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.

Apparently, Clarrie told the coaches that his team mates were soft tacklers and that only a man of steel could stop him. The coaches looked around the group, shrugged their shoulders and decided that the only way to test Clarriés boast was to bring out the steel ladder.

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.

That is good to hear regarding the philosophy of no jabs and no risks. Playing sore or injured has always been....well... a short-term response usually with long term consequences. Nevertheless, I wonder about the wisdom of playing Hogan on the concrete like surface of the G Hard. Who are the key people on the Medical/HP team other than Missen.

Agree with your comments. He seems level headed and smart. He now has a lot of bargaining power. His game last week only consolidates his position. He will have plenty of suitors. That makes me nervous on the other hand he has developed into a very important weapon for us. The $ on offer are going to be big. Despite TMacs loyalty and comments, I can't see this deal being done quickly unless the club decides not to muck around and puts up an attractive offer in the mid to top end of what he and his manager know they can get from other clubs. It really is pay day for TMac and he and his manager will know it. Delicate negotiations to come. We do have a team to pay, so there will be interesting discussions about relative value. The future Hogan deal will be key and impact not just TMacs negotiations but others as well. I am reassured that we have some very capable people. Both Jackson and Mahoney are sensible and practical football managers.

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.

There is truth to this. I get frustrated today and at times feel that the game as a spectacle has taken a nose dive. There are exciting passages of play followed by terrible stacks on the mill footy that is awful to watch. At the same time, back in the good old days, there were also awful games, when the grounds were wet or covered in mud and defenders went to the boundary line at every opportunity. Whilst there were great skills, there were also poor skills particularly on wet days. There were great players back then, but there were others who would not get a game today. However, in the good old days, we did watch positional footy with great contests between players across the ground, whether it be up forward or defence. There were great contests in the centre and on the wing. Flower and Greig come to mind. These contests are missing from today's game and that's a great pity. I have always thought that playing a specified number of players in the forward half and defensive half would be worth trying, however, this would fundamentally change the way the game is played. It would also result in many frustrating free kicks that would frustrate all fans. So I suspect that you are right "Angry"

Unlikely with his injury. As stated could have lost his finger. The injury was very serious.

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.

Thanks for your comments. I understand your thought process regarding the Fritsch and Watts comparison, but I really don't see the point. The former is the future and the latter the past. I guess given the thousands of words about Jack over the years, I am just heartily sick of on-going reference to him. I was a Jack supporter but now recognize he is best gone. I would prefer to see any discussion about Fritsch's game and his bright future simply stand alone. He is not Jack and he does not play like Jack. And I think we all recognize that we have gained more than we lost.

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.

Yeah yeah

Most Bomber supporters were happy to lose Melksham but not Hibberd. The general view with M was as per Stretch's comment that his worst and best were a long way apart. His inconsistency and brain fades frustrated Bomber supporters to the nth degree.

True ManDee, I guess I just get annoyed at seeing the thread pop-up all the time, and the general level of bile directed at a guy that does not deserve the hate. (in fact no-one does other than child molesters and politicians)

Richmond are blessed by an incredibly capable and expert medical, fitness and support staff. I think that their list is better managed than any other team at the current time.

I'm not a fan of censorship, but really this thread should be closed down. It does no one any credit to be banging on about Jack. Just demeaning diatribe about an ex-player. It should stop. We should talk about our current crop of players like Spargo and Fritsch. Anyone but Watts.

Let's hope so. Amazing what confidence and belief in yourself and teammates can do. And accountability. Not only for your role but also your opponent.

Big tick for Salem

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.