Darren Jolly’s parting shot at his former coach only serves to damage his own reputation.
Speaking this week about his sudden exit from Collingwood, the 237-gamer labelled Magpies coach Nathan Buckley a “coward” for the manner in which he handled the delisting.
Amongst Jolly’s claims was Buckley’s reason for sacking him – the ruckman’s ageing body could no longer stand up to the pressures of AFL – was based on false pretences, and the real reason for the split was down to a personality clash.
Wednesday’s outburst from the dual-premiership player came as a shock to fans who are accustomed to seeing a consummate professional and well-spoken figure in the media.
While it is refreshing to hear a footballer speak his mind in today’s cliché-driven world, Jolly’s tirade stinks of sour grapes from a person who is upset his sporting career appears over.
Very few people ever reach the status of a professional AFL coach, and so most would never fully understand the difficulties that must come with informing a player his time is up.
Although Jolly seems intent on blaming others for his own demise, the simple fact is his body was succumbing to injuries in recent years.
This culminated in a 2013 season which saw him play just nine senior games due to a dodgy knee.
The fact no club decided to take the risk with the former Melbourne and Sydney stalwart in this week’s rookie draft is further testament to the belief Jolly no longer offered enough to be given a spot on an AFL list.
More to this, teenager Brodie Grundy emerged on the scene for Collingwood during the 32-year-old’s hiatus last season and proved himself as a more-than-capable ruckman to replace Jolly in the years ahead.
Standing in stark contrast to Jolly’s show of unprofessionalism was the coach himself, Nathan Buckley, and his response to the “coward” tag on a breakfast radio program on Thursday morning.
In his interview, Buckley refused to be drawn into a slanging match with his former big man.
Instead, the Magpies coach showed class by coming out in defence of Jolly, sympathising with him over what is undoubtedly a difficult period for any professional sportsman whose career is having the curtains drawn on it.
While Jolly is receiving sympathy from the man he levelled criticism at, it is unlikely those who idolised him in the black and white over the past four seasons will be as forgiving.
As stated by Magpies President Eddie McGuire, who weighed into the debate on Thursday, Jolly’s comments were offensive to “most people in the Collingwood family”.
Of course, once you’ve crossed a Pies fanatic, it is hard to win them back.
Taking advice from the very person you are angered by may seem like a bit of a slap-in-the-face, but Jolly could learn a thing or two about respect and professionalism from his old coach.
watergate
Guest
It will be interesting to see how gracious FIGJAM Buckley is, when the Pies miss the eight entirely during season 2014 and the supporters are screaming for his head.
Darren M
Guest
It's true to form actually for Jolly. As a Melbourne supporter, I remember his parting comments when he left the Dees for Sydney. Obviously frustrated at being the number 2 ruckman to Jeff White at the time, he gave a swipe to Melbourne, stating something like it's good to finally be in a team that respects me and recognises my talents. I disliked him from that point on.
Gecko
Guest
With a very good CV on the field, and a refreshingly outspoken style, Jolly should be able to get a media job somewhere. Akermanis and Grant Thomas did. Fevola could. Media personalities don't have to be polite people.
Brendan
Guest
Jolly by name not by nature.I think anyone who has played for three teams won flags at two of them should be content with his playing career.Not many players this century particularly, have played on past 33 yrs of age - Fletcher is a freak - so Jolly has had a fairly good career.As for Buckley he handled it well .
Simoc
Guest
I guess Jolly has minimized his job prospects. No one wants a grump old man.
JohnD
Guest
Buckley has grown on me since they made him coach of Collingwood. Unlike during his playing days when I always thought he was a bit arrogant, these days he just comes across as determined and singleminded. Whilst I think you could make many criticisms of his temperament over the years, he is no coward.
Simon
Guest
I've met Bucks many times and he is a terrific bloke. Not a barrell of laughs by any means, but a genuinely decent man. And I'm a Hawks supporter. PS: Jolly's body is r00ted. Bucks was just giving it to him straight. Hudson may be older but his body is in better nick.
Simon
Guest
Jolly has form in this area. Remember his article when he unleashed on Josh Fraser last year? He doesn't seem to like anyone. And he sounds like a terrible bloke.
Radelaide
Guest
My first guess is he is trying to be controversial to get an opinion column in the media I also thought that when he attacked Josh Fraser earlier this year in the papers although attacking Eddie's mate is probably not the wisest move. I suppose he could also be a boat rocker who due to his size and ability has never been told no until now, maybe he should seek advice from aker.
Are you there Harry
Guest
Obviously wasn't interested in a media or coaching career either post Collingwood.
bill
Guest
Buckley is an excellent media performer no question. Spin is one of his major tools of trade. 'Honesty' I think is what Jolly was looking for "Are you there Harry'. To much to ask? Facts, Buckley has taken a side that was runner up to 8th in two years. Sour grapes if you say anything when your cut or moved on? So you wait till you win the Premiership then bag him at the celebrations? lol oh dear. I like Buckley's comment when asked at the Brownlow about Dane Swan's being runner up. "well he had a consistent year' was all he could say. Dane contract ends at the end of this season, it will be interesting to watch Buckley on Swan in 2014. Swan to play forward alot more than bagged at the end of the year because his possession numbers are down?
NickW
Guest
+1
Milo
Guest
Maybe Jolly just became a bit too outspoken both publically and privately and that together with his injuries meant Buckley had little choice. Yes its poor form by Jolly and Im no great fan of ol FIGJAM, but you have to respect his need for his (now youngish) team to be listening to his message only. Esp if Jolly is/was sharing his 'wisdom' with his younger impressionable teammates.
Aransan
Guest
I find it hard to understand how Jolly could have been interested in being picked up in the rookie draft, and I think footy clubs would have had trouble understanding that as well. Once he was overlooked in the pre-season draft he was basically stuffed. The rookie list is surely only of interest to someone who sees the possibility of being promoted onto the senior list with the likelihood of a couple of more years of senior football to complete their career.
Are you there Harry
Guest
Buckley and Eade sat him down, in a meeting, face to face and told him the reasons for not being selected. What's cowardly about that? Calling someone a coward via media is ........ cowardly.
Tassie Pie
Guest
Very disappointed in this from Jolly. Still it can't be easy to be told that at 32 your career is over when only 12months ago you are the No.1 ruckman in a Premiership chasing team. Full marks to Buckley who, instead of fighting back, showed compassion and an understanding that even if he never achieves status as a great coach is learning to be a great man.
Ian
Guest
Its obvious to all Buckley has had personality problems with alot more players than Jolly. I love the way people quote how many senior games players play as justification for there demise. Buckley controls how many senior games they play. Didak played his guts out week in week out in the VFL only to see players promoted to the seniors with half his form.Buckley is lucky Dids, Heater, Krak, etc haven't had a go YET.
Australian Rules
Guest
+1
Richard
Roar Guru
Sorry to hear that Darren Jolly felt that way but the outburst from him was a mistake. His ego proved bigger than his intellect after all.
Talisman
Guest
The whole point is he called another bloke a coward publicly - my response wouldn't be as measured as Buckley's - you're right Rusty, he is all class. As for the argument that "it is refreshing for players to speak their mind etc etc" - you can do that without calling someone a coward.