Never Surrender, Gavin Robertson tough as
Unbelievable, emotional scenes in the Greater Western Sydney sheds after the big win against the Gold Coast. Earlier in the week we all found out the dreadful news that Gav had been diagnosed with brain cancer. Pictured with that news was a shot of Gavin in hospital after surgery. I thought to myself, “Damn it!”, I wanted to say g’day to Gav and wish him the very best. So I rock up to the ground and asked some Giants officials how Gavin was doing and was gobsmacked to be told he’d be at the game and in the rooms afterwards. So the game was played, and I venture into the rooms and what I witnessed was a miracle. Here was Gavin Robertson standing in the player huddle, arm in arm with Jezza Cameron & Adam “Kennas” Kennedy belting out the words of the Giants club song “Never Surrender”. Days after serious surgery, Gav was standing defiantly with his mates making a massive statement about the biggest fight of his life. Even former Australian test captain Steve Waugh was there to lend support. Like Jeremy and Adam, Gav has been with the Giants since the very first days. In his role as Community Liaison officer for the Giants he is a much loved person around the club. Personally, I’ve always found Gavin to be friendly and has a kind word. Pre and post game, we’d always trade opinions about where the team was headed. I went up him to him and said “Mate are you kidding?, You would have to be the most courageous bloke I’ve run into”. Gav smiled in his usual manner and said “I’m alright Darl”. I wished Gav all the best and told him “You have to come back!” I went off and then spoke to Stephen Colignio. I asked Cog’s what he thought of Gavin and he was glowing in his praise, saying Robertson was there for the players when they were going through tough times. Well Gavin Roberston saw and surely knows that all of us are in his corner 100% and that our prayers are with him, his entire family and friends. You are an absolute bloody champ Gavin Robertson, a speedy recovery mate!
Everyone is in Gavin Robertson’s corner including Aussie cricket legend Steve Waugh. Photo: Jodie Newell
A big hug for Gav from Stephen Colignio. Photo: Jodie Newell
The improving Suns
The margin may not have reflected the above statement, but I feel the Gold Coast Suns are on the right track and continue to improve as a football club. Stuart Dew is doing great work with a club that was being touted by those in the know as being fit to be transported to Tasmania. Dew, the players and CEO Mark Evans are having none of that and are working towards building a competitive side. I saw some positive signs on the weekend. I really liked the game of forward Ben King. He’s only played 3 AFL games, but presented well, kicked a goal and took seven marks and provided a target. That’s not a bad effort all things considered. I also liked the work of ruckman Jarrod Witts. He easily won the hit-out count against the much rated Shane Mumford 46-34. He had 15 possession and gave his midfielders plenty of supply in the stoppages. I absolutely love the work of Darcy MacPherson. He attacks the footy hard, gets in the faces of opponents and doesn’t take a step backwards, something the Suns need. How this boy ever missed the clutches of the Western Bulldogs via the father – son rule is beyond me. His father Steve was an outstanding tough, skilled player, who could change a game. Darcy plays in a similar fashion and will only get better with more gametime. David Swallow played a decent game as to did Brayden Fiorini. Throw in Touk Miller who is currently out with a heel injury and the Suns look a decent side. They aren’t going to be re-located to the Apple isle anytime soon.
David Swallow of the Gold Coast Suns. Photo: Jodie Newell
Jarrod Witts (2nd,left) held his own against Shane Mumford on Saturday. Photo: Jodie Newell
Bad luck Bolts
Sometimes you find out in life you aren’t good enough, despite the effort you’ve put in. In Brendon Bolton’s case it all came to a head on Monday afternoon, when the club announced that they would no longer require his services. I think it’s the right move. He had his time, he had his opportunity to implement a game plan and it didn’t work. I’ve never seen a Carlton side so poorly skilled as the current one. Some of the passing and disposal skills have been diabolical and I shake my head in disbelief. Sure the game cant be played perfectly but how on earth can players who are “professional” be so bad on the basics? Bolton failed to instill a culture of winning, something that is very elusive. I think back on the Giants and their early days and how they would play just as bad as Carlton, especially in the disposal department. I’d roll my eyes at some of the terrible errors the team would make. The Blues have been a train wreck for several years now. They haven’t improved since the sacking of Brett Ratten. The Carlton board also has to take responsibility and in particular one Stephen Silvagni. If he’s the list manager, then he’s been a disaster. The unbelievable giveaway of a number one draft pic to Adelaide is a joke. The use of former Giants players hasn’t worked out in the slightest. And what of Silvagni’s sons? Jack Silvagni has failed to come anywhere near his father or grandfather’s talent. Skeptical fans could be forgiven in thinking he’s only there due to the name, but the more time passes, I think it’s applicable. Back to Brendon Bolton, he at least was a very decent man. He was never rude after a big loss at a post-game presser, he was fair in his responses to our questions. The one thing I loved about about Brendon’s response during the press conference on Monday was that he said he loved coaching. That told me a couple of things. He hasn’t quit on the idea that someday he’ll be able to coach in some form or another. Secondly that despite the unpleasant circumstances, he still loves the game. My endearing memory of him being Carlton coach is comprised of two occasions. One was when I asked him at a post game presser after a Sydney Swans defeat about the retirement of assistant in Neil Craig. Bolton spoke glowingly of Craig, and acknowledged that he was pleased that someone had asked that question. The other was a couple of weeks ago after a thrashing by the GWS Giants. About 45 minutes after the game, the post-game presser and when most had cleared out, I spotted Brendon Bolton talking to a young boy with his family. I later found out the kid had a serious illness and that Bolts was having a quiet word with him. I found out that he gave the lad his coaching jacket. It was a really lovely, moving gesture that the cameras wouldn’t see or that the sensation headline, click baiting writers of day would bother about. I hope he stays in the industry after the dust settles.
A wonderful gesture. Carlton coach greets Archie Cronk in the Carlton sheds post-match. Photo: Jodie Newell
