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Well many of us have seen the 'movie' and now you can read the book. (Written by Anson Cameron) I am not an avid reader of sports biography but I can say that the early years before they are famous are much more informative and interesting than the years after. Perhaps the discipline required to be a champ in a team environment tones down the experiences and the stories. (Shaun Burgoynes - Silk - $2Kmart - was somewhat dull when describing his time at Hawthorn and boy did he miss something). In terms of his time at the Dees the story is coloured by the merger talks and the coming of Joe Gutnick, who, Balmey says knew nothing about football and wasnt heard of before or after his chairmanship. (Shades of 'Black Arthur' in Sunday too Far Away). Neil also says that when he looked at the members of the coteries he didnt understand why the club was broke. As a player we all remember the hits, especially Geoff Southby, Blues fans still boo, and in another medium he has expressed some remorse in that he thought it was Vin Waite. This behaviour is a contradiction in that he comes across as a kind, loyal, caring man, who looked out for everybody at the club, and typically was the last to leave a function to ensure everyone was looked after and got away ok. These traits were put to good use in his role as Football Manager. So how do we explain the violence, which apparently was not part of his game before Richmond. Neil was extremely competitive, the type who would knock the board over if losing against the kids; his support and caring for his team mates went to the extreme of violence, and in those days thats how the game was played and some one in the team had to do it. I will leave the rest up to you. Worth a look. (ps I mentionned Patrick White in another thread but I think I got away with it)