Jump to content

Melbournefc's approach to Conditioning



Recommended Posts

And finally, it looks like Bertolacci was with the Northern Knights last year, doesn't say what he's doing now... or at least I can't be bothered reading it all properly

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Anyway, here is a bit of info into what happened with Bertolacci and what the cats said, if anyone cares...

http://www.theage.com.au/cgi-bin/common/po...4198378280.html

Basically they accused him of providing a detailed dossier of Geelong players to rival clubs, detailed strengths & weaknesses.

The business of providing player dossiers and the like happened after Bertolacci was sacked, not before.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well given that he launched legal action against the club for wrongful dismissal, it's fair to say that he was sacked. ;)

And I doubt that the people who made the decision to sack him were physical training experts either. Like most of us on this forum, they make assessments based on observations and end results. If you try to quantify everything, you end up finding excuses for people, and nothing changes.

Mo,

I think Shaft's explanation and news article identifies the sacking of the fitness adviser for breach of confidentiality not the quality of his fitness program. If Geelong's allegation is true then Bertolacci has done his professional career irreparable damage.

Any proof to back up your statement undeeniable?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No problems. However there are posters who cant see why MFC members dont get full disclosure on the extent of MFC player injuries!!!

Yeah I know - More fuel for the fire - Members, opposition and media.

I suppose the benefits of doing this outweigh the downside - That being members, opposition and media seeing how well we are doing (genuinely)

Not disclosing injuries is being somewhat dishonest in that context, and that inevitably comes back to bite you (downside)

I especially feel for the players, who must endure hidden injuries throughout the year, without any public awareness of what may be affecting their performance.

In some cases recently, it has lead to some players careers being questioned because of it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Mo,

I think Shaft's explanation and news article identifies the sacking of the fitness adviser for breach of confidentiality not the quality of his fitness program. If Geelong's allegation is true then Bertolacci has done his professional career irreparable damage.

Any proof to back up your statement undeeniable?

Based on my recollection of events, Bertolacci was accused of all sorts of ineptitude at the time relating to his management of the fitness of the players. There were other unsavoury rumours doing the rounds but nothing relating to breach of confidence. After Bertolacci was sacked, Geelong accused him of hawking around player dossiers although this did seem to have the whiff of [censored] for tat about it as it followed the legal action instituted by Bertolacci.

The article in the link provided by Shaft would appear to support my recollections.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

...but not by the people who have the full story, and they're the ones that make the decisions.

True, and I was referring to the impact that it has on them mentally by enduring media and supporter pressure - not actually having their career cut short.

Having said that, surely the lack of disclosure in some way tarnishes their image in the game in general, and in turn their currency?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

True, and I was referring to the impact that it has on them mentally by copping media and supporter abuse - not actually having their career cut short.

Having said that, surely that lack of disclosure in some way tarnishes their image in the game in general, and in turn their currency?

Agree with Rogue on this. I dont think it is any benefit releasing sensitive and confidential information on a player's well being. If a footballer was that worried about supporter abuse then they would not play the game.

Thanks undeeniable for verification of your position. The whole thing seems murky.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agree with Rogue on this. I dont think it is any benefit releasing sensitive and confidential information on a player's well being. If a footballer was that worried about supporter abuse then they would not play the game.

Thanks undeeniable for verification of your position. The whole thing seems murky.

Yes, and all I'm saying is I feel for them, and their predicament. No disputing that the information must stay confidential, because that's what the game's come to.

Put yourself in their shoes - knowing that you can't tell people you have an injury, when you are being forced to play and performing crap. It's easy to say that when it doesn't affect you.

Oh Sorry I forgot....Their payed professionals and they need to just get over it. No wonder they get into all sorts of rebellious type behaviour IMO.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, and all I'm saying is I feel for them, and their predicament. No disputing that the information must stay confidential, because that's what the game's come to.

Put yourself in their shoes - knowing that you can't tell people you have an injury, when you are being forced to play and performing crap. It's easy to say that when it doesn't affect you.

How do you know they are being forced to play??

One of the challenges of being an AFL footballer is putting yourself open to adulation, scrutiny and criticism both on the field and off the field. All three aspects intrude significantly on normal life. For all the gloss and high pay its crap life that frequently leaves you crippled by the time you are forty. However if they want to play AFL footy then it goes with the territory and they need to get used to it or choose another profession.

I am not sure why there should be full disclosure of their medical position and given the rights of privacy a player has. And they seemed to be limited these days.

BTW, your last sentence undermines your more sensible contributions to date. However I will keep your views in mind when Daniel Kerr jumps on a car bonnet or arranges another pharmaceutical trade or a team uncovers a budding Laurence Angwin or Karl Norman. They obviously must be carrying an injury!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

How do you know they are being forced to play??

One of the challenges of being an AFL footballer is putting yourself open to adulation, scrutiny and criticism both on the field and off the field. All three aspects intrude significantly on normal life. For all the gloss and high pay its crap life that frequently leaves you crippled by the time you are forty. However if they want to play AFL footy then it goes with the territory and they need to get used to it or choose another profession.

I am not sure why there should be full disclosure of their medical position and given the rights of privacy a player has. And they seemed to be limited these days.

BTW, your last sentence undermines your more sensible contributions to date. However I will keep your views in mind when Daniel Kerr jumps on a car bonnet or arranges another pharmaceutical trade or a team uncovers a budding Laurence Angwin or Karl Norman. They obviously must be carrying an injury!

Exaggerations and taking points completely out context are obviously your forte. I suppose the same could be said for your last sentence - Get some perspective

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Having said that, surely the lack of disclosure in some way tarnishes their image in the game in general, and in turn their currency?

It might mean they're less prominent on the footy fan's 'best 22' thread, but I don't think it's going to impact on their 'currency' much in the eyes of people who make decisions, no.

It would be frustrating on a personal level though, yeah. Just another one of those things that comes with being a pro sport player - how you deal with the variety of stressors.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It might mean they're less prominent on the footy fan's 'best 22' thread, but I don't think it's going to impact on their 'currency' much in the eyes of people who make decisions, no.

It would be frustrating on a personal level though, yeah. Just another one of those things that comes with being a pro sport player - how you deal with the variety of stressors.

Are you meaning those who make decisions solely from within the Melbournefc, or other AFL clubs as well?

Do you think clubs get much access to medical records from other clubs in the scheme of things? Would they disclose the whole box and dice if they were trading a player for instance, in order to get a deal over the line, and prove why a player’s performance may have been affected?

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Are you meaning those who make decisions solely from within the Melbournefc, or other AFL clubs as well?

Do you think clubs get much access to medical records from other clubs in the scheme of things? Would they disclose the whole box and dice if they were trading a player for instance, in order to get a deal over the line, and prove why a player’s performance may have been affected?

if i was trading for a player and had reason to believe there may be a med problem you would demand full inspection of records. actually if i was trading for a fully fit player i would demand inspection of their med records. and i would have my doctors go over each player as well. im sure that is what happens.

and RE playing injured. there is a similar chance to a pro afl player carrying a niggling injury as there is an amature or lower level pro playing with an injury. ask people who have played vfl or ammos. or even other sports such as rugby. alot of these players carry stuff all season. if anything the afl players are in a better boat because they get the benefit of medico assistance, ie physio, massage, proper recover, modified training programs etc. they also dont have to front up to work mon-fri like the rest of us, but can spend their time doing appropriate rehab stuff and exercises to repair and prevent future problems. they get paid to keep their body in the best shape they can, they dont have to do it on their night off.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Are you meaning those who make decisions solely from within the Melbournefc, or other AFL clubs as well?

Do you think clubs get much access to medical records from other clubs in the scheme of things? Would they disclose the whole box and dice if they were trading a player for instance, in order to get a deal over the line, and prove why a player’s performance may have been affected?

Firstly, my comment was in response to the following:

I especially feel for the players, who must endure hidden injuries throughout the year, without any public awareness of what may be affecting their performance.

In some cases recently, it has lead to some players careers being questioned because of it.

To reiterate, hidden injuries haven't led to players careers being questioned by those who make the decisions - those at the Club itself. Fans, media perhaps, sure.

Moving on to the second part of your question, that of other Clubs, you're certainly correct in asserting that it's not in a Club's best interests to give opponents information on medical history etc.

However, I'm sure there are some AFL rules/legal issues involved regarding disclosure - I recall an issue re: disclosure of the Kangaroos & Hay's depression - and Clubs have players checked out by their own medical staff. I also imagine that there aren't too many secrets in footy, even if your average punter doesn't hear about them all.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

However, I'm sure there are some AFL rules/legal issues involved regarding disclosure - I recall an issue re: disclosure of the Kangaroos & Hay's depression - and Clubs have players checked out by their own medical staff. I also imagine that there aren't too many secrets in footy, even if your average punter doesn't hear about them all.

OK - So there is a potential, that a player's "currency" can be affected in the broader AFL community (clubs only), by to the lack of medical disclosure. Players own club not included - Agree? Yes/ No?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The AFL is the only football body that plays ducks and drakes when it comes to disclosing player injuries. And to my knowledge, it all started when Sheedy became coach of Essendon.

In the NFL, full disclosure of player injuries is mandatory. The NRL clubs name their teams on the Tuesday. The advantage of not disclosing player injuries is beyond me.

I also find it immoral that the AFL receives money from the turnover of some betting agencies, yet allows clubs to make last minute changes without penalty.

And btw Rhino, undeeniable is spot on with his sequence of events re Loris Bertolacci. The alleged disclosure of intellectual property came after he was sacked.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Firstly, my comment was in response to the following:

To reiterate, hidden injuries haven't led to players careers being questioned by those who make the decisions - those at the Club itself. Fans, media perhaps, sure.

Moving on to the second part of your question, that of other Clubs, you're certainly correct in asserting that it's not in a Club's best interests to give opponents information on medical history etc.

However, I'm sure there are some AFL rules/legal issues involved regarding disclosure - I recall an issue re: disclosure of the Kangaroos & Hay's depression - and Clubs have players checked out by their own medical staff. I also imagine that there aren't too many secrets in footy, even if your average punter doesn't hear about them all.

There are also Privacy laws which would prevent the issue or use of such information without the permission of the player involved. Its not an area of law that an AFL club would want to become a test case for. Does anyone know what the AFL Players Association attitude is to this?

While Hay had some problems at Hawthorn and not viewed as the sharpest tool in the shed, can anyone substantiate that Hay's diagnosis of depression was known by the Club at the time of his transfer? If it was known the AFL football grapevine would have disseminated it pretty quickly

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    DRUBBING by Meggs

    With Casey Fields basking in sunshine, an enthusiastic throng of young Demons fans formed a guard of honour for the evergreen and much admired 75-gamer Paxy Paxman. As the home team ran out to play, Paxy’s banner promised that the Demons would bounce back from last week’s loss to Brisbane and reign supreme.   Disappointingly, the Kangaroos dominated the match to win by 50 points, but our Paxy certainly did her bit.  She was clearly our best player, sweeping well in defence.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 4

    GARNER STRENGTH by Meggs

    In keeping with our tough draw theme, Week 3 sees Melbourne take on flag favourites, North Melbourne, at Casey Fields this Sunday at 1:05pm.  The weather forecast looks dry, a coolish 14 degrees and will be characteristically gusty.  Remember when Casey Fields was considered our fortress?  The Demons have lost two of their past three matches at the Field of Dreams, so opposition teams commute down the Princes Highway with more optimism these days.  The Dees held the highe

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 1

    ALLY’S FIELDS by Meggs

    It was a sunny morning at Casey Fields, as Demon supporters young and old formed a guard of honour for fan favourite and 50-gamer Alyssa Bannan.  Banno’s banner stated the speedster was the ‘fastest 50 games’ by an AFLW player ever.   For Dees supporters, today was not our day and unfortunately not for Banno either. A couple of opportunities emerged for our number 6 but alas there was no sizzle.   Brisbane atoned for last week’s record loss to North Melbourne, comprehensively out

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 1

    GOOD MORNING by Meggs

    If you are driving or training it to Cranbourne on Saturday, don’t forget to set your alarm clock. The Melbourne Demons play the reigning premiers Brisbane Lions at Casey Fields this Saturday, with the bounce of the ball at 11:05am.  Yes, that’s AM.   The AFLW fixture shows deference to the AFL men’s finals games.  So, for the men it’s good afternoon and good evening and for the women it’s good morning.     The Lions were wounded last week by 44 points, their highest ever los

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 3

    HORE ON FIRE by Meggs

    The 40,000 seat $319 million redeveloped Kardinia Park Stadium was nowhere near capacity last night but the strong, noisy contingent of Melbourne supporters led by the DeeArmy journeyed to Geelong to witness a high-quality battle between two of the best teams in AFLW.   The Cats entered the arena to the blasting sounds of Zombie Nation and made a hot start kicking the first 2 goals. They brought tremendous forward half pressure, and our newly renovated defensive unit looked shaky.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 11

    REMATCH by Meggs

    The Mighty Demons take on the confident Cats this Saturday night at the recently completed $319 million redeveloped GMHBA Stadium, with the bounce of the ball at 7:15pm. Our last game of 2023 was an agonisingly close 5-point semi-final loss to Geelong, and we look forward to Melbourne turning the tables this week. Practice match form was scratchy for both teams with the Demons losing practice matches to Carlton and Port Adelaide, while the Cats beat Collingwood but then lost to Essendo

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons

    WELCOME 2024 by Meggs

    It’s been hard to miss the seismic global momentum happening in Women’s sport of late. The Matildas have been playing to record sell-out crowds across Australia and ‘Mary Fowler is God’ is chalked onto footpaths everywhere. WNBA basketball rookie sensation Caitlin Clark has almost single-handedly elevated her Indiana Fever team to unprecedented viewership, attendances and playoffs in the USA.   Our female Aussie Paris 2024 Olympians won 13 out of Australia’s all-time record 18 gol

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    AFLW Melbourne Demons 3

    EPILOGUE by Whispering Jack

    I sit huddled in near darkness, the only light coming through flickering embers in a damp fireplace, the room in total silence after the thunderstorm died. I wonder if they bothered to restart the game.  No point really. It was over before it started. The team’s five star generals in defence and midfield ruled out of the fray, a few others missing in action against superior enemy firepower and too few left to fly the flag for the field marshal defiantly leading his outnumbered army int

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Match Reports 6

    PODCAST: Rd 24 vs Collingwood

    The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 26th August @ 7:30pm. Join Binman & I as we analyse the Demons loss at the MCG against the Magpies in the Round 24. You questions and comments are a huge part of our podcast so please post anything you want to ask or say below and we'll give you a shout out on the show. If you would like to leave us a voicemail please call 03 9016 3666 and don't worry no body answers so you don't have to talk to a human. Listen & Chat LIVE: ht

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 26
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!
×
×
  • Create New...