Toast Eddie Tribute!

[PieNSauce]

I didn't say it never happened, also naming a stand at vic park isn't really as over the top as renaming the entire stadium as was suggested by the op and I have no issue with trophies. Also some players and coaches are on that list.

Hang on a minute, my first post raised some possibilities in the interest of starting a thought process and some discussion. To suggest that I am necessarily in favour of any one option is drawing a fairly long bow. The naming of a training facility or oval or stand or trophy or match are all things that could easily be considered.

What amuses me is that some people here have either read or understood so little of my first post. Hell, some even suggest that Eddie has been a recipient rather than a donor. WTF? Re-read the OP and understand that what I am talking about is giving some thought now to how his extraordinary contribution might one day be recognised and how we might ultimately express our gratitude for what even the supporters of other clubs recognise as an outstanding and selfless effort.

Do you hold an elected office? Is your 'boss' your constituents?

Why would you ask? If I donate my time, regardless of having been elected to a position and provide culture changing input, sound management recognised industry wide and turn a basket case footy club into the behemoth it has become, is it particularly fair to suggest that it is me who ought to feel grateful? I'm sorry, but I am absolutely certain that Eddie does feel humble and honoured to be re-elected but it's incredibly ungracious to suggest that he has not earned his position many times over.

Yes, absolutely. Whether it's the US president or a high school captain, a democratically elected office should never take their role or their constituents for granted. I'm not suggesting that Eddie does, I'm just suggesting we should wait until his tenure is over before we declare him the best president ever.

And on a related issue, it's not a healthy thing for our club that Eddie goes up for re-election unopposed year after year.

And as for politicians being paid, their remuneration is usually a lot less than what they could get in the commercial world - they would rarely do it for the money.

I'm sorry, but where on god's earth did I suggest that Eddie was the greatest president ever and why in hell do we have to wait until his tenure is over to reflect on his hard work and achievements before considering how we might honour those achievements when the time comes? Perhaps consider the reasons why Eddie is unopposed when you think of his achievements and hard work. It's unsurprising that those who might otherwise consider such a thing recognise that it would be an incredibly hard act to follow and all for no personal financial benefit let alone the negatives and abuse he cops from the media etc.

Politicians generally do what they do for the combination of money and power even if some begin their careers with altruistic ideals. Many of our current representatives would be incapable of earning more in the business world anyway because most are just not that smart. In Eddie's case, he may gain reputation or profile as a coinsequence of his position but this is only true if he does a good job. What such gains are there for the presidents of the Melbourne or St Kilda football clubs?

Sorry, but I am just having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that anyone who has paid attention to the history of our club especially in the last 50 years would even question Eddie's contribution.

 

[2DMB]

Sorry to jump in, I've met Eddie at a couple of Hawks/ Pies games and I have to say he is a ripping bloke. I sat next to him at a game when I was a teen and he was really genuinely very hospitable.

From an outsiders POV he has done an amazing job for your club and I particularly liked the support he and Jeff gave each other when giving it to Vlad and the AFL.

Without Jeff he is often a lone voice of reason in a sea of sycophants and club presidents so reliant on handouts they can't speak up against the AFL.

I hope your club recognises his work when he steps down, and he can recognise when his time is up. I would imagine Ed would be he first however to put his name second to club legends that have gone before him.

Cheers