On Ballas & Crowls: a footballer's secret expressions of love

[Crippa]

Some jolly decent sentiments by "a current AFL player" still too scared to openly declare his love.

Check out the vignette of genius Crowley's day at the office. Hilarious.

Love to hate them? Their peers don't
The Secret Footballer
15 April 2014

Listen to the talk around the change rooms at my club - and other players you run into around the place - and these guys are almost universally admired. Everyone would love to have them as teammates because they are so determined, passionate and damn competitive.... It would be an honour playing alongside such disciplined players on a weekly basis. There is nothing more inspiring than seeing a teammate squeeze every last ounce of ability out of himself.

Ballantyne is a cocky little chirper who deliberately gets under the skin of the opposition to take their mind off the game. But that doesn't do justice to his football ability.

A small forward working up and down the ground, coupled with his forward-line pressure, he has become invaluable for Fremantle. A barometer for the Dockers. I've no doubt he is one of Ross Lyon's first picked.

(I'd even hazard a guess that if by chance Scarlett was to find Ballantyne at the bar, with a pot in hand, they would soon realise they had more in common than they would care to admit. Provided one did not tip the other off his bar stool.)

Crowley clearly undertakes his tagging roles in a different manner to all. He attempts to disarm his opponents by becoming mates during the match, chatting about trivial topics such as the weather or just the state of play. He also compliments his direct opponent for competing or winning the ball in a genuine manner that disarms his suckers. But would you want him playing on your team? Of course you would.

I've compiled that list just to show how differently players sometimes see the game, and their peers, to the paying public.

Of course, the punters have a right to their opinion - they pay their money to get in - it's just that they don't, or can't, see what we see out on the ground.

Conversely, what we hate are players who consistently dive, play for frees and complain to the umpires. Who get that stupid look on their face of ''what, wasn't me'' or, ''what on earth is that for?'' directed at the umpires.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-ne...their-peers-20140415-zqv0z.html#ixzz2yy588k7C

 

[Schauermann]

Very nice by Crowley.

 

[estibador]

That doesn't sound like a man who would pinch his opponent 300 times.

 

[JunglistPosse]

The secret footballer is Brent Harvey

 

[mike91]

Crowley clearly undertakes his tagging roles in a different manner to all. He attempts to disarm his opponents by becoming mates during the match, chatting about trivial topics such as the weather or just the state of play. He also compliments his direct opponent for competing or winning the ball in a genuine manner that disarms his suckers. But would you want him playing on your team? Of course you would.

Such a kind hearted gentleman.

 

[Crippa]

The secret footballer is Brent Harvey

Makes sense. So Harvey's secret fantasy was to have Crowley pinch him 300 times? Weirdo.

 

[Pusswah]

Preeeetty sure the secret footballer is not a Geelong player.

 

[yoong]

I'm disappointed he didn't mention Zac Dawson, unless.....

 

[teamex]

Has to be Bob Murphy

 

[imperial_oz]

Crowley clearly undertakes his tagging roles in a different manner to all. He attempts to disarm his opponents by becoming mates during the match, chatting about trivial topics such as the weather or just the state of play. He also compliments his direct opponent for competing or winning the ball in a genuine manner that disarms his suckers. But would you want him playing on your team? Of course you would.

Such a kind hearted gentleman.

I remember GAZ jnr comments about Crowley were along similar lines. He was saying that Crowls acted like his best mate and it was creeping him out. I had a good laugh over that one.

 

[Crippa]

Has to be Bob Murphy

Thanks for solving that mystery. Confirmed by his contempt for players who play for free kicks and a piece he wrote today (for the same paper):

For the role players, the taggers, the stoppers, football life will continue to be a battle - both on the field and in trying to justify their curious ways to so many critics off it. What keeps them warm at night is a deep sense of self worth that only comes with doing a tough job for your mates and your club.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-ne...m-the-truth-20140416-zqvkb.html#ixzz2z3v7OvpX

 

[Crippa]

I remember GAZ jnr comments about Crowley were along similar lines. He was saying that Crowls acted like his best mate and it was creeping him out. I had a good laugh over that one.

That interview was a classic:



The originality of Crowls' approach is what I can't get over. No-one could ever emulate it because its efficacy stems from its authenticity. Crowls is just being true to himself - him being by all accounts the friendliest, most humble bloke you could meet. He's like the Buddha of tagging. A paradox that disarms his enemies with love to the point where they can't perform because their hostility meets no resistance. Over and above the physical and mental attributes, it takes richness of soul. Try asking Macaffer to copy that. Pure genius.

 

[leeloo]

Often in those 'The Grill' pieces that the AFL puts up on their website, opposition players mention Crowley's chat. I think Selwood once even nominated him as the most friendliest on the field

 

[salim malik]

That interview was a classic:



The originality of Crowls' approach is what I can't get over. No-one could ever emulate it because its efficacy stems from its authenticity. Crowls is just being true to himself - him being by all accounts the friendliest, most humble bloke you could meet. He's like the Buddha of tagging. A paradox that disarms his enemies with love to the point where they can't perform because their hostility meets no resistance. Over and above the physical and mental attributes, it takes richness of soul. Try asking Macaffer to copy that. Pure genius.

This is so right,Crowls is a genuine all round nice guy.He is the only player who always has a smile and a hello to the training watchers.

 

[scon]

Probably wants to tag one of you??

 

[Seppo]

Agree with the guy on the main board that thinks the secret footballer is Judd. Ticks all the boxes and traits.

 

[Bender571]

Agree with the guy on the main board that thinks the secret footballer is Judd. Ticks all the boxes and traits.

The paragraph about hating divers and whinging to the umpire would provide another reason why he left WC