Rust

Megan Waters, she is the co-host of Yokayi footy on AFL.com.

Went along last night. A few notes: • Melksham gave a fantastic tribute to Hibberd. Said Hibberd was a man who would always “find a way”, despite not looking like the quintessential AFL footballer. Whether that was on the field as a desperate defender, or when the energy among the boys was dwindling during wacky Wednesday celebrations, he would “always find a way”. This led to his nickname for Hibberd being “the human loophole.” • Hibberd also gave a wonderful speech. He thanked Goody for convincing him to come to MFC as the best decision he’s made. Goody pitched him to come and help start our “new competitive culture”. Credited his father for never letting him get ahead of himself. Even when he kicked 10 goals in juniors, his dad said “what about the 2 points you missed, I would’ve kicked 12.” His dad refused to say Michael was a better player… Hibberd said it only took an all-Australian, premiership, and 197 AFL games to finally admit it. • Mark Williams presented best young player awards to McVee and JVR. Choco said when we played Brisbane, Charlie Cameron came up to him before the game and said, “I suppose you’ll have McVee on me.” Highlighted how the competition was starting to take notice of McVee’s talents. • During the video tribute for Ron Barassi, they had a great quote from Hassa Mann. It might have been shown in other Barassi tributes, as there are many, so others may have seen it. I’m paraphrasing here, but essentially Hassa said he remembers coming to the MFC as an 18-year-old, by which time Barassi was already a giant of the AFL (3 flags). They were running out onto the field one game when Barassi tapped him on the shoulder, looked him square in the eyes, and told him: “Don’t worry. I won’t let you down, son.” Talk about leadership! RIP Ron Barassi. Man amongst men. Obviously, people can watch the speeches from the award winners, President and coach on the MFC website but a couple of notes: • I agree with what Older Demon said re Goody. My impression after last night was that his position is one of leadership, not just coaching. He drives standards, culture, and creates the environment for players to become elite. I recall Roosy used to say he wanted to coach Melbourne for the leadership challenge as much as anything, and I can see this mindset in Goody. I also recall Peter Jackson saying Goody’s job interview for the succession plan was different from other candidates, who all talked about game plans, whereas Goody talked about culture, values, behaviours, and habits. To Jackson, that was like hearing Paul Roos speak, and that’s when he knew they had the right man – our 57-year drought-breaking premiership coach and a real leader of the club. • I would also like to add that we are privileged to have Christian Petracca don the red and blue. Goody said he’s never met a player who wants to be great as much as Petracca. Trac thanked the club psychologist in his speech and spoke of his passion for performance mindset, always finding a way to get better. He has flaws in his game like all players, but he is elite in everything he does to prepare… from the mental to the physical to the work he puts in on his skills, even on days off. Our next captain imo. Pencil him in. Bloody legend. Go dees in 2024.