hemingway

It happens a lot in life. In Bomber's case, clearly everyone knew. Even the humble old spectator watched Bomber appear on TV looking (at times) in terrible shape. Sleepy, bags under his eyes, appearing depressed. Whatever, in bad shape. Now you can imagine how many times this would have occurred at both GFC and EFC, indeed even within his own social circle. There are always opportunities for intervention. Not just to ask the question and accept the denials. As a father, you may accept your children's denial of a misdemeanor but if that misdemeanor is as obvious as the nose on your face or persists over time, you do something about it. Not always easy, but if you care, you do something. You intervene and find a solution or get assistance to deal with the problem. You don't accept "no" as the answer. Now that is perhaps a bit simplistic, but it reflects a tendency in today's society. To accept something at face value and not to go the extra yards to do something meaningful. Even if offers were made and rejected by Bomber, it does not appear that anyone took that extra step. If someone is accused of stealing, a simple denial is not satisfactory. You investigate and do something about it so that you have a satisfactory answer and solution to the problem. Bomber may have failed society, the folks who trusted him, his family, indeed himself, but somehow I feel that there are a lot of people, particularly those close to him in both clubs who have failed Bomber.

Yes I agree Doc, I was really talking about the problem of addiction. But I have said my peace and will let it rest.

I understand your position and your comments have validity. However, believe me, not everyone has choice due ....well to life circumstance, personality and mental health. In this case, you have pricked a nerve. I'm not just talking about Bomber and the scourge of addiction but the whole community of addicts that are trapped in a vicious downward spiral. I'm not sure I like the term addiction but rather that folks who are caught up in this world are trapped because of their physiological and physiological dependence. It does not matter if you have money and fame, the addiction is the same. Yes, I have sympathy because the future outlook is not good, and I'm not going to state the obvious. Fundamentally, addiction and mental health go hand in hand. We do need sympathy and compassion irrespective of the person.

BB as someone who knows a bit about addiction, it is a very difficult monster to control. Individuals are a victim to the addictive qualities of the drug.

Just read Chip Le Grand's article in the Aussie. Wow, a frightening tale of a man whose life is in the hands of organized crime and how he has spiraled so far out of control. And indeed, a very scary future for Bomber.

So much more to play out on this. We will be hearing about for some time. "Silks" lining up to take the brief.

If we look back over a long time, there is suspicion of teams and players taking "supplements". Going all the way back to the 70s there were players who became "huge" over summer. There were stories of gymnasiums supplying more than weight equipment. Perhaps not systemic but body shapes and muscle development told a story. I think in the 90s with the growth of the sports science industry there was a more organized or team approach. There are no clean skins in this business.

Oscar is another example of the time it takes for young players to find their feet and develop into good players. A few can make an immediate impact and excite fans but most take time. Many referred to Oscar as a spud. He is showing us that far from being a spud he is becoming a very important player. Who would have thought that Tom McDonald would develop into a very good forward. And the list goes on and on. The expectation and demand for immediate success is everywhere. We all get tired of waiting for success to come. However, patience is required before judgement is passed on a players career. Clearly the club got it right with Oscar and persevering with him.

I'm not sure about Jeffy. When he is "on" he is an asset. But these days you can't afford to have passengers. The Tigers don't have any. Our objective must be to have a team of players each week that are in form and consistent. The competition is so tight you can't afford to lose games. At the end of the season points and percentage are critical. Although we have had a few passengers this year, Jeffy goes missing too often for too long. It is continuation of the way he played at Carlton. You have to know that every player is going to turn up and have a crack. With Jeffy all you can do is hope he is going to turn up but if the likes of Spargo continue to perform, Jeffy's days in the ones are coming to an end.

Both these two young boys have shown more in a few games than most. The future.

Definitely a case of the value of family bloodlines. So many young footballers seem to have a Dad, Uncle or relative that played AFL/VFL. Or a mum that played netball etc. Like others I love the spirit of this young guy. Just oozes enthusiasm and attitude. And that first goal seemed to me to come down to sheer footy instinct. In the right place at the right time, knew where the goals were, and polished off with clean disposal.

It takes two to tango. A player may want to stay but what will be the club's attitude regarding contract negotiations. And what will be Brayshaw's attitude if the club puts a limit on its offer and does not match other offers? Angus has shown enough to prove he has what it takes, but has not had enough game time to determine his worth in terms of future contract negotiations. As others have pointed out, the big unknown is the impact his past concussion issues and the possibility of future concussion issues may have on his health and footy future.

Dieter, I am trying hard to be impressed but something is stopping me.

Like it. Cant go to far wrong with good strong colours and simple design. Just like our traditional jumper. Makes you wonder about the myriad of different alternate strips we have worn over recent years.

Unfortunately, the lackluster fool is making a lot of money and will end up a very rich man. Whilst, the huge revenues continue to flow into AFL coffers, Gil is as safe as houses.

All class, a perfect fit for the Bombers! Notice how the media is again all over the Bombers with good news stories. Also the Tigers. You wonder "who pays the Piper."

got to say, have always loved the demon in all its incarnations. compared to the soccer club logo and the drink coaster logo, the demon says it all in footy terms. the marketing department might want to identify with the city of Melbourne, but in footy terms it leaves me cold. to quote Checker Hughes "I want you to fight like demons""

Not if your German Daisy. Or for that matter any other nationality. The only other observation is that Wedding is no longer the destination and if it is for some, the final destination is more likely Boring or Breakup. Not for all of us I might add. I am sure Bitter would also have whipping or thrashing in there somewhere probably after Petting but before........

Far too flattering. I understand that Uncle has gone to ground since the Craig McLaughlin allegations surfaced. Uncle does a very good impression of Frank N Furter, indeed, I am told he was approached to replace dear Craig until the production team checked out his CV and spoke to female cast members about his full audition.

The only Gods likely to care about Uncle are pagan gods. Given the the Uncles proclivities and indulgences, it's unlikely to be Bacchus. However, given the current weather conditions it could be Thor who is definitely not happy. With the crumbling ruin known as The Manor, no doubt the good Uncle is busy making sure he has enough buckets underneath all the leaks.

Indeed Daisy, we are a multi cultural place where bananas are not always regarded as the King of the Fruits. We must not forget all religions particularly those of SE Asia. As you know I have a deep interest in spiritual matters like many on this site particularly this thread. Over recent times, I have been drawn to Buddhism and the spiritual texts of The Vedas which predate all other religious texts by 500 years. The more commonly accepted religious texts are mere new and revised editions of The Vedas. So we must not forget the Durian. Worshiped by many as the King of Fruits. Perhaps we can encourage BB to try a Durian smoothy.

Forgotten his cultural roots. He could be lost. Bring him back into the fold God. Hineni my Lord.

Mango or banana smoothly BB?

The good life BB. An apt time to say "well it sure beats working" Just avoid the crocs and other deadly creatures such as the elderly (in particular avoid the bus tour group), low class tourists in floral shirts especially the Poms, and the locals. You know the ones who are morbidly obese with no necks, faces full of skin cancers who speak in a completely incomprehensible lingua franca.

Magnificent BB. I have partaken in a few cleansing ales myself at Hemingways. Anonymously of course. A very pleasant spot late in the day or early evening. I feel thirsty.