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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.

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.

There are three occasions/memories with me/my family where his qualities as a person shone, firstly at an after game function at the tennis centre where he took the time to chat with my mother in law who at the age of 85 had a long discussion, and at the end of it he was calling her Nanna- made her night she still has the photo, secondly at a pre season function at Caulfield racecourse where he was kind enough to share a tip which duly saluted and thirdly where he came to our school and talked to my year 12 PE class regarding training and game preparation. To his family and friends my prayers and thoughts are with you. RIP Colin

Not sure I want to read the comments about what he could/should have been, nor do I need to know about his frailties, as though we are all who we should be, as though we all overcome our frailties. His teammates loved him, the kids he visited in hospital, his family and the people he spent so much time caring about loved him. I loved watching him, I loved the fact he gave his life his best shot, I feel so sad that he's gone.

Col was also involved with the Reach program while at Melbourne and acted as a mentor to one of my staffs son who was being bullied and involved wirh a seedy group of peers who were leading him astray. I cannot say that Col saved him from a life of crime but I know he looked up to Col and is now a well adjusted boy. He told me Col was his role model as he had no dad or anyone to look up to.

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

Colin Sylvia drafted #3 in 2003 as the modern midfielder 185cms 86kgs. Solid build. Strong. Pace. Skilled. Kicking over 50 metres. Goal kicker. Debut 2004 157 games 130 goals 27 Brownlow Votes 10 years. ** MFC Life member ** 2009 5th B&F Awesome 2009 game v Hawks (reigning premiers) 4 goals 37 possessions Always excites the crowd Fantastic clubman. Always friendly. Great with kids. Had a chat each time. Big smile. Huge talent. Struggled with intense demands of AFL. Struggled with life’s vices especially alcohol Gone too soon. Too bloody soon. Always remembered

Gorgeous player when on ... so sad to have lived such a short life. Here is a small youtube playlist of Colin's highlights. Just let it play through, clips will automatically cycle to the next.

‘landers it’s with a real heavy heart that I deliver this news, but I have it on very good authority that Col Sylvia has passed away in a car accident over the weekend. Please keep his family in your prayers. It has not hit the media yet, and if the mods wanna pull the thread, then I understand. Col was a great contributor to our club through some dark days and we should remember him this way. rip Col

Loved Col right from day dot the moment he walked through the door because he was a true blue country kid like myself who loved a beer, women, the punt, and footy on a weekends. Didn't take life seriously at all and just lived and had fun at the same time. On football ability he was by far the most gifted and prodigious talent i have ever seen don the red and blue, even to this day. I went to that Hawthorn game back in 2009 where he had 37 disposals and kicked 4 goals and thought that genuine star inside of him was ready to explode. He just had it all.. speed, power, strength, a booming kick (kicked a huge goal against carlton on his left foot outside of 50 one day mind you..) ariel ability and a body of a greek god who i was very envious of because how ridiculously chiselled he was! Unfortunately we never saw that potential talent that he teased us with, but boy the days he was on he could seriously light up the MCG and bring joys and smiles to Melbourne supporters during dark times. To Cols family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.. i hope one day you find peace knowing Col lived life to the fullest and that cheeky smile touched many heart who came close to him. Thank you for making us smile during those 157 game career. Rip mate.

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

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

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.

Just heard the same news. I met you a number of times post match and you were always generous with your time. i hope you now find peace. Prayers and thoughts are with your loving family. ?? Always a Demon ❤️?

In an ideal world, Col would have just been coming to the end of an illustrious footy career. Life's a [censored] sometimes.

I have already posted "not available" on my work roster for this game. First time i will have seen my team play where i live. I will take both of my Canon DSLR's and possibly a video camera as well to get as many shots as possible, particularly of any newbies who play. Best news so far this off-season.

Colin Syliva, RIP, gave me one of the most sublime football moments I've ever seen. There was a long high ball coming forward towards an already-formed pack, which was scrambling and scuffling all over the place. Syliva was perfectly positioned, got a clean run right into that pack and was the only player with complete concentration on the ball. The mark itself wasn't even that spectacular, but there was the grace of a shark swimming through fish. And because he was so perfectly set up and so clearly the most alert to the flight of the ball, it was obvious what was about to happen, long before it happened. A moment of football perfection. Must have been a decade ago but I still remember it vividly. Which probably means it will be with me permanently. Thoughts for his family and friends. He will be rememebered.

Rest in peace. Gone far too soon. Shocking to hear. So sad for those close to him. It is at moments like these when I realise the truth of the saying "Never complain about growing old. Not everyone gets the chance".

Any Friday night game is gold for the club. The friday night game is not just important for FTA exposure during the game it also means all the radio pre game build up across all stations and then on the Saturday all the footy radio stations do a reviw of the game. Great for the club, sponsors and most of all fans. We are a popular side, that will push for the flag, plays an exciting brand and until we win a flag will enjoy the support of other club's fans and neutrals. As result I reckon we will get 3-4 Friday night games which would be a great result

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

Round 1 2019 black arm bands with number 12 on it retire #12 jumper for the 2019 year

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.

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

I agree. But my point was that if a poster says a thread should be closed, then they shouldn't come back to it later and again say it should be closed. If they really think that the topic is exhausted they should close it for themselves by not returning to it.

Rest in peace Col.

Happy to be home on a Saturday arvo game. ...but Carlton. Seriously the AFL have not learned their lesson. The opening game of the season should be earned not inherited. Carlton have not earned the right to play in this game as they have not earned the right to play in any premium Friday night slots in 2019.

Tragic news. Was my favourite player whilst at the Dees. Played a couple of great games (30+ possessions and 4 goals against the Hawks comes to mind). He had a troubled second half of his life. May you rest in peace Col.

When does the SANFL kick off?

Nick Riewoldt.

Oscar needs to develop some mongrel. Forwards need to earn their kicks. Brown, Kennedy, Cox, Hawkins etc. were far too physical for him. Frost has Xfactor with dashing runs and torps. Did a good job when he came in. Should have been in much, much earlier. Fritta definitely plays round one!

I thought everyone in Tasmania was related..

Prompted by the nicknames thread and for an off-season laugh, who can you see similarities in from the listed players? I'll kick it off with Christian Petracca and Hymie from Get Smart.

Maybe we could put him on the masthead banner, Until after his funeral.?

I think a lot of clubs are going to be caught out in Brisbane in 2019. Regarding the number of Fri night games, I think MFC will get more than the two of 2018. Given there are 11 home games, I think that to get 3 Fri night home games (and maybe 1 or 2 away ones as well) and mainly Sat afternoon and night games would be a big win.

Seeing that one go untouched for so long makes me think that @Bitter but optimistic must currently be incapacitated.

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

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.

Corporal punishment?

This is shocking. He was one of my favourite players for a while. Thought he’d win a Brownlow. Very sad news. A life has been cut far too short here.

32 only 32! Just too young. I was just working my life out at that age. Vale Colin

Heard the news? The AFL wants 'Carlton to be Great Again'!!! AFL general manager...Travis Auld: the Blues were never going to be stripped of the fixture privilege despite their struggles in recent seasons. http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-10-27/afl-reveals-opening-round-fixture-for-2019 Carlton will get other favours one way or another: The new Good Friday Eve vs Ess game, also a stand alone, marquee Thur night game. They may have less Fri nights but will still get some, will have lots of Home games at the G vs big Vic clubs (good for revenue) and will get more than their fair share of FTA broadcast time slots eg Saturday night and Sun afternoons. Yes, some sour grapes on my part when it comes to Carlton's many privileges but mostly I feel for the likes of North, Bulldogs and Saints who are small and get few favours to help grow: Catch -22!!

Grew up watching him as my favourite player, heart breaking watching him spiral out of control like this and now this huge rest in peace to him but a lot of life lessons learnt from him. still wear the number 12 with pride in all my sports teams as a result.

Fair enough. That's what I was asking. Clearly you were keen and therefore it's not a hindsight call. I certainly remember the likes of Barrett coming out and saying we'd stuffed another draft. Of course, you're right. We should have Kelly, but I love Cripps and would have loved him just as much. We made the safe call and haven't necessarily totally [censored] things up, especially if Salem ends up playing in a couple of flags off half back for us, ala Hodge.

Home game at the 'G to kick off the season. Don't give a stuff who it's against, I'll take that every day of the week. It will also be great for Weideman to kick his first bag of 7 in front of the hometown fans. Dees by 10 goals. I can feel it already.

I want more midfield and bigger bodied depth so at 23 and 28 I want 2 from Ely Smith Luke Valente Xavier O'Halloran Xavier Duursma

Great idea. Give a guest who is giving up his time to the fans for free a grilling as if you’re frigging A Current Affair. If you want the podcast to be unable to attract guests in the future, this would be a good place to start. This is a good opportunity to get him to clarify things that aren’t clear or explain the process in making the decisions, but levelling the questions as accusations from an ignorant position would just make us look like morons.

Better off throwing Tommy Bugg a life raft, delisting was the making of Jetta and I reckon Tom will step up to the plate rather than Joe Bloggs at pick 91.