Did you hear Aker on the radio today

[fred cook]

said

Jason Akermanis has used his first training session with the Western Bulldogs to launch an attack at his old team Brisbane.

Akermanis arrived in Melbourne last night and watched from the sidelines this morning as the Bulldogs players completed a time trial.

He said his old team-mates at the Lions are likely to struggle next season.

"There are a few people there living off the past, [off] things that they have done in the past," he said.

"I think that if you don't change in this game you'll get swallowed up. I think that in the next 12 months you'll see just where everyone's at."

Akermanis left Brisbane in acrimonious circumstances last season after falling out with both coach Leigh Matthews and team-mates.

He said the chances of a similar fate befalling him at the Bulldogs were slim because the club supported players better.

"They need to be looked after and supported and if they are not I can tell you it will happen - what happened to me - and you'll be disgruntled and leave," he said.

"Everyone [at the Lions] was forced to take sides and that's not leadership. That's not my version of leadership so I don't think it will be like that here."



There is some GOLD there




and the talk wasnt about us

[Pembleton]

Great to see the focus is all about his future with us. :(

I know he must get asked the questions about the Lions, but how hard is it to say "that is all in the past, i won't be going into it, i am a Bulldog now and it is only my future with them that i want to talk about."

[tassiedog]

I heard the interview and was very dissapointed. It was not the result of trickery by the reporters. They were asking fairly lame questions and he opened up on Brisbane.
I would have hoped that the club has told him to stop bagging Brisbane and concentrate on 2007 and beyond.
If he has been told to stop yapping about Brisbane then this is a very ugly situation?

Not a good start on your first day at a new job.

[~PC~]

That's not that much different to when i've started at a new company. You often get asked about former employees and often feel like you need to sink the boot in a bit. Perhaps it's just me (and Aker) but that's how it's been for me.

You talk up the negatives of your previous employer. The difference is, no ones going to print what i say.

I'm also the king of burning bridges, so perhaps i'm not a great example.

[X_box_X]

I seriusly couldn't give a rat's. The guy can play football, and he will be good for us. We knew what he was like when we decided to sign him, so don't assume that he will be a little Mouse tucked away in a corner, because every time you assume, you make an ass out of u and me.

[Pembleton]

I seriusly couldn't give a rat's. The guy can play football, and he will be good for us. We knew what he was like when we decided to sign him, so don't assume that he will be a little Mouse tucked away in a corner, because every time you assume, you make an ass out of u and me.

You know everyone in the english speaking world has already seen that done with the word assume, and in this case, how can any of us making an assumption about Aker make an ass out of you Xie?

We did know what he was like when we got him, and we expect that we won't love everything he says in the media, but that doesn't mean we can't be disappointed when it happens, and i for one am disappointed that on the day of his first ever attendance at an official Bulldogs session, he would obsessively talk about his old club when interviewed.

[tassiedog]

I seriusly couldn't give a rat's. The guy can play football, and he will be good for us. We knew what he was like when we decided to sign him, so don't assume that he will be a little Mouse tucked away in a corner, because every time you assume, you make an ass out of u and me. Bollocks!
Its not about how well aker plays........Its about how the team plays.
My concern with his comments is that it is most probably against the wishes of the club and playing group which makes it a very sad situation.

[black_hart]

Don't say you guys weren't warned.

Your now seeing what it's like to deal with this guy who will never shut up.

[Borgsta]

Don't say you guys weren't warned.

Your now seeing what it's like to deal with this guy who will never shut up.

He's made 1 comment. More than happy for him to talk non stop, just want it to be about the Dogs and not the Lions.

[rapidshave]

Controversy Creates Cash.

[Aker39]

I just heard the full interview.

There was plenty of positive stuff in it.

When I 1st heard the EDITED comments I was a bit concerned.

But after hearing the FULL interview, Aker was very positive about the dogs, talking the club up. His comments about the Lions were at the end of the interview.

As usual, if Aker is asked a question, he anwsers it.

[Pembleton]

Don't say you guys weren't warned.

Your now seeing what it's like to deal with this guy who will never shut up.

There is no doubt we recruited Aker with our eyes wide open. This is a very minor annoyance, and i am sure we would all be happy to put up with a fairly large pile of off field big mouth crap from Aker if he can help us have some success on it.

[The_Bulldogs_Bite]

I just heard the full interview.

There was plenty of positive stuff in it.

When I 1st heard the EDITED comments I was a bit concerned.

But after hearing the FULL interview, Aker was very positive about the dogs, talking the club up. His comments about the Lions were at the end of the interview.

As usual, if Aker is asked a question, he anwsers it.

Able to link us to a website, perhaps, or an article as to what he said throughout the full interview?

I hate how, in particular with Aker, they single out certain bits and turn into it a "Lions Bashing".

[black_hart]

Good because there's much more to come,and it's fun to see it from the other side for a change. Keep burying your heads in the sand fellas.

[Pembleton]

Good because there's much more to come,and it's fun to see it from the other side for a change. Keep burying your heads in the sand fellas.

Who is doing that? We know what Aker is like, and we know that he is very likely to cause us some grief through comments in the media at some point. Is there some deep dark truth beyond that which we are not accepting?

[Aker39]

Able to link us to a website, perhaps, or an article as to what he said throughout the full interview?

I hate how, in particular with Aker, they single out certain bits and turn into it a "Lions Bashing".


I just heard it on SEN.

If you are up late tonight, they usually replay stuff like that between 11.00pm - 12.00am.

[Wind Sock]

I didn't see anything in there that was news. He's not escalating or starting new fights. He's just answering the same old question the same old way.

I'd prefer he didn't, but this is Aker's way. I don't think the club can possibly be naive about this. I also don't think it hurt Brisbane when they were winning either.

No club built a team as strong as that Brisbane premiership team since Melbourne in the 50s and it is much harder to do with the draft and salary cap. That level of success will often lead to spectacular fallings out down the track. Just think of some of the past-player disunity at clubs like Richmond, Hawthorn and Carlton.

[Grimreepah]

Given what West (http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200610/s1752977.htm) and Smorgon (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2006/10/01/1159641212081.html) have said previously, do Bulldogs fans think Aker will be reprimanded for these comments?

[Captain Sensible]

because every time you assume, you make an ass out of u and me.


I first heard Tony Randall use that line in an episode of the The Odd Couple. He's been 15 years.


Anyway I heard the whole interview. He talked about coming to Melbourne how he's spending five days each with Mitch Hahn, Bob Murphy and Danny Giansiricusa. Talked a bit about moving over here, about looking forward to next year. He said that Brisbane had been training for a couple of weeks, that he was dissapointed that he and Marty Pask 'probably wouldnt be playing together next year'. He said that training with Pask was OK but no sustitute to being fully involved with a footy club and how being with the playing group is what a footy club is all about.

Then one of the journos asked if he was worried if in tow years time Aka would find himself in a similiar position with the bulldog players as what happened at Brisbane. Aka said that he doubted it and that they were two different playing groups and made some quotes that I cant remember word for word so I wont second guess them. The rest of the interview was mainly about Brisbane-mostly about Michael Voss and his plans over the next couple of years.

At the end of the interview Aka said "Some gold for you there fellas" to the journos. I reckon the press are going to enjoy Aka being here as much as us.

[Captain Sensible]

Given what West (http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200610/s1752977.htm) and Smorgon (http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2006/10/01/1159641212081.html) have said previously, do Bulldogs fans think Aker will be reprimanded for these comments?


Not reprimanded as much as encouraged to use his profile to talk about the future rather than the past.

[blaisee]

unfortunately,

aker is an individual who always puts his needs over and above that of the team.

this hasnt changed and wont.

He needs to be in the limelight, it is part of his makeup. It doesnt bother him if what he says hurts the team

In the end if he kicks 40 goals and has 400 possesions next year all will be forgiven and any negatives will be swept under the carper

If he doesnt though expect an early divorce that will be Jade Rawlingsensk

[beatnik]

let me start this post with the assurance I am not here to troll...

the Bulldogs are about the only team that Aker could have gone where I hoped he would do well

if he'd landed anywhere else, i would have preferred he'd fall on his face - i have a long-time soft spot for the Bullies and for Rocket so I want to see him succeed more for your club than for him as a player

anyway, i just wanted to say that I hope he pulls his head in and that he focuses on repaying the faith you have shown in him

best of luck next season :thumbsu:

[Grimreepah]

Not reprimanded as much as encouraged to use his profile to talk about the future rather than the past.

Given that the Bulldogs under Rodney Eade, like the Lions, have prided themselves on their discipline, and Aker has defied the club's instructions I had thought it might be more serious than that.

[Borgsta]

Given that the Bulldogs under Rodney Eade, like the Lions, have prided themselves on their discipline, and Aker has defied the club's instructions I had thought it might be more serious than that.

Has he actually defied the clubs instructions? I'm only disappointed because I thought he didnt say anything about the Dogs. It turns out that he actually did speak about us so I really don't care about this story. It's pretty much a nothing event and he didn't say anything bad about anyone really.

[Rocco Jones]

So easy to exagerate the effect of comments like these. Really how is it going to hurt our club? Just a bit annoying. Aker works his arse off where it counts and is extremely talented. His main fault is his mouth and clear to the whole footy world. Alot of players would be doing things that are actually much worse just that we don't hear about them. As long as Aker doesn't start turning on us with his comments (basically what he has done for his whole career prior to this year) and plays to his ability I couldn't care less.

[Borgsta]

If he doesnt though expect an early divorce that will be Jade Rawlingsensk

That's a very very ridiculous statement. The divorce with Jade wasn't to do with his playing ability, it was to do with

1) His lack of any sort of passion for the club and the game

2) His knee problems

3) The stupidity of our football department at the time in not checking out his knees.

4) Saving money.

1,2 and 3 all have no chance of happening with Aker. 4's a possibility but would be no where near a Jade type split.

[bresker]

Aker reminds me of one of those divorcees who has found a new partner but keeps slagging off the old one. It gets tedious and boring to listen to very quickly. When you listen to them rage on and on, any sympathy you have dissolves into inwardly yelling "Will you just shut the hell up!"

Let it go Aker, feel the love, feel the love! Look at how beautiful we are. You don't need that silly old Matthews any more.

[Grimreepah]

Has he actually defied the clubs instructions?

That's how I see it based on the articles I quoted. I was talking to Bulldogs supporters before and some were saying that they didn't mind Aker's comments as long as they stopped after trade week. As this hasn't happened it would be interested to know what they think the club should do.

Note the reason I'm interested is because we were in exactly the same position.

[Borgsta]

That's how I see it based on the articles I quoted. I was talking to Bulldogs supporters before and some were saying that they didn't mind Aker's comments as long as they stopped after trade week. As this hasn't happened it would be interested to know what they think the club should do.

Note the reason I'm interested is because we were in exactly the same position.

Which part of the articles? It didn't say anywhere that he couldn't speak about Brisbane.

[Grimreepah]

Which part of the articles? It didn't say anywhere that he couldn't speak about Brisbane.

This part in particular.

Bulldog president David Smorgon said yesterday that Akermanis had called him to apologise for his behaviour on The Footy Show last Thursday night and was warned by his suitor club to stop criticising the Brisbane Lions and coach Leigh Matthews.
The president's misgivings at Akermanis' persistence in expressing his opinions was matched by Scott West, among the most senior and revered figures at Akermanis' prospective new home.
West issued a stern warning to the flamboyant forward over his serial verbal misadventures and cautioned that a player of Akermanis' type might not be welcome at the Bulldogs.


But the whole article makes it fairly clear IMO that they won't be tolerating this behaviour. Smorgon's own words are:

"Whether the penny has dropped or not with Jason, that is the real question, because it had better drop pretty quickly because we won't compromise on where we are headed and who we are headed with."

[kookadog]

I think Aker will be right once he becomes more a part of the club, he'll be more focused on the coming season and what he wants to achieve than what occurred last year. Soon he'll be bagging and stirring clubs other than brisbane.

[Templeton31]

I think Aker will be right once he becomes more a part of the club, he'll be more focused on the coming season and what he wants to achieve than what occurred last year. Soon he'll be bagging and stirring clubs other than brisbane.

i tend to agree with you kooka.

[konstas_87]

Great to see the focus is all about his future with us. :(

I know he must get asked the questions about the Lions, but how hard is it to say "that is all in the past, i won't be going into it, i am a Bulldog now and it is only my future with them that i want to talk about."

that would be mature and aker is not that.
to be honest lions supporters look forward to his outbursts now because we can say "i told you so" to rodney eade and you guys.

while the coaching staff and leadership group wont like it, history says that the more he talks, the better he performs, so dont worry too much;)

[Borgsta]

This part in particular.



But the whole article makes it fairly clear IMO that they won't be tolerating this behaviour. Smorgon's own words are:

He didn't criticize the Lions so it seems fine to me.

[Grimreepah]

He didn't criticize the Lions so it seems fine to me.

:confused:

Judging by the title (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=306163), the AFL website does not share that opinion. Come on Borgsta, you can't seriously be suggesting Aker isn't having a go at the Lions.

[Borgsta]

:confused:

Judging by the title (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=306163), the AFL website does not share that opinion. Come on Borgsta, you can't seriously be suggesting Aker isn't having a go at the Lions.

This is the only part I'd consider having a dig (minus the bold)

"Our club was forced to take sides and that's not leadership. That's not my version of leadership. I don't think it will be like that here."

"Everything I have known about leadership and read, I didn't see any of that this year, and I know here it's going to be a different culture."

"There are a few people up there living off the past, things that they have done in the past. If you don't change in this game you will get swallowed up."

As I said, I'd prefer he only talked about the Bulldogs but something like that I don't mind too much. It's nothing overly bad except for the underlined bit. As long as he doesn't go much further than that it's OK IMO. Having said that, I'm fully expecting him to say at least 2-3 things next season that'll piss me off.

BTW that title is disgraceful and shows where journo's are at.

[notting18]

I'm fully expecting him to say at least 2-3 things next season that'll piss me off.


Thats wat aker was like pre-06 and partially how we could accept him, this year before his sacking he would've made atleast 10 - 15 of those kinda statements.... whether that was a one off or shows he has lost his ability to control himself time will tell

[almqvist]

weird, he's having a go at brisbane players for living in the past, yet he won't stop doing media conferences about brisbane...?

[Scruba]

there is a vid about what aker said here (http://www.foxsports.com.au/0,,,00.html)

[Sedat!]

Good because there's much more to come,and it's fun to see it from the other side for a change. Keep burying your heads in the sand fellas.
There's 3 premierships buried in the sand as well. Didn't see any complaints from the Brisbane faithful when Aker was a massive contributor to the 3-peat - he was shooting from the hip as much back then as he was in 2006.

It's the Aker-media shuffle, and it's only going to get the Bulldogs and our sponsors publicity than we could only dream of in the past. Keep it going...keep focusing on Aker, and keep our brand in the papers and on radio/TV.

[BomberDog]

Have heard the interview a few times now. Has he really said anything wrong? Its just a beatup. Its great to see us in the news anyway. Good for our sponsors and good for diehards like us desparate for any news.

[campbell]

Aka is Aka.He ain't ever gunna change.I don't think he said anything wrong myself.

Lots of publicity for your club which is what you need for more sponsers and members.

[Borgsta]

Thats wat aker was like pre-06 and partially how we could accept him, this year before his sacking he would've made atleast 10 - 15 of those kinda statements.... whether that was a one off or shows he has lost his ability to control himself time will tell

Yeah totally understandable. I'm prepared to give him time and a new start.

[Grimreepah]

Didn't see any complaints from the Brisbane faithful when Aker was a massive contributor to the 3-peat - he was shooting from the hip as much back then as he was in 2006.

Why would we have complained?

[danielcanberra]

there is a vid about what aker said here (http://www.foxsports.com.au/0,,,00.html)

good find. worth watching.

[Warwick]

There's 3 premierships buried in the sand as well. Didn't see any complaints from the Brisbane faithful when Aker was a massive contributor to the 3-peat - he was shooting from the hip as much back then as he was in 2006.
I thought we got over this little chestnut.

When did he ever say anything bad about the lions pre-2006? Ever?

People have to be really slow or ignorant to think Aker was saying the same things in 2001-2003. Sorry, but you have to be stupid to think that.

It's the Aker-media shuffle, and it's only going to get the Bulldogs and our sponsors publicity than we could only dream of in the past. Keep it going...keep focusing on Aker, and keep our brand in the papers and on radio/TV.
But it's not about the bulldogs. :confused:

That was an entire article and there was one sentence that mentioned the dogs. Aker may have spent 95% of the interview talking up the dogs, but the general public are never going to hear that. If he spends 100% talking about the Western Bulldogs, than something about that team has to be reported. I would imagine that is what Eade and the rest of the administration would want from Aker - he is not going to hurt Brisbane any more, and he isn't doing the dogs any favours by talking about Brisbane. To an outsider, these comments just make him look extremely bitter.

Btw campbell: why don't you stop hiding on this board and answer some questions directed at you on the Brisbane board?

[paul scholes]

unfortunately,

aker is an individual who always puts his needs over and above that of the team.

this hasnt changed and wont.

He needs to be in the limelight, it is part of his makeup. It doesnt bother him if what he says hurts the team

In the end if he kicks 40 goals and has 400 possesions next year all will be forgiven and any negatives will be swept under the carper

If he doesnt though expect an early divorce that will be Jade Rawlingsensk
what a silly thing to say,comparing jade[knees were shot] rawlings to akermanis. :rolleyes:

[paul scholes]

geez did jason assault some scrawny irish barman? Did he assault somebody at a nightclub? Yes he has a big mouth, yes he has an opinion so whats the problem?

[Freezing]

We doggie fans have to develop a thicker skin, fast. the media will always latch on to anything Akermanis says and run with it.

a minority of lions fans are waiting to say "i told you so".

But the future at the dogs is very bright, and aka will be aka, Brisbane get their shot, round 11ish, til then, a few lions supporters can talk all they want,
dogs fans shouldnt get baited so easily. Trust in eade and co. a bit, if eade shows he cant handle aka, then i will worry, for now, its all gravy.
go dogs
keep working on 32,000!!

[Grimreepah]

Yes he has a big mouth, yes he has an opinion so whats the problem?

The problem I suppose is team harmony. Now that he is a representative of the Bulldogs they obviously want him to be behaving in a professional manner. West and Smorgon have told him to shut his mouth and move on from what happened at the Lions, but he has ignored that.

[paul scholes]

We doggie fans have to develop a thicker skin, fast. the media will always latch on to anything Akermanis says and run with it.

a minority of lions fans are waiting to say "i told you so".

But the future at the dogs is very bright, and aka will be aka, Brisbane get their shot, round 11ish, til then, a few lions supporters can talk all they want,
dogs fans shouldnt get baited so easily. Trust in eade and co. a bit, if eade shows he cant handle aka, then i will worry, for now, its all gravy.
go dogs
keep working on 32,000!!

yeah i agree, if lion fans are going to respond to every akermanis comment we may as well rename this the lion -bulldog board. I trust eade,let's be honest aker has teed off at everybody throughout his career.

[FrediKanoute]

Didn't hear the i-view so wont comment on it. Can say though that Aker and Matthews always had a love-hate relatioship. Where the rest of the Lions stars were not the type to seek the limelight, Aka relished and revelled in it. No matter what this never sat well with Matthews and there were minor incidents where his ire was raised. The difference was that the Lions were winning and regardless of personalities, winners are grinners. If Matthews had to rank his favurites in the Brissy side, then guys like Voss, Lappin, Scott Bros, Johnson, Leppa etc were always going to be better favoured than Aka, because they towed the party line and played footy.

2006 was a disaster for the Lions. The 3-peat winning team was falling apart literally, with retirements and injuries becoming chronic. Little cracks in relatioships widened and Aka who had never been on close terms with his leadership group peers became a distraction when unity was required. Where the leadership group wanted to pull in one direction, Aka opened his mouth and criticised. When sensured, he opened his mouth to the media. Matthews who ahd put up with his antics deceided that enough was enough and that at 30 years of age he wouldn't be part of the next premiership tilt.

Its a classsic case which will repeat and repeat not just with Aka, but with "superstar individuals". Guys who are so good at what they do that teams are loath to do without them. They tolerate their individualism and let them act out provided the team is winning.....once the good times end then they are no longer tolerated.

[mjp]

I was talking to Bulldogs supporters before ...
There are Bulldogs supporters in Mackay? Does the club know this? Sign 'em up!

[blaisee]

That's a very very ridiculous statement. The divorce with Jade wasn't to do with his playing ability, it was to do with

1) His lack of any sort of passion for the club and the game

rawlings still had passion for the game he didnt retire he played on for another year at the kangaroos
2) His knee problems

aker is 30. it is reasonable to expect injuries
3) The stupidity of our football department at the time in not checking out his knees.

4) Saving money.

aker is probably on mre money than rawlings was ever on
1,2 and 3 all have no chance of happening with Aker. 4's a possibility but would be no where near a Jade type split.


the real isue is his attitude though very much an individual

[Bobby Beecroft]

There's 3 premierships buried in the sand as well. Didn't see any complaints from the Brisbane faithful when Aker was a massive contributor to the 3-peat - he was shooting from the hip as much back then as he was in 2006.

It's the Aker-media shuffle, and it's only going to get the Bulldogs and our sponsors publicity than we could only dream of in the past. Keep it going...keep focusing on Aker, and keep our brand in the papers and on radio/TV.

Far too simplistic view.
I would expect all Dogs would be treating 2007 as a chance to take the next step, ie. jump up to the Top 4 level (& for good reason). If this occurs & Aker continues in the same vain then all will be well.

The concern would be if 2007 goes pearshaped. Will be interesting to see if comments are so welcomed in such circumstances & the material in the comments.

They won't stop either way. Let's just hope they don't pull at the fabric/heart/belief of the Dogs, that Eade has helped to create.
Naive ppl will state that all publicity is good publicity.
Keeping the brand in the news is all well & good, but the side effects can be devastating.

[Mofra]

Aker may have spent 95% of the interview talking up the dogs, but the general public are never going to hear that.

Wow, someone finally gets it.

What actually happens and what the media reports are completely seperate realities. At this stage I'm sure Eade & the coaching staff are more concerned with the training schedule than which select pieces of interviews the media tries to build a story around.

It does however give a little comfort to a few ex-Lions supporters that will take any piece of negative reporting and celebrate it, even when the reporter decides to jazz up the feel of the article a little:
Judging by the title (http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=306163), the AFL website does not share that opinion.

[Aquamarinejewel]

It will not matter what Aker says or does it will make the news 99% of the time - especially after all that has happened at his previous club. I do sympathize with some of the Bris supporters having lost someone like Aker from their club, some are happy that he left some are angry that he left. Slightly different circumstances but we went through a scenario with Nathan Brown a few years back when he left the Bulldogs with the anger/happy he is gone situation.

I look forward to Aker playing for the Bulldogs...for sure he will take a few more swipes at his former club before the footy starts and the media and press will be hovering over his every word but I would think once the season proper starts he will be focussed in that direction.

[Grimreepah]

It does however give a little comfort to a few ex-Lions supporters that will take any piece of negative reporting and celebrate it, even when the reporter decides to jazz up the feel of the article a little

I'm not celebrating it, although I suppose I feel a sense of vindication in how the Lions have handled the situation. But mainly I feel a sense of disappointment that he is trying to burn all his bridges and maybe even a little sympathy for the Dogs.

The reason I came onto the Bulldogs board is because I wanted to see how the supporters thought the club should handle the situation.

[Mofra]

The reason I came onto the Bulldogs board is because I wanted to see how the supporters thought the club should handle the situation.
I'd like to think the club will respond to the facts and not the articles. As is the general trend of the media, they are generally two seperate events.

[DOG GOD]

its simple...if aker is asked any questons about brisbane, then his reply should be...

"lets talk about my new club the bulldogs. We're going places".

END OF STORY!!!

[Metal]

Aker loves to express an opinion. That is him...his being, his essence. It's what makes him tick as a person. He is an entertainer. In an organisation like a professional football club, where everything is scrutinised, can we allow this? Are we to treat footballers like robots? Deaden them until they have no inititaive left. Maybe this is what he is escaping from in Brisbane. Entertainers need an audience and their time to express themselves.

I believe Rocket aims to allow some individualism as long as it can be contained within certain perameters. It's okay for Aker to speak out as long as he doesn't begin to eat his own. I'm sure Rocket would have spoken to him and made him aware of the no go areas. But if we want Aker to play exciting, uninhibited footy, then we must let him feel good about himself and about his craft. I don't see the point in trying to force into something he is not. And he strikes me as being honest about abiding by the club and not setting out to hurt it.

Why else would he have chosen the Dogs ahead of the Bombers? The Rocket factor for mine.

Nothing wrong with what he has said so far.

[gytre]

Personally, I think the Bulldogs should have put a "no media interviews" clause in Aker's contract. Keep that man quiet!

[scooter600x]

Personally, I think the Bulldogs should have put a "no media interviews" clause in Aker's contract. Keep that man quiet!

May as well have put in a "do not breathe" clause. Both are equally important to Aker.

[jozeph]

How long before he starts sinking the boots into Eade?, I'll give it the first time he gets dragged, the guy is a cancer and will slowly eat your club away, get rid of him while you still can, before he destroys your club.

[The_Bulldogs_Bite]

How long before he starts sinking the boots into Eade?, I'll give it the first time he gets dragged, the guy is a cancer and will slowly eat your club away, get rid of him while you still can, before he destroys your club.

Great idea.

Let's delist him immediately.

Why didn't I think of that?

:rolleyes:

[D Mitchell]

Great idea.

Let's delist him immediately.

Why didn't I think of that?

:rolleyes:
Or trade him to Brisbane for a pick 3.

[Mofra]

How long before he starts sinking the boots into Eade?, I'll give it the first time he gets dragged, the guy is a cancer and will slowly eat your club away, get rid of him while you still can, before he destroys your club.
Aker was asked his opinion about the difference between the Bulldogs and his former club, so he gave it.

He did not give away club secrets or gameplans, take a pot shot at anyone at the Bulldogs, or:

- Sleep with a team mate's wife
- Test positive to a banned substance twice like 3 other AFL listed players this year
- Avoid a breathtest & abandon his vehicle, running from police
- Get into a drunken brawl at a nightclub
- Travel to another country representing Australia, thretaen a barman with a bottle & put him into a headlock
- Deliberately target another player on the field, charging past the ball to take him out
- Bash his wife or threaten her with a weapon
- Crash his car into a row of parked cars whilst drunk

But lets not let the facts (or any sense of perspective) get in the way of an argument, he answered questions by the media with an honest opinion so he must be pure evil...

[jozeph]

He did not give away club secrets or gameplans, take a pot shot at anyone at the Bulldogs, or ...
It's only early.

[D Mitchell]

- Sleep with a team mate's wife
- Test positive to a banned substance twice like 3 other AFL listed players this year
- Avoid a breathtest & abandon his vehicle, running from police
- Get into a drunken brawl at a nightclub
- Travel to another country representing Australia, thretaen a barman with a bottle & put him into a headlock
- Deliberately target another player on the field, charging past the ball to take him out
- Bash his wife or threaten her with a weapon
- Crash his car into a row of parked cars whilst drunk

...
I confidently predict he'll do all of those by the end of next season and he'll give away all the club's secrets on a weekly basis.

[JeffDunne]

Aker was asked his opinion about the difference between the Bulldogs and his former club, so he gave it.

He did not give away club secrets or gameplans, take a pot shot at anyone at the Bulldogs, or:

- Sleep with a team mate's wife
- Test positive to a banned substance twice like 3 other AFL listed players this year
- Avoid a breathtest & abandon his vehicle, running from police
- Get into a drunken brawl at a nightclub
- Travel to another country representing Australia, thretaen a barman with a bottle & put him into a headlock
- Deliberately target another player on the field, charging past the ball to take him out
- Bash his wife or threaten her with a weapon
- Crash his car into a row of parked cars whilst drunk

But lets not let the facts (or any sense of perspective) get in the way of an argument, he answered questions by the media with an honest opinion so he must be pure evil...


Someone sounds worried. :D

[Mofra]

Someone sounds worried. :D
Yup - Brisbane supporters :thumbsu:

[Captain Sensible]

I confidently predict he'll do all of those by the end of next season and he'll give away all the club's secrets on a weekly basis.


I reckon he will have done them all by the end of next week, in addition to kidnapping Santa Claus, flipping the bird at Pope Benedict, subverting the political process in Victoria, declaring himself sole ruler and changing the name of the state to Akermania. He will then declare war on Brisbane claiming Leigh Matthews is a weapon of mass destuction.

[D Mitchell]

I reckon he will have done them all by the end of next week, in addition to kidnapping Santa Claus, flipping the bird at Pope Benedict, subverting the political process in Victoria, declaring himself sole ruler and changing the name of the state to Akermania. He will then declare war on Brisbane claiming Leigh Matthews is a weapon of mass destuction.
I enjoy your sense of humour.

[Warwick]

Yup - Brisbane supporters :thumbsu:
Stupid comment. That wasn't even said by one of us. We all know we are at different ends of the cycle atm, just like when the dogs won the wooden spoon and we won the premiership a few short years ago. We have recently played 4 straight GFs with no high draft picks - we have to start somewhere.

I like the dogs and the Aker situation is not going to change that, but i don't see why a select few are saying we couldn't manage our players etc. People have very short memories. I am fully aware, however that a lot of the crap has come from the Brisbane side of the fence. That is largely due to what a long season we have had to put up with. But I couldn't believe some of the stuff i read on the main board a short while ago. Quotes like these from our supporters (albeit he is quite young) are just unacceptable. They only have him for 2 years right? thats enough time for him to split their supporter base in 2 and have 1 half following him, the aka backers lol again I say have fun doggies ;)

The majority of us are still filthy with Aker but we obviously know that is not the dogs fault. Imagine if you guys had the same problem with Brad Johnson, or another ex-favourite son of the club. It is not particularly easy to move on and forget, particularly when this player continually brings us up.

[campbell]

We do know that you guys have been through this before with your own in Nathan Brown and Terry Wallace.

IMO this is nothing compared to what you guys gave endured then.

[maroon and blue]

The doggies have got where they are and will go further with or without Aker. Give me your young players any day.

[The Coon Dog]

I enjoy your sense of humour.

Local was being serious!

I wish Brisbane supporters would just get over it.

[bullish23]

Local was being serious!

I wish Brisbane supporters would just get over it.

It took many dogs supporters (including a few on here) a very long time to get over Nathan Brown leaving.

[bresker]

It took many dogs supporters (including a few on here) a very long time to get over Nathan Brown leaving.

Took? "Is taking" I would say.

[Aquamarinejewel]

Took? "Is taking" I would say.

Yes, I would have to agree with Bresker on this...it will take a long time for some supporters to get over N Brown leaving especially those that idolised the ground he walked on. So, I can truly understand how the whole Aker saga would unsettle some of the Bris supporters. It is hard to see a favourite of the club ...move on elsewhere.

[Borgsta]

Took? "Is taking" I would say.

I still dislike Brown and will continue to dislike him, don't think that'll ever change to be honest. Much like I'll always dislike Judas Campbell.

[Snuka]

Local was being serious!

I wish Brisbane supporters would just get over it.

Think your being a little harsh on the Bris supporters there. I think the whole things been pretty hard to stomach for most of us and if Aker continues to bag the club you don't think that it would upset the supporters? One of our favourite sons, hometown boy, given us so much entertainment etc etc.

My point is were trying to get over it, but Aker is still sinking the boot in. I'm happy to wish him luck in his new team, but if he keeps bagging the club, how do you expect the supporters to 'get over it'?

[Bobby Beecroft]

Local was being serious!

I wish Brisbane supporters would just get over it.

Ironically I/we just wish Aker would get over 'it'!!
Closure could then occur.
It's that simple

[cammo78]

Aker was asked his opinion about the difference between the Bulldogs and his former club, so he gave it.

He did not give away club secrets or gameplans, take a pot shot at anyone at the Bulldogs, or:

- Sleep with a team mate's wife
- Test positive to a banned substance twice like 3 other AFL listed players this year
- Avoid a breathtest & abandon his vehicle, running from police
- Get into a drunken brawl at a nightclub
- Travel to another country representing Australia, thretaen a barman with a bottle & put him into a headlock
- Deliberately target another player on the field, charging past the ball to take him out
- Bash his wife or threaten her with a weapon
- Crash his car into a row of parked cars whilst drunk

But lets not let the facts (or any sense of perspective) get in the way of an argument, he answered questions by the media with an honest opinion so he must be pure evil...

i couldn't agree more. your response should kill this argument once and for all...well done.

[cammo78]

Took? "Is taking" I would say.

are you serious?! nathan g brown decided he "wanted to play in finals with a premiership contender" and i would bet my house that he has now faced MANY sleepless nights over his decision to desert us when we were at basically our lowest ebb in 20+ years...shows the lack of character and money hungry essence of the "man" IMO.

[cammo78]

I reckon he will have done them all by the end of next week, in addition to kidnapping Santa Claus, flipping the bird at Pope Benedict, subverting the political process in Victoria, declaring himself sole ruler and changing the name of the state to Akermania. He will then declare war on Brisbane claiming Leigh Matthews is a weapon of mass destuction.

GOLD

[Metal]

Maybe this is the bit we should focus on - (Herald-Sun)

The 2001 Brownlow medallist dismissed fears he would fall out with his new club.

"That won't happen because there is support here for the players," he said. "That's the difference. A lot more support. And players are just like any other human being. They are the most important, powerful group in the game for your club."

A positive reinforcement that our club is going places....makes you feel good.

May it remain that the players feel great about being here. That is due in no small way to the culture built up by the likes of our senior players and the many workers around the club.

[campbell]

Its sad at my club in the offield player support thing.They recently sacked the player welfare manager.His hands had been tied for a while now.Now we have no one doing the job and its not going to be replaced.

I have said for a while this area is crucial at any club.Especially ours,having so many players move from interstate.Lots of welfare issues and problems in setting them up, settling in, new state to get used, let alone a new club.

Its good that your club is one of the many in the AFL that realise that if the players are totally happy off the field, it will have a beneficial affect on the field.


ON the Aka comments. A small part at the end of the media asking him questions. I think people are making a mountain out of a molehill.

[Aker39]

that would be mature and aker is not that.
to be honest lions supporters look forward to his outbursts now because we can say "i told you so" to rodney eade and you guys.

while the coaching staff and leadership group wont like it, history says that the more he talks, the better he performs, so dont worry too much;)

I told you what??????

That we would be recruiting a triple premiership, brownlow medalist for pick 34.

That we would be recruiting a player with a hugh amount of finals experience, exactly what out team needs.

[Gooka]

Who's Aker?