Tragic news. Can't imagine what his family would be going through, my heart goes out to them.

He was a great kid who meant well. Made some mistakes but seemed like he was moving on with life, it's just heartbreaking.

Vale Colin.

I just hope it was quick and Col had little time to realize.....

One thing i do know aabout Col. 

He spent many hours in Hospitals making young kids smile. 

He had his problems, but he was loved by so many supporters, i have noticed today. 

So many photos of that big smile with different people on the internet today

There was a period where on his day he was up there with the best.

Such a sad day. RIP

Very sad. Far too young to go. RIP

1 hour ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Magic.  Sadly missed

Tragic.

There is often a price that is paid for those in the limelight. 

Young men have to cope with all the temptations and pressures of being a professional footballer.. Some are better equipped to handle it than others. 

Sometimes we look at professional sportsmen and think ""how good would it be"" to play and be paid for the sport that you love. How much better than normal paid employment..

Yet despite all the glamour, they have to deal with the vicissitudes of such a life. 

Colin has attracted a lot of comment and scrutiny. Others fall by the wayside with gambling, depression, alcohol related problems. Others end up with mental health problems that no one other than their immediate families know about. 

I have just been in the local supermarket and the proprietor talked to me about the problems that his son faced when he was axed from an AFL list. Despite all the warm and fuzzy things we hear about club assistance, he was unceremoniously dumped by a phone call, without follow-up or contact from the club. His sense of failure and disappointment was so great that he became depressed and suicidal.

So with the glamour and hype comes a cost, and often you have to wonder if it all worth it. 

For some there is no doubt that the gains outweigh the negatives, but for others not so. 

From all reports Colin had some very good human qualities. He will be sadly missed by his family and close friends.

And the highlights shown on this thread, show what a gifted footballer he was. And it is these recollections and the courtesy and kindness that he showed to many individuals that should be remembered.  

4 hours ago, jnrmac said:

Sylvia

Stynes

Bailey

Broadbridge

Wight

Flower

M Young

This club has WAY too many players who depart this life before their time. Don't know if its cursed or what but we need to win a flag to put an end to this....

 

Unfortunately I don't know that winning a flag will end the curse as such, but I'm pretty sure that when we do win one, these guys will be remembered and celebrated as valuable parts of the journey.

Soo sad.  Rest in peace Col.  Gone, but not forgotten.

Every heart beats true for the red and blue.

Like most of us he had his positives and his negatives 

I doubt that any player has made a Melbourne jumper look better 

His good looks and incredible build did us proud

Glad to hear so many praise his friendly manner with fans and his many hospital visits that had real positive effect on many

 

 

[censored] news

 

6 hours ago, Trisul said:

Rest in peace Col.

 

I feel like I have lost a close friend.

I woke up sad this morning, then remembered last nights news.  Didn't want to get out of bed.  I'm feeling this loss.

 R.I.P.  Col_

 

My heartfelt condolences to the Sylvia family & loved ones.

.

This stings.

We all have our views on players. We like to argue and get heated over it. Sometimes we’re bloody harsh about it too - we’re passionate football fans after all.

That all goes out the window and seems so petty when this happens. All I see is a bloke I can identify, who is about my age, who has had his time cut terribly short. The idea that in your 30s your best years could be behind you and what lies ahead is absolutely nothing is sobering.

I recently dealt with the death of a mate and the impact it had on his family is indescribable. The football world can offer an enormous support network; I hope Colin’s family has access to it. They are going to need all they can get. I am gutted for them.

Vale Colin.

At his best, Col was a prodigious talent.  Gone too soon of course.  I wish his family and friends, peace and time, as they mourn his loss.

Requiescat in Pace Col.

 

Round 1 2019

black arm bands with number 12 on it

retire #12 jumper for the 2019 year 

So shocked and deeply saddened.

I always thought of Col as 'Mr Excitement'. He could produce seriously brilliant football when he was on song.

My thoughts go out to his family and former teammates. RIP Col.

39 minutes ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Round 1 2019

black arm bands with number 12 on it

retire #12 jumper for the 2019 year 

Good thoughts Norm. Hope it happens.

RIP Colin, thoughts and prayers with your family and friends 

1 hour ago, Nasher said:

This stings.

We all have our views on players. We like to argue and get heated over it. Sometimes we’re bloody harsh about it too - we’re passionate football fans after all.

That all goes out the window and seems so petty when this happens. All I see is a bloke I can identify, who is about my age, who has had his time cut terribly short. The idea that in your 30s your best years could be behind you and what lies ahead is absolutely nothing is sobering.

I recently dealt with the death of a mate and the impact it had on his family is indescribable. The football world can offer an enormous support network; I hope Colin’s family has access to it. They are going to need all they can get. I am gutted for them.

Vale Colin.

Fine words.

Balance is restored for us when something like this happens.

For all the harsh words and comments leveled at others, their lives are important. 

For Colin and all those Demons who have sadly made their final journey, their spirit lives on in the red and blue jumper that we love so much.

He will always remain part of the rich tapestry that is our footy club.

I'd actually like to see someone wear the number 12 in honour of Col next year. Perhaps someone like Jones, who played with Col.

6 minutes ago, Leoncelli_36 said:

I'd actually like to see someone wear the number 12 in honour of Col next year. Perhaps someone like Jones, who played with Col.

Yep. Keep the number on the field. The memories are closer that way....

Just horrible news....I saw him a couple of times up in the Redlegs area after he retired from Freo he was a very friendly guy, loved a chat and a beer and was happy to engage with any fans who wanted to say gday....he obviously still loved the Demons too 

So sad ,good bloke who got on the wrong tram sometimes (we all do)saw him play at the start and reminded me of RDB bursting through packs and players ,he would fit in to our current team and give that spark when needed.Different enviorment at mfc now may have made a difference.R.I.P COLIN

2 hours ago, Nasher said:

This stings.

We all have our views on players. We like to argue and get heated over it. Sometimes we’re bloody harsh about it too - we’re passionate football fans after all.

That all goes out the window and seems so petty when this happens. All I see is a bloke I can identify, who is about my age, who has had his time cut terribly short. The idea that in your 30s your best years could be behind you and what lies ahead is absolutely nothing is sobering.

I recently dealt with the death of a mate and the impact it had on his family is indescribable. The football world can offer an enormous support network; I hope Colin’s family has access to it. They are going to need all they can get. I am gutted for them.

Vale Colin.

well said Nasher. 

Lucky he was made a life member before this happened, stuff all those that said he did not deserve it, I was always  protective of col, was struck down with op at 17, he was one of those types who got hurt  a lot Early in his career. Rip 

What a player this guy could have been.

had a few issues outside of footy but I remember a couple of years ago we got smashed and my little boy was sitting up on level two looking all sad. Colin came up to him and said don’t worry little man, better days are coming and gave him a hug. My boy had no clue who he was but I told him about Colin and that he use to play for the Dees. Was lovely 

Edited October 29, 20186 yr by armstrong35