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I remember the first time I saw him play. It was the TAC Cup Grand Final of 1997 and he dominated with six goals helping North Ballarat to win the premiership against the favoured Dandenong Stingrays. All eyes in that game were on a member of the losing team who was later drafted to Melbourne with the first pick in the draft later that year. Travis Johnstone showed flashes during his career while Adam Goodes (picked at 43 for the Swans) personified greatness both on an off the field. Two premierships, two Brownlow Medals, four times All Australian, Indigenous Team of the Century and now Australian of the Year and not just for his achievements in football - AFL footballer and anti-racism campaigner Adam Goodes named Australian of the Year I remember at the time he was drafted, reading about how his mother had singlehandedly raised Adam and his two brothers. She must be proud of him. We should all be proud of Adam Goodes on this day.

Geez - how many laps did you end up doing?

The award is Australian of the Year. It's not specifically for a person's work with one community. It's the subjective view of those on the panel. I think he stands as a worthy winner having come from a background of family hardship and deprivation to a point where he has risen to the top echelon in his field of endeavour as well as standing out as a worthy person in the community. I'm comfortable with it and if people must think there is a conspiracy or a negative issue involving race or colour in the decision to bestow this honour on him, it reflects on them more than anyone else.

Yes, his magnificent role in pointing out and highlighting a thirteen year old girl on national television for saying something stupid was both brave and fearless.

Adam Goodes and other indigenous leaders are a beacon of light for young indigenous people. Great choice, legend of the game and a man of integrity. we need blokes like him. He has achieved, he can communicate and considering some of the crap he has had thrown at him he has been fairly gracious. You can throw money at reconciliation and parity but people like Goodes get us closer than any $. I have 2 indigenous foster kids and seeing indigenous people achieving and being recognised has a major impact.

Anyone wondering whether or not AG is a worthy (and perhaps necessary) winner only has to look at this thread.

Again, some people on this site are so quick to point out what they see as "special treatment" for members of the indigenous community. I'm not aware of all of the work that Adam Goodes has done achieved in the community and I'm guessing many here aren't either, but I suspect there is a reason that he has been chosen beyond the fact that he is a magnificent footballer and wonderful role model to people of every ethnic background. The posters who respond to 'dog whistling' are very tiresome and make me feel sad.

He has done well and is a good example for many of his community But I do agree that his reaction to the 13YO was over the top, and was played on far too long in the media Probably as worthy as recipient and any, and far more worthy than some

"Ignorance is bliss for the ignorant, but for the rest of us it's a pain in the f%#*ing arse."

This coming Monday will be a holiday for most of Australia but not our footballers. The melbournefc.com.au website states that our TRAINING TIMES for next week are: I think that last bolded sentence is worth noting because many are still under the impression that if a player is not out there on the track during the hours of open training then he's injured and not doing anything much to get fit for what lies ahead and, if enough of them aren't out there, the sky's falling in. However, in all likelihood, that's not the case at all.At the only Demons training I attended this year (at Casey Fields in midweek last week), the session took place in 40 degree heat and barely lasted an hour. As the players were coming off I quipped something to Cam Pedersen about them "knocking off for the day" but he said this wasn't the case and that the group was off to AAMI Park and would be working there till 4pm. I also discovered that a very small group of players, part of what's called the "rehab" group were already at AAMI doing their modified programmes. These days pre-season training is far more scientifically based than in the good old days when players would roll up (often a tad overweight) at some time in late February for a season that would begin in mid April. There are specific programmes tailor made for each individual player with the aim of having them in best condition for the season ahead. So we don't necessarily need to be concerned if we don't see for example, a Mitch Clark or a Mark Jamar joining in with the rest of the group on Australia Day. It doesn't mean that it's the end of the world or that they're on holiday like the rest of us. The likelihood is that they will be doing their allotted work behind the scenes in the gym or the pool or in some lecture room inside one of the best sporting faculties in the country in closed sessions only metres away from Gosch's Paddock. I wish I could join those fans who venture out there on Australia Day but I'll be up in Queensland doing something important (probably near to or in a swimming pool). I would still appreciate your reports.

too right and don't get me started about all the f'n rednecks in this country!!!!!

Clearly you are more interested in outrage than facts. All the attention at the time was VERY sympathetic to her and all the talk was about education rather than attacking her. As WJ correctly pointed out, it's "Australian Of The Year", not 'Scientist Of The Year", or "Community Person Of The Year" etc. The focus you're putting on defending an event that so harshly shows the way racism is so ingrained in "our" culture just proves you have no understanding of the actual point.

Geez WJ, bet you didn't think it would get to this point when you started the thread. Sad really.

Worst post of the year. If you think that was all the incident was about you need to think again Hero.

Fast becoming the worst poster here. By a long way too...

In what way ?

DL keyboard warriors at their finest; someone does more community service than most people on this forum combined but still find the nerve to criticise. The award as a whole is flawed, it's silly to appoint one person Australian of the year over others. All should receive an order and that's it. But as for comments such as he does it part time in a sense it's half arsed are inane. As for the 13 year old girls comments... It was the indigenous round, emotions were high, what she said was wrong, and FFS he wasn't trying to shame her in front of the nation he was trying to show the security guard who said the comment so they could deal with it - it was the president of the club she supported which shamed her and went overboard.

What baffles me is why you feel you need to post such sarcasm on a thread that is rightly congratulating a member of the human species who is promoting positive change, understanding and compassion throughout the country we live in.As for the likers of your post, I wouldn't be surprised if you're in the 40+ age bracket. It would explain the level of ignorance that you all possess and lack of awareness that's present. Do you feel you need to be recognised on a larger scale? Are you insecure? What's the deal mate? Goodes has gone beyond just 'going through life' as an AFL footballer, and if you weren't so insecure and had a half a clue, you wouldn't feel the need to post your sarcastic rubbish.

Frog best delete your last. Well dome Adam Goodes on AOTY.

sometimes I think we bend over backwards to, look after minorities, it's a feel good gesture I reckon born of lingering guilt over the past 200 years of white settlement and something we need to get over, good luck to him but I think it says more about a cultural cringe.....is King Kong still running?

The Tax Cheat?

Interesting to know whether this award will affect the way in which he approaches the game. Most sports people who've received this award previously have already retired from their sport. Surely he'll now have to be a lot more cautious before mouthing off at some annoying tagger during the heat of the contest - might otherwise look a little undignified if he fails to pull the punches. I like Goodes. Even though he's achieved a lot as a sportsman, I'm not convinced he's done more to deserve the award than some other less high profile people in the country just yet, although the arguments put forward by Jabberwocky are compelling. That said, he's certainly a much more inspired choice for Aussie of the Year than Mark Taylor, which IMO represented an anti intellectual low point in this nation's history.

Individual awards vs work for the community. Better recipients out there. Just an AFL footballer.

I'm not against it, in fact I don't really care that much, the award has almost always been given to sports people or celebrities so in my eyes it doesn't hold much value. But I thought that 'over the top' reaction from Goodes which effectively left a 13 y/o exposed to a national media circus hell bent on destroying her character which far outweighed the crime. Both Dale Thomas and Buddy Franklin did similar actions without the over the top 'showmanship', it just smacked of attention seeking. Goodes does no more than what many other Footballers and sportspeople get paid to do, excellent community work around the country. Meanwhile, elsewhere in Australia... http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-08/cancer-protein-breakthrough-prompts-drug-development/5190502

All sounding very positive. This is easily the most serious I've seen you BBO. It's weird. But cheers for the updates.

I would just like to set the record straight on my lunch with Biffen as mentioned on the training thread. We did not go to The Gat as Biffen insisted he knew a classy place. It was hidden away in a dark alleyway. The clientele were a combination of ne er- do- wells, streetwalkers taking a break, and meth heads. Biffen chose the wine which was poured from 2 litre plastic containers. He said the better wines only came in 2 litres while the lesser quality stuff was in drums. I became suspicious of the food when I noticed strange green spots on the dinner rolls. Biff assured me this was OK. I cannot remember what I ate. I suspect my memory has been suppressed as a sanity defence mechanism. I paid, and now both my credit card and Biffen are missing.

Training report continued ... Bernie Vince looked good in everything he did. Watching him and Cross and Jones today made me think that at least we will no longer be embarrassed in the midfield. Tom McDonald was doing some kicking drills right in front of me. His build and body shape is impressive but I hope Frawley is available to pick up the monster forwards. Jake Spencer was doing a lot of contested marking drills with Greg Stafford. He was reasonably sure handed with the wet ball. Gawn and Jamar then competed in some similar drills. Gawn was too strong for Jamar and able to push him off. In fact Jamar looked a bit lighter to me. On my brief observations today I reckon he is third in the pecking order.

Sure. But Jim took it further. He had the "it" factor. If he had not become ill i am still certain Jim would have presided over success.

Actually, Joe Gutnick did that when he was President and Gabriel Szondy tried it for a while as well. Opening the doors for the members and supporters is a positive initiative but it's not enough when the team keeps getting flogged. Our core business is to produce a winning football team and good administration and governance will help us get there but making nice to members is overrated if you don't get the other things right.

This one's about steroids but the question as to whether science has created a monster for society lies at the heart of the matter and could explain why the investigations into both the NRL and the AFL seem to be dragging on into eternity. The authorities need to get this one right because there are big fish to fry - Australia's Illegal Steroid Trade Is Exploding, And Could Be Fuelling Street Violence.

Viv will be a huge get for MFC. I followed him at Peel and he was double teamed almost all the games he played in the Wafl. Came over and watched the one game he had against Geelong. He was only told at 10 am that he was playing and was easily their better player in the second half (biased but close to truth). He is an excellent ball player who kicks to the jumper, has absolutely no other thought than for the team and I am tipping a 22 game player this year. Freo did not want to let him go.

Good footballer - undoubtedly Poster boy for racial equality - yes Australian of the year - not by the length of the straight As for the last comment I feel that way most years, we have amazing people doing amazing work in the chosen fields of research, community health and well being, world leaders in arts and engineering. inspiring people doing inspiring things yet we award a footballer who like most footballers has a massive salary but more importantly a massive media profile based on racial awareness, followed up by a disabled athlete as the young Australian of the year. Far from inspired choices for my liking. I'd go as far as saying the "older Australian of the year" - Fred Chaney has done much much more for the plight of indigenous Australians than Goodesy and would be a better choice, but he doesn't have the profile wanted.

What happened to that young girl was absolutely disgusting, everyone involved should be embarrassed for their part in it. Just look at what happened to Eddie Maguire shortly after, he said something stupid and was labeled a racist by all and sundry, however he used his profile to defend what he did. Where was her support? She was 13 years old for [censored] sake, just a girl. Sure, what she said was wrong and stupid, but do you honestly believe that what happened was ok? A full national media campaign designed for one purpose, to destroy her character. Anyone who thinks that is ok to do that to a 13 year old child is an imbecile. How the [censored] is that meant to educate her about what she said? As I've said before, Goodes does excellent work in the community, no doubt about it, I just believe there are others more deserving, which I've already provided a link. Somehow that makes me a racist by some imbeciles on here. Yes, typical DL key wannabe hero wankers, completely unable to discuss the topic, they can't help themselves but to make personal insults because they have no argument.

Of course, only for Scientology research purposes.

While I think Goodes is fine as an AOTY, I just don't see why we have to have these awards in the first place.... what is the point of Australian of the Year, Father of the Year etc etc... totally meaningless in my opinion.

In the interests of fair play I to repeat the following information about my credit card - as posted on the training thread. I cast no nastursians. " Biffen returned my card. He "rescued" it from one the "methheads". However substantial charges for personal services at "The Gatwick Private Hotel" have been listed.Form your own conclusions!!"

Agreed. Which is why the racial makeup of the board is irrelevant.

We perpetuate more of a divide the more we focus on skin colour.

That statement indicates to me we are watching different players. He is incredibly tough, I can recall multiple times last year where he jumped back with the flight into packs. Has super courage in the air and is very hard over the ball. When someone says 'mongrel' I think of a sniper behind play or someone throwing cheap shots. He doesn't have this and I'm thankful as it means absolutely sweet f.a. The man is a glove and a very solid defender. For those who worry about him not being a match winner you should worry as he never will be. But as Cards13 said on the last page he is a game saver and does it well. Is super flexible playing on bigs (shut down Milne and Betts multiple times) and then playing on the bigs (remember him dumping Cloke QB last year??) and always goes well in a backline that gets completely pumped continually. I fear for the day where we have to play Dunn & or Pedo because Judy is out as they are useful as two away imo.

I always thought Steve Vizard as father of the year was a watershed moment.

Seeing as almost half the panel who decide the Aust. of the Year hold significant positions in race related industries was it ever going to be anyone else?

"Racism has a face and it's a 13 year old girl". Yeah, sure.

Ability to play on tall and small forwards, provides some run out if defence with reasonable disposal. As for being beaten by Betts, well I can't think of a player that has never been beaten at some stage of their career....maybe Hird. Trading him is a stupid idea he's only 24/25. As for drafting another key defender, isn't that what all clubs do, with players for all positions. Problem is there is now 18 clubs so until this massive untapped talent pool of Greater Western Sydney kicks in were stuck with him, something I'm very happy about. Was it Col and Chip that held Buddy and Roughy to 2 goals between them a couple of years back?

Was talking with mates last night and my thoughts are is Seattle secondary cause 10+ points from picks/turnovers the Seattle win. I think Welker can be the most important reciever for the Broncos and will receive the least amount of coverage. I think Manning will target him early.

Garland is easily our most consistent defender and definitely in our top 5 players. End of story. I just hope this foot thing doesn't stretch out like Clark's has. I'm still imagining Garland will be there for Round 1 though. McDonald still has a lot of work to do in the way he plays, and you never know which Frawley you'll get

He's never been "game day" fast, which is not that uncommon.

I'd say that Garland's injury means that whilst we hope he'll be back for round 1 there's more opportunity for a medium defender in the preseason games. Considering Dunn is the only experienced player we have in that role I think Georgiou's importance is advanced. Jetta is behind a few other options for a small defender spot (Grimes, Terlich, Clisby, Strauss) and Harmes and King are raw. So whilst we don't need Georgiou in the side right now I do believe that Garland's injury is a small opening for him.

Good Morning all. A late training report from yesterday. As I lunched with Biffen immediately after training, the rest of the day faded into a haze that did not allow for any intellectual stress. I went and watched Clarke, Hogan, Fitzy and Matt Jones train away from the group. They did a lot of twinkle toes type work to start. Short sharp paces and side steps using low obstacles. They all followed this with a series of 300 metre (I think) runs. They all looked quite free in their movements. I made that comment to Fitzy and he said everyone was going well but being careful. Dawes was in the main group at that time and I asked one of the trainers (not sure who) if he was doing full training. He said not full training but he was getting close. Some individual observations. Jack Viney looks really ripped but did not train. He left early and I'm guessing, headed for the gym. Nathan Jones looks superfit and every time time I looked at him was going flat out. Salem did not appear to be doing full training but is well built and interacted very confidently with all the players. Jack Watts does everything well but does not appear as intense as others. Maybe that is just his nature. Trengove ran well in the drills I saw. I am not convinced he is slow. Dawes seems a bit rusty with his shots on goal but moving freely and handling the wet ball well. He looks big and fit. Cross. I had read that he is a keen trainer and he certainly demonstrated that. He goes full tilt and was very sure in his ball skills. This was the first time I have seen him and he will be a real plus to our midfield. WILL POST MORE LATER THIS ARVO.

Now can we get back to flogging the dead horse that is Jack Watts likely position/potential/physical assets and perceived lack of toughness. I could train a robot to write various cliches about him to keep on topic and within the rigid structures people have come to expect from this neatly arranged site. But then Machsy and Co would be redundant. Long live any "utterly pathetic attempts at humour" in the middle of January when the latest real news we have had from the club is "the boys went training in 42 degree heat and used a fridge on a truck to cool down between drills." Life as we know it does not depend on the verity and sincerity of every posters intimate thoughts on Jack Watts progress as a player, or lack thereof.

Machsy, if we get rid of those who go off topic who are the overly smug going to complain about? A case in point: I thought Watts and Pendlebury played different positions in basketball. I was wrong but, as quick as you like, you were there to label me a twit. I have no problem with that but If we follow the letter of the law re abusing others, I'd have to think you'd have a spell on the sidelines. To tell you the truth, relentlese teeth grinders such as yourself shite me to tears. It's a footy forum. Have a great day.