I’m a firm believer in second chances. Some may say that Brendan Fevola has had his fair share of chances, and they’d be correct.
With the numerous off-field incidents ranging from the Lara Bingle photo incident and the large amounts of gambling debt to the 2009 Brownlow Medal “pressure point” incident that ruined his playing days at Carlton and Brisbane, it’s fair to say Brendan hasn’t exactly made things easy for himself.
In his 12 years at the pinnacle of sport in this country, Fevola has been sacked from two professional clubs, has made a fool of himself on national television, made international headlines for pub brawling over in Ireland in 2006 and has let down his fans, the people who have stuck with him through thick and thin, but most importantly his family.
Let me be very clear on this; I do not condone Fevola’s actions.
However, I do feel bad for him. I remember watching the Seven Network’s ‘Sunday Night’ show several months ago as Fevola and his loved ones told of their experiences in relation to Brendan’s sacking from the Brisbane Lions, and the proverbial downhill spiral of his personal and professional life that followed soon after.
Fevola told of his intention to commit suicide, his deep depression and how he misses his wife and children – all very sad stuff.
Meanwhile, his wife Alex blamed the AFL culture, believing that in lieu of his extraordinary ability on the field, AFL and club officials often turned a blind eye to his many deficiencies.
I must agree with Alex. While I think the onus is on the player to channel and recognise the wealth and responsibilities that come along with being a professional athlete in this country, some of the blame must be put on the AFL’s handling of these situations, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Look at it this way: a 17-year-old kid gets drafted and after a couple of years, he makes a name for himself in the national competition. Following that he and his manager negotiate a sizable contract worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, perhaps even in the millions of dollars.
When young people aren’t taught how to channel such advantages, they then have the very realistic possibility of losing control of their finances and of their lives.
If you think I’m wrong, how many people do you know personally, that have lost over one million dollars in gambling related issues?
Better yet, look at the messed up celebrities like Lindsay Lohan. People like that weren’t properly taught how to manage their wealth and significance, and for the lack of a better phrase; being taught how to stay level headed when fame and fortune comes their way.
Furthermore, these movie stars and athletes don’t earn the amount of money they’re given. They exercise and train hard which is all well and good, with the additional burden of facing the media on occasion and having their personal lives impacted heavily. There’s no doubt they earn their money to an extent.
But with the AFL’s average salary of $244,000 per year akin to a lawyer or doctors salary, I ask you: would a doctor or a lawyer piss it all away on the horses after all of their hard work?
I’m no Labor supporting left-wing hippy who believes that being on the dole is the right way to go and that the world is against me.
I have nothing against people who make a lot of money without a four-year law degree and an 80-hour work week. I’m merely stating that when you don’t work as hard to receive the amount of money put into your bank account, you don’t appreciate those things as much.
These comments are further proof that when a teenage boy comes into the massive organisation which is the AFL, it’s paramount that these young people be given guidance from the beginning to the end of their football careers.
Fevola is one very notable example of the mismanagement of young players construed by the AFL.
But as far as his football is concerned, Fevola had a very promising year with the Casey Scorpions in the VFL after 48 goals from 17 games with Brisbane in 2010.
Over the past year, Fevola’s thrown around numerous phrases that are now borderline clichés – “playing for minimum chips”, “clause in the contract” and “I know I can play footy, it’s the off-field stuff that’s the problem” all spring to mind.
And he’s right. He is still a very capable footballer, plus he wouldn’t cost a lot of money and if he so much as checks out the back-side of a waitress at a Toorak eatery, he’d be out on his arse quicker than he could say, “I’d like to touch her pressure point.”
So we’ve established he would be a valuable acquisition to any top eight sides looking to challenge for the Premiership next year.
Where would he go?
I believe he’d fit in nicely as the full-forward at Hawthorn, as Jarryd Roughead looks to be sitting out a significant portion of the Hawks 2012 campaign and Buddy Franklin does his best work sitting about 40 metres from goal as an inside centre-half forward.
Wouldn’t it be good if he finished his career with a premiership medallion with Hawthorn?
After all, we all love a fairytale ending.
Barry Hall’s wonderful exit with the Bulldogs after his very many on-field indiscretions and Ben Cousins solid final two years with Richmond after his drug addiction were both heart-warming and excellent outcomes for the players, their families and the entire footy world.
So after we’ve seen people like Barry Hall and Ben Cousins change their ways, who’s to say that Fevola can’t follow in the footsteps of his potential “baddie-turned- goodie” predecessors?
I think Fevola deserves another chance.
From what I’ve seen this year in various interviews and news articles, he seems he’s a changed man.
And I think it’s in the best interests of Fevola, his family and his loyal supporters that he be given the benefit of the doubt.
If he does in fact get that chance to redeem himself, I hope like hell he repays the prospective club with good performances on and off the field.
Good luck, Fevola.
amazonfan
Guest
"It would be a boring place if we all thought the same way all the time." Indeed, :D. I actually find this discussion quite interesting. 2)Regarding Cousins, I agree and I disagree. I agree that West Coast had every right to get rid of Cousins. I disagree however that he brought the game into disrepute, and as such I don't think the AFL should have done what it did. Ultimately taking illicit drugs, which are separate from performance enhancing drugs, does not affect the integrity of the sport, and so if we are discussing perfect worlds- in mine, the AFL wouldn't have punished anyone at all. I remain massively disappointed (to say the least) that the AFL took action against Cousins. The reason I bring this up is to differentiate between the AFL and WC. While I do have a problem with what the AFL did, as I do not believe that Cousins brought the game into disrepute, I do however have no problem with West Coast ending their association with Cousins. They had every right to do so, and while I or others may not agree with them, I'm not questioning their right to do so. "What Hall did does not, usually, impact on the fabric and stability of the club. What Cousins did absolutely does because the players know what’s going on even if those outside do not." Except here's the thing. What Hall did absolutely impacted upon the fabric and stability of Sydney. Adam Goodes was interviewed about it this year, and he made the comment that Hall's presence at the club became untenable due to his violating the club's culture. Ultimately, there is really no difference between the two situations. 5)Yes, charges being dropped doesn't mean that he is innocent, however they do mean that he must be considered innocent, which is what I said. I don't feel comfortable questioning his innocence, so I'm not going to go there at all. I will simply say that Brisbane had every right to get rid of him, however he also has every right to feel betrayed since they displayed a complete lack of trust, and even when the charges were dismissed, their comments and behaviour indicated they still thought he did something wrong. To sum up, I agree that Brisbane had every right to sack him, however I don't agree that 'Brisbane, like Carlton before them, made the only possible choice', or that Fevola 'burned' them. Brisbane made a decision that legally and morally they were entitled to make, however like with West Coast with Cousins or Sydney with Hall or Brisbane/Western Bulldogs with Akermanis etc..., it does not mean that their decision can not be questioned by others, especially Fevola himself.
Bayman
Guest
amazon, Re, your points..... 1/ I agree with you. Professional sportsmen do not deserve "chances" just be cause they're professional sportsmen.....and that includes Katich. 2/ The treatment of Cousins. His drug use, continually over time, created a situation where his club had simply had enough. People like this in a club become a poison....and a liability. Like Fevola and Carlton I'm sure West Coast knew what was happening a long before everyone else and they condoned it because of the player's ability. Such tolerance tends to create a belief in the player that he's bullet-proof and "entitled". It can also damage the discipline within the team and the club. Cousins brought the game into disrepute - hence the AFL's actions. In a perfect world the AFL would probably have penalised West Coast as a club for allowing this situation to develop. The Eagles claimed no knowledge - highly unlikely. Let's not forget one of Cousins old teammates died as a result of drug abuse. This is not something which would have been a secret within the club even if those outside were shocked at the eventual news of Cousin's, and his teammate's, lifestyle. What Hall did does not, usually, impact on the fabric and stability of the club. What Cousins did absolutely does because the players know what's going on even if those outside do not. You may wish to discuss this point with John Worsfold. 3/ The best form of his career. At the age he was at Brisbane, with a decade of football behind him it was highly unlikely. More likely was Lyon's giving an old Footy Show mate a boost in response to his damaged image. He may well have been more "team oriented" but that, I'm sure, was a pre-req from Voss. Do it or else. There'll be no Carlton head in the sand stuff here. I'm not entirely convinced that Lyon, in this case, was a neutral observer. 4/ I never said footballers are not entitled to a life. I did say, and mean, that guys with Fevola's record should be doing what they're damn well told, not what they damn well like. At least, not if they want to keep being professional footballers. Don't forget, Fevola had some ground to make up on the likes of Voss, Black, Brown etc. 5/ Charges dismissed mean the person is innocent. Not really. Charges can be dismissed for a variety of reasons. The obvious one is they didn't do it. It could also mean the "victim" decides not to testify. Or the charge is minor and the courts see no advantage in continuing the case. Or the evidence is not strong enough to ensure a conviction. Where there's smoke there's usually fire. There was more than just one incident involving Fevola at Brisbane and more in a year than Black, Brown and others in a career - if you get my drift. Fevola, for whatever reason, was his own worst enemy. So blaming him for things he didn't do might be a slight misrepresentation of the facts. Did Brisbane blame him for the "crimes" or did they blame him for the trouble he brought to the club and the effort required to manage him which became unsustainable for the welfare and stability of the club. As I suggested earlier where Fevola is concerned, I don't know and I don't care. Don't forget, if it comes down to the player or the club the player loses every time - and so he should. Brisbane, like Carlton before them, made the only possible choice. That said, amazon, like me you're entitled to your views and I have no problem with you having an alternate opinion. It would be a boring place if we all thought the same way all the time.
amazonfan
Guest
A few comments: 1)I completely agree that 'players are not necessarily 'entitled.' As I said in my post, I don't think that clubs have an obligation to Fevola, just as Cricket Australia has no obligation to Katich, irrespective of what Katich thinks. I think the only relevant issue is his form, and it probably isn't good enough. People talk about second or third chances, and giving a young player a chance, and whether Fevola deserves a chance; and for me, it's all irrelevant. No sportsman deserves any chances, and if Fevola is considered to be good enough, and fits a club's needs, then the club should recruit him. The same with other sports. Katich doesn't 'deserve' another chance either, no matter how publicly angry he might be. 2)Regarding Hall, I don't have a massive problem with what he did. However I do think that he was treated incredibly generously compared to Fevola and Cousins. Now, I know this thread isn't about Cousins, but I will go to my grave feeling that the AFL should be ashamed of the way they treated him. He got what he deserved? I completely and totally disagree with that. However that is a discussion for another time. My point is that Hall did something pretty controversial to say the least, and IMO it was much worse than whatever Fevola had ever done, and yet, there aren't any threads attacking Hall as a person. Oh, and BTW, you mention politically correct bullsh*t, yet you think Cousins got what he deserved? Political correctness is really just another term for something that others find offensive or beyond the pale, but one doesn't. 3)"As for Fevola being in the best form of his career I have my doubts." The reason was that he was playing team-oriented football. I'm actually quoting Garry Lyon who praised Fevola for being in the best form of his career. 4)I do think that footballers are entitled to have a life, I don't agree with your comment that he isn't, however, obviously, he needed to take more responsibility. 5)We will probably never agree on this, but if someone are charged with a crime, and the charges are dismissed, then that person must be considered innocent. Saying that he 'created the opportunity for those accusations to be made' is IMO offensive. I also think that to blame Fevola for something which he didn't do, which is essentially what Brisbane did, is incredibly unfair. "It probably doesn’t really matter what Fevola actually did at Brisbane, compared to the accusations, but the club was forced to spend way too much in time and resources handling the off-field matters to make Fev worth the effort." Perhaps. Ultimately they may have decided that it wasn't worth it. However that is not what was presented, and when you say Brisbane were 'burned', this does not justify such a severe word. Such a word would IMO indicate that he actually did something, and I still don't know what he did; and as such, I don't think any of the personal attacks upon him are justified.
Bayman
Guest
Amazon, It probably doesn't really matter what Fevola actually did at Brisbane, compared to the accusations, but the club was forced to spend way too much in time and resources handling the off-field matters to make Fev worth the effort. Given that he no doubt had behavioural clauses in his contract, relating no doubt to his actions and the potential fallout for the club, I have no problem at all with Brisbane's handling of him "post-charges". Fevola may or may not have done all the things of which he was accused - I don't know and I don't care - but the fact is he created the opportunity for those accusations to be made. A smarter man would have kept his head down and his nose clean, especially given the manner of his exit from Carlton. For those who defend him by saying he's entitled to a life I can only counter with not for the money and the opportunity he was being given by Brisbane. If he accepts the money - he accepts the circumstances. No argument. As for Fevola being in the best form of his career I have my doubts. His lack of discipline in his lifestyle would surely have impacted on his ability to get and maintain a proper fitness. Perhaps this is why he was injured? Fevola never seemed to be the most dedicated player out there even on his best days - perhaps someone like Voss found his work ethic unpalatable. In the end Brisbane's investment in Fevola proved to be more trouble than it was worth - hence they got burned. They certainly did not seem sorry to see him go. As for Barry Hall I was there the night he hit Staker. It happened right in front of, and below, me. Staker was hanging on his arm and his jumper while the ball was nowhere near them. Hall looked at the umpire as if to ask for the free and was ignored. The umpire appeared to look at him but then looked away. Like Lockett before him, it appears that most umpires assumed Hall was big enough to look after himself - so no free kick. Hall then decided to indeed look after himself and solve the problem in his own way. Personally, I had no great issue with it and was amused at the contrived outrage which followed. Staker didn't just get a hit that night - he got an education. If the umpire had done his job - the one they are paid to do - then both Staker and Hall would have been saved from the aftermath. Staker took his chance - and like Brisbane with Fevola - got burned. Against Hawthorn some time later Hall was penalised with three consecutive 50 metre penalties. Again it was poor umpiring rather than poor play by Hall. Yes, he was frustrated by the end but that was because the umpiring was simply incompetent and the men in white (or whatever damn colour they wore that night) were more interested in big-noting themselves at Hall's expense than understanding what had really taken place. Later, Hall love-tapped Ben Rutten in a match against Adelaide and was damned for all time at Sydney. Yes, it was a dumb thing to do given there was no real malice or danger in the hit - Rutten even laughed - but now, apparently, Hall had "anger management" issues. What a load of crap. Modern football and modern life is just so full of politically correct bullsh*t. Ted Whitten would have thrown ten times more punches and elbows than Hall and Teddy is lauded as one of the all-time greats. Today he'd be lucky to play consecutive matches without incurring the wrath. I'm not saying "bring back the biff" but I am saying we've all become a little soft and girlie today. The slightest thing offends us, the slightest sign of aggression frightens us, the slightest upset has us looking for someone to blame (and hopefully to sue). Carlton may have managed Fevola better during his time there (almost certainly) but Fevola has nobody to blame but himself for his current predicament. If he accepts that then he can at least claim to have finally grown up. By the way - and for the record - I am an Adelaide supporter so I have no personal and vested interest in defending Barry Hall. It is curious, though, that I think Hall was harshly treated and Fevola and Cousins got what they deserved. Perhaps it is just the era in which I was brought up. For example, I'm firmly of the view that players are not necessarily "entitled" and that clubs are not obliged to indulge behaviour which brings discredit to the team, the club and the game. So while I think Hall was hard done by I accept the Swans right to make the call. Same with Carlton, Brisbane and West Coast.
SportsFanGC
Roar Guru
Agree with Swampy. Time for everyone to move on from Fevola and these stupid fluff pieces about giving him another chance. There are a ton of kids getting ready for the draft this year who have not had their first chance at AFL level and possibly have a 10-15 year career ahead of them. Fev should be used an example by all AFL clubs to show kids what can and will happen if you think you are bullet proof just because you can kick a footy.
amazonfan
Guest
Who wants to whitewash them? Maybe some of us simply don't think they did anything all that bad? I certainly don't.
Richard
Roar Guru
Yeah, well I'd be vocal in my opposition if The 'Pies were considering him. The guy's got no character, no self control, no self-discipline and he's a bad influence on those around him. Talent he's got in truckloads, and talent often buys a lot of pardons. Fevola, however has been a bad boy just too often and has thrown just two many chances back in the faces of those who provided them. He is a human being, and I do hope he makes something of his life from here. Not at The 'Pies though. And I hope we don't see him on The Footy Show again giving yet another disingenuous interview. He's even worse than Wayne Carey in that regard.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Trying to 'whitewash ' Mr Fevola Ozzie and Benny ? Second chances? Mr Fevola is on his 4 gazillionth chance . His ongoing behaviour shows he has no self control of any kind and has no common sense of what might be good for him .Hey if you want to sing his praises go to his funeral and read out a great obituary to the guy I'm sure he will be grateful from where ever he is :-) and be blessed :-)
cricketfan
fevola is a dead set dud - absolutely no ways would i take him...
Conrad Reynolds
Guest
BRING HIM BACK TO CARLTON! ~ www.facebook.com/fev2012 Almost 3,000 strong support! KEEP IT COMING!
amazonfan
Guest
How did he burn Brisbane? He got injured, and his play was greatly affected, but before then, commentators such as Garry Lyon were proclaiming his form as the best of his career. For the life of me, I don't know what he did at Brisbane. What did he do? As opposed to what he was accused of doing? Which raises the issue of Brisbane's treatment of him post-charges, but that's another story. Anyway, I do agree that clubs don't have an obligation to him, just as Cricket Australia has no obligation to Katich. No sportsman deserves or is entitled to another shot, so if Fevola does get another get another shot, it will be based on his form. Ultimately, he's probably not good enough; he's one-dimensional and he's no longer in top form. Still, he was an an amazing player, and I think it's sad the way his career came to an end. BTW, Bayman, the reason I feel sorry for him is that, like Ben Cousins, I think he was treated far too harshly. Compare the treatment of him to that of Barry Hall, who essentially committed assault.
Ozzie Blues
Guest
Fevola is not a criminal... Unlike a long list of others who have either been to jail or have taken illegal drugs... AFL NEEDS TO REALISE... That this is not a popularity contest... Well maybe it is for there bottom line... I think going to Brisbane was a bandaid before the crash of fevola... He has now crashed and I think it would be befificial for the AFL to support Fev to show like Ben Cousins that people can turn there lives around... He is one of the most talented forwards ever in the game and would be great to see him finish with the class of Barry hall... This would be great example for all who have struggled with mental health issues... And it's more Australian than turning your back on a mate who has delivered so much joy to so many... It's is sad that in sport clubs and organizations are there riding the wave in the good times but don't have the balls to pull there players into line when they need to... Fev was an issue years before the brownlow but again cartons bottom line was to important... Parkin at least said he should have done some thing years ago... If fev had have been given a boundary back then it might have changed his whole life!!!
Swampy
Guest
Regardless of whether or not he should be granted another chance his form hardly warrants a recall to AFL ranks. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Brian
Guest
Hard to see it happening, all the interstate clubs have disregarded interest and its clear that if he gets a chance it has to be in Victoria. That leaves the 10 Victorian clubs. From there take off the rebuilding ones who aren't looking at playing the GF in 2012 Melb, WB, Rich, NM, Ess. Most of them apart from Ess wouldn't won't the cash associated with the potential PR disaster either. So there a re 5 left, Carlton are out straight away, St Kil group don't exactly have a great culture so we are left with the top 3 from this year Geel, Coll & Haw. Cloke, Doors, JPod, Hawkins, Buddy, Roughead - Noone is crying for a FF like Geelong of a few years ago. Coll have a first year coach so I'd take it down to 2. Geelong or Hawthorn I'd say are the only 2 strong enough culture wise to roll the dice but its still a big call with more downside than up.
fatboi
Guest
big chin fev needs to grow up and learn how to be an adult and take responsibility. sadly at his age, it has yet to happen. perhaps he loves all the attention and sympathy he gets?
brendan
Guest
I hope he gets another chance .The guy is an alcoholic so the Afl invite him to the brownlow, all you can drink, and watch on as he makes a fool of himself.We do condone too much from Afl stars and most clubs encourage drinking.Another champion player who was an alcoholic was Darren Millane and he paid the ultimate price for it.There is no guarantee he wont stuff up again but if a club takes him and he tows the line he will win games for them.Properley handled he could be the difference between 5-8 and no shot at it and 1-4 and a genuine flag chance.Hope Geelong recruit him.
Bayman
Guest
The problem with guys like Fevola and Carney is simply that they are too stupid for words. It's one thing to be paid several hundred thousand dollars a season, another to realise it's only for a relatively short while. Like hundreds of players before them Fevola and Carney had "managers". Where the hell were they when their players were going off the rails. It's not the AFL's fault that Fevola is an idiot. Nor is it their fault he wasted most of his football earnings. I know it's a radical thought but it is entirely possible the fault lies with Fevola himself. Nobody twisted his arm, nobody forced him to behave like an idiot. No doubt he reached the stage, and very early on in his career, when he thought he was bullet-proof and was entitled, based on his income and position, to behave as he damn well pleased. A more courageous Carlton management may have intervened a little earlier and, perhaps, avoided some of the subsequent dramas but we'll never know. As for chances, he's had plenty. His time at Carlton was not just one chance but several. Brisbane took their chance and got burned. Significantly they were a team at the bottom of the heap. The idea that any self-respecting club with aspirations of a top eight - and better - finish would want to taint itself with Fevola and all his baggage is, at best, highly unlikely. Great teams are invariably so because they have great off-field management. Great management does not get involved with the track record of the likes of Fevola. We can all feel sorry for Fevola but I struggle to understand why. He's had more opportunity than most and basically has just crapped in his own nest. He may indeed have learnt his lesson and be a new man. He's also now an "old man" in football terms and been out of the AFL circus for too long to be seriously considered. Who's fault is that? AFL clubs do NOT have any obligation whatsoever to Fevola. He's not entitled to be picked up just because he might like it to happen. It no longer matters if he's a "new man". It's just too bloody late for that. Footy fans may love fairy tales but they prefer premierships and Fevola will never be a premiership player.
Richard
Roar Guru
Second chance? He'd be up to his 10th chance by now wouldn't he?
db swannie
Guest
All sports have their share of not so bright players....(Fevola,Carney etc),& sadly they NEVER learn their lesson...The more chances you give them the more they will do the same. There is no cure for stupidity.
BigAl
Guest
I think it best for his own sake that he stick with his ' new media career ' with Gold104 & Grubby& Didi. Actually, I haven't tuned in for a while so I'm not sure if he's still on ?? It was that crowd that initiated the ' bring back Fev ' campaign - basically just to generate publicity for their radio show