TROY BROADBRIDGE DAY - 26 DECEMBER

[Demonland 73,266]

Tomorrow is the day we remember the passing of hundreds of thousands of people in the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004. Melbourne footballer Troy Broadbridge was one of them.

Whispering Jack wrote the following tribute on the day in 2005, exactly one year after. It still fits the memory of our red haired defender ...

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE 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.

Please post your respectful tributes here.

[Grapeviney 9,881]

It must be really hard for his family at this time of year.

[Redleg 41,737]

Very disappointing to read in an article the other day, that Troy's parents and Tricia are estranged.

They said that it had to do with the book Tricia wrote the next year after his death.

They said their hearts were still open to Tricia.

Hopefully they can all get over their issues and reunite.

[gsmith12 491]

Tomorrow is the day we remember the passing of hundreds of thousands of people in the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004. Melbourne footballer Troy Broadbridge was one of them.

Whispering Jack wrote the following tribute on the day in 2005, exactly one year after. It still fits the memory of our red haired defender ...

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE 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.

Please post your respectful tributes here.

Could we ever forget? Two very close family members of mine were lucky to get away with their lives at Khao Lak which was wiped out in that terrible event.

Troy was such a decent young guy who was making a footy name for himself and had the makings of an elite footballer.

Another in a long list of quality players who for various reasons have been lost to the club during the past few decades.

RIP Troy.

[dee-luded 2,959]

R.I.P. TB

[Longsufferingnomore 1,653]

Very disappointing to read in an article the other day, that Troy's parents and Tricia are estranged.

They said that it had to do with the book Tricia wrote the next year after his death.

They said their hearts were still open to Tricia.

Hopefully they can all get over their issues and reunite.

Troys parents are wonderful people and despite living interstate are thoroughly supportive of the Club. They attend the B&F every year which must be a difficult event as it would bring back memories of a very cherished son and the circumstances of his passing.

[Good Times Grimes 2,396]

I remember taking my young cousin to a footy clinic run by the MFC, and Troy was in charge of his age group's session. He was so kind and caring with the kids and you could just tell that he was a ripping bloke. I only ever spoke to him the once, but I can't help but think about him every year at this time. His final act was the most noble thing that anyone could do-- he sacrificed his life for somebody that he loved.

RIP Troy. Gone but never forgotten.

[Sir Why You Little 37,241]

10 years since The Big Red Fire Engine left us

Having spent a lot of time in Thailand and Asia over many years

I always take my footy jumper with me and wear it at least once in honour of Troy and all who died that day in 2004.

Many people who worked at the Phuket beach i knew from a holiday in '99 would have been taken as was the hotel i stayed in.

Live in the now. Tomorrow may not be....

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

I still remember his first game where the history books show he kicked a goal with his first kick, when in reality it was his second kick because despite shanking it the Essendon player moved over the mark so he got a second chance.

That in many ways sums up his career, a player who wasn't pretty but took his chances and through hard work became a regular in the Melbourne 22.

I can't believe it's been ten years, rest in peace, Troy.

[Uncle Fester 2,848]

Ten years later and words still fail me.

[What 18,810]

Cant believe this was 10 years ago

I still remember the first footage coming in of the tsunami hitting the land, I thought it was a movie at first.

Broady was an underrated footy player, he was cementing his spot in the best 22 prior to this tragedy and he played well in the Elimination final vs Essendope.. the last game he played

Anyone know what Trisha is up to these days? Hope she is doing well

[dees189227 12,439]

Cant believe this was 10 years ago

I still remember the first footage coming in of the tsunami hitting the land, I thought it was a movie at first.

Broady was an underrated footy player, he was cementing his spot in the best 22 prior to this tragedy and he played well in the Elimination final vs Essendope.. the last game he played

Anyone know what Trisha is up to these days? Hope she is doing well

Yeah Trisha has got engaged and is CEO of stkilda youth service.

[Bobby McKenzie 2,393]

I will always remember the heartfelt emotions of our boys when they demolished the Bombers in Troy's Tribute match. They played for Troy that day.