and flood or man made like the situation in Syria where 130,000 people including many children have been killed in a vicious civil war.

I still remember walking away from the Box Hill ground after a VFL game at the same time as Troy who had an injured knee at the time. He was friendly and cheerful and willing to talk footy to a stranger. He continues to be missed.

[hells bells 2,023]

I remember he was just starting to blossom as a player. His final game from memory was against the bombers in a final, and he finished the game on James Hird and played really well. The footage from the tsunami is still haunting and his death saving his new bride was the ultimate sacrifice. I know I had a tear in my eye round 1 the following year, as most did. Reminded us all that it is only a game.

RIP Troy Broadbridge #20

[stuie 7,374]

It always seems to be the normal ordinary blokes that are capable of the kind of sacrificial heroism that Troy will be remembered for.

The thoughts of Troy and Trisha, what they went through, what he did, and she has done since will always outweigh my memories of him as a player.

Both amazing people who have made the world better for their time here.

[Sir Why You Little 35,392]

R.I.P Big Red.

[What 18,810]

I loved Broady. Still cant believe he was lost in such circumstances.

I think people forget, or even realize at all (except for the most hardened MFC fans), that he was actually a damn solid player and was just cementing himself as a mainstay in the back six

Wonder how Trisha is doing these days? She was a brilliant girl.

[Moonshadow 16,661]

Trisha Silvers appointed chief of St Kilda Youth Service

Really top person by all accounts. Written a book about life after the tsunami 'Beyond the Wave'.

[whatwhat say what 20,543]

Was going to be a gem of a player.

Worked with his sis for a few years, big footy family.

Was sitting at the g - my first and thus far only experience of Boxing Day cricket - watching the Pakistanis do really well when the news came through about the tsunami. Little did we know just how devastating it was going to be.

Sorely missed.

[jumbo returns 6,619]

Met him at a footy day and he completely charmed all of my family.

A laconic disposition belied an amazing will to succeed and a combative spirit.

Huge kick, incredible pace and he was really starting to hit his straps.

As WYL said, RIP Big Red.

[1 red eye 1 blue eye 762]

Fantastic that Demonland does this, great work guys, he will always be remembered.

[dazzledavey36 49,919]

RIP broady.. that last Essendon game where he absolutely pansted hirdd was a favourite of mine. It was his best AFL game he played.

[Pates 9,566]

RIP Troy

[Barney Rubble 1,576]

I met him for the first time whilst he was serving behind the bar at the Bentleigh Club.

Just put his hand out grabbed mine and introduced himself.

A long lasting memory.

I also remember a game at the "G". Playing at CHB he grabbed the ball and let go with the most powerful low raking Drop Punt that hit neita lace out

in the forward pocket.

That same day he suffered the most horrific leg injury I have seen.

A lovely bloke with his life prematurely ended saving his wife.

R.I.P. Broady