While Aussie rules footy is not for the light hearted, footy isn’t always as tough as it seems. The players aren’t as unbreakable as they look, as this last month or so in our game has proven.
When the sad, unexpected passing of beloved Adelaide coach Phil Walsh was announced on July 3, the footy community went into shock.
Phil was responsible for the rebirth of the Adelaide Football Club. He knew his stuff, with a pedigree as an experienced player and amazing coach. His was a life viciously snatched from his family, the playing group, and everyone else who cared about the great man.
The news ripped through footy fans, creating hundreds of tributes and tons of respect shown on game days.
It made me proud to be associated with this game and its amazing supporters. The beautiful scenes at Adelaide Oval for the tribute to Phil, and the supporters banding together during the Port versus Adelaide showdown, bought a tear to my eye. In a game that is usually dominated by team pride and one-eyed supporters, to see everyone come together really proved that we are all united.
Another example of the support and generosity of the footy community was Maddie’s Match. A gorgeous soul who always looked out for others and embodied the meaning of love and happiness, Maddie Riewoldt was taken from this world way too early. 45,000 people travelled to Etihad Stadium to salute and remember Maddie.
I thank Maddie for her courage and ability to raise awareness of aplastic anaemia. Nick and Jack have done her incredible justice by promoting Maddie Riewoldt’s vision.
In the last month footy has been at its finest, but not in the usual game sense. The emotional support from the public has been outstanding and incredible to witness. I am so proud to be a part of Australia’s biggest and best family because I know that in times of trouble everyone will be there to support each other and encourage happiness.
After all, it’s our love of the game that unites us.
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