hemingway

No doubt, interesting how comments can take you in a direction never intended.

Faulty i kind of agree, but this is a site talking about footy and this thread about injuries to players. I was not suggesting that there are not other high risk industries or occupations. Mining and construction obviously come to mind. I was also not suggesting that players are not well recompensed. All I was saying was injury is a major downside to playing footy and it can have life long repercussions. Many people don't think beyond the money that some players make. The minority of players. However, the majority of folks go through life without much risk to live and limb. Often the risk to the majority of folks is self imposed. Obesity, alcohol, smoking, poor diet and optional risk taking behaviour. However, I can't think of any other sport, other than rugby perhaps, where players put their bodies on the line every week for 6 months of the year. That deserves some respect and understanding.

We often think of AFL players as a protected species. They have the opportunity to play a game at the top level for a lot of money, with the adulation that comes with being an AFL player. However, we sometimes forget the sacrifices that they make particularly to their long term health and well being. These end of season surgical procedures are a reminder of the downside of being an AFL player. The wear and tear on their bodies is extreme particularly for such young men. It also means that they will probably carry some of these health problems through their lives, with the onset of arthritis and weaknesses in the joints, muscles etc. Hip replacements in middle age are becoming very common these days, whereas years ago, it was normally a procedure for elderly folks. Shoulders are notoriously difficult to repair and can pose long term pain related repercussions and reduction in function. And, we are now becoming aware of the impact of head injuries on memory and on-set of dementia. The sacrifices made to play AFL footy can be significant and although some of these guys make a lot of money during their playing careers it can come at a high cost. It certainly comes at high risk. That's one of the reasons, I dislike the disrespectful way some posters refer to players. They don't need to be held on pedestals but the derogatory use of names such as spuds is wrong. They are not throw away trash. . As the old saying goes, its not much point having material wealth if you have poor health. However, many AFL players end up with poor health or at least with health problems as a result of playing the game.

I prefer to think of true Melbourne supporters as loyal, passionate, stoic, and resilient. Supporters that wear their loyalty as a badge of honour through thick and thin. And supporters that when success comes will be humble and proud in victory understanding that to enjoy victory we have to experience loss and defeat. Supporters that are not quick to jump on the bandwagon of criticism and derision of players and coaches. I think the Dogs supporters are a great example.

Interesting cranky, when i watched him play, i thought he was aggressive with a hard edge. That's what I liked about him. Thought his potential downside was his disposal but i also thought that about Hunt

I am told he is a really nice guy that was good enough to get on 2 AFL lists. Like the majority of players drafted on to AFL lists he was not quite good enough but close. I am sure not helped by his diabetic condition. I am sympathize with him.

Agree about hitting or not hitting targets.

Agreed, loved his attack on the ball and desperation. Joins a list of real goers. A bit behind Hunt but this boy could be good.

Two new knees with a 7 year warranty.

"All on his own". That is instructive. Coming from a background in an individual sport, it has always amazed me how "herd like" AFL players can be in their pre-season training. However, it is the willingness of individual players to do things outside or away from the pack that can make a big difference. In short, to be self motivated and not just do what everyone else is doing on the training track. Remember watching the Hawks training pre-season many years ago and noticing that there were the pack animals and a minority of players who took it upon themselves to warm up, run laps etc before the fitness guy turned up with his whistle. No surprise that this minority were all great players, Michael Tuck being at the top of the list. Now Melksham may never be a great player but it is a good sign that he is going the extra yard.

Gary Ablett has an enviable record. However in going to the Gold Coast, he could not resist temptation and the pursuit of material wealth. That's OK and no doubt the Lord would be forgiving. However, from a pure football viewpoint there was a cost. We will never know but one thinks that his star would have been even brighter if he had stayed at Geelong. He would have played in another premiership and played heaps of finals. His exposure to the football world, the media and the public would have been much greater staying in Victoria. His greatness better appreciated now and for posterity. Players who grab the money and run are never viewed in the same light as those who remain with their original club. The cup becomes a little tarnished. One can understand players leaving poorly performing clubs for finals success, but leaving a successful club like Geelong to go to the GC must be seen from a football viewpoint as a mistake. Example, the late great Robbie Flower. His legacy would not have been the same if he had jumped ship to another club. In Ablett's case a return to Geelong would not restore the shine to his football cup.

i think this is the way I feel about it. Only PJ knows the full financial ramifications of the deal and what it means to the MFC coffers. He is running a very expensive business that needs funding. Also, until we become a successful club with large membership and sponsors knocking down the door, we are reliant on these type of deals. Given the marginal state of our finances, we don't have much bargaining power. From a footy viewpoint, our view is heavily influenced by whether we win or lose these games. If we win, it suddenly becomes less of an issue. My greater concern is the impact that these games have on players recovery over several weeks. As anyone who travels around the country will know, different climate, different time zones, different match times and the the impact that these differences have on our daily routines,,sleep patterns and energy levels is a real thing. These things are not an issue when you are "at home."

Agreed brother.

Thanks Nut. Yom Kippur indeed. Go with repentance and fasting but perhaps not a day in synagogue. Over time, there have been many Jewish sport stars that have stood out of games due to the clash. From a gentile viewpoint, as a practising Christian, Eric Liddell of Chariots of Fire fame refused to run in the 100m, his favourite event, at the 1924 Paris Olympics due to his beliefs that prevented him from competing on Sunday. God was on his side and he duly won the 400m a few days later. I suspect that this kind of conviction will not be present on Good Friday when footy is scheduled. Anyway, I like the paradox of the Day of Atonement and the Grannie. Sorry folks gone off topic here. Such is Demonland as there is both an intellectual and spiritual side of this remarkable site, and posters who come up with remarkable observations. Also a dark side, and those who "want it darker". Sorry Leonard but I have just been listening to you.

At an emotional level, I would like Roosy to remain a Demon. However, on a rational level this seems unlikely. Roosy was a Roy Boy, then a Swan, then came to coach at the Demons. He came to the Dees because of the challenge, the money and because he was courted by Jackson. I have no doubt that he was emotionally invested in the time he was at the Dees. However, we need to let him go. He played and coached a Swans team to a flag. That must be very special. He must have a strong emotional connection to that club. He came to Melbourne in a very professional and clinical manner on a contract that had a start and end date, with his succession clearly delineated. A little like the best surgeon being called in to remove a malignant cancer and giving fresh life to an ailing patient. The fact that Goodwin has taken control in such a clear manner with Roosy not staying on in any role, tells us that this has been managed by both the club and Roosy in a very rational and professional manner. Coaches and football administrators, even players, are in the main, hired guns. They are professional, and, if they decide to stay in the game must move on from club to club. However, Roos and Jackson have handled his involvement in a thoroughly professional and rational manner. Like any employment these days, an employer wants an employee to be fully committed and perform from Day 1, without the lifetime security of a job. Goodwin needs space and Roosy needs a rest. I suspect that Roos will come back to the game in someway, although the media must have a strong pull. Stay involved in the game, earn lots of money, without the responsibility of being involved in one club. Roosy has paid his dues to Melbourne, If we do go on to sustained success, we should be forever indebted to him for his contribution. His contribution to the history of this club will have been the most significant since the days of Norm Smith. Along with PJ, they are the guys that will have turned this once ailing dying club around.

Agreed, a good draw. I don't like attending night games but if we are thinking finals, I am concerned about our lack of night games.

Bit sad really. A few years to late for Gaz and also for the Cats.

A very generous benefactor. And a loyal husband given your wife's allegiance.

Agreed, I thought both Michie and Newton could make it, but could not take that next step when needed.

Can only feel sympathy for players who get delisted. Have you ever been sacked or made redundant? It's a hard headed business but I hope there is always a place for decency and respect.

will not longer be branded as "soft". we have some really tough hard nuts. mark neeld's comments came a few years to soon, but we are going to be one hell of a tough unit.

Don't care when it is as long as we obliterate them.

The point to made here by PD is that it is a big deal Lewis coming to Melbourne and that reflects the change in perception that has occurred for the first time in the last 50 years.

Realistic post. However, I would prefer to see our past performances and the responsibility attached to them, a collective failing of the whole club. However, pleasing that unlike Jack Grimes, that Lyndon gets an opportunity at the Pies. He will not die wondering.

Rock solid is a good description. A successful organisation is one where employees are aligned in their thinking and behaviour, allowing people to get on with the job without fanfare. Leaking and rumours come from clubs where there is disharmony and distrust.