Non-Lions Footy Season (2017)

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dlanod

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It looks like our club does well giving players a week off to get away. Just look at their social media posts today enjoying the beautiful Brisbane weather.
I agree. Why, just last year it looks like we gave them Rounds 1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 12, 17, 19, 20 and 22 off!
 

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CarloLion

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Throw 700 young men into a high pressure environment and some of them are going to get depressed.

Actually i'm surprised this isn't a bigger problem. 1 in 5 australians deal with depression/anxiety at some point and I reckon there would be a considerable over representation among footballers. The fact that we don't hear about it that often means a lot of guys would just be struggling behind the scenes. I quite like the idea of rostered weeks off for young players.
 

acuguy

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I now await the inevitable ignorant response along the lines if "geez, I wish I had the problems these kids have to deal with. When I was 19 I moved to Siberia to work 14 hour shifts in the salt mines for 8 cents an hour and I didn't get 'depressed'. I wish I could be paid 500,000 a year to play the game I love. These entitled millennials need to realise how good they have it. Depression is a marketing term created by advertising agencies to sell antidepressants and day spa packages".
I reckon if Boyd took a pay cut to 350k a year instead of 1m, his mental health might improve considerably.
 

Lionheart182

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I now await the inevitable ignorant response along the lines if "geez, I wish I had the problems these kids have to deal with. When I was 19 I moved to Siberia to work 14 hour shifts in the salt mines for 8 cents an hour and I didn't get 'depressed'. I wish I could be paid 500,000 a year to play the game I love. These entitled millennials need to realise how good they have it. Depression is a marketing term created by advertising agencies to sell antidepressants and day spa packages".
Jeez, that was enraging to read.
 

Gadzorks

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My support is behind raising the draft age to 21 and creating an u21 league.

A lot of pressure on the draftees comes from speculation on whether they will "make it" to afl superstar level. The discussion around this is harsh - think Nick robbo on this board. Copped a flogging last year and now a developing hero.

If we recruited at 21 out of a u21 league this discussed would be significantly different. There would still be speculation but as it is all kids the same age I believe it would be less fierce. Also the media would still focus primarily on the afl so while the kids would get exposure there will be periods where they would be left alone.

The other advantage is the kids in the u21 league, while still training for an afl opportunity , would get the chance for normal age behaviour - part time work, study, friends and not have to leave home until they are more mature.

And... I'll mention this again. our u18 mostly play at 9 am Saturday. So they stay off booze Friday night and if they drink Saturday they usually fall asleep. Best way to keep them out of trouble and I personally would love this to continue up to 21.

The afl draft would them be about drafting actual talent at 21 plus years old rather than potential. A lot of Dane Zorkos essentially.
 

spotthedog1

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I reckon if Boyd took a pay cut to 350k a year instead of 1m, his mental health might improve considerably.
Managing stressors is a good start, but lets not forget that this is a medical issue, and predisposition due to genetics is often a prevailing factor. A bit simplistic to put it down to too much or too little money.

On another vein (unrelated to acuguy), another cause of depression and anxiety that I think is underestimated in sporting circles is exposure to abuse. I'll boo a situation or a decision, but I'm not a fan of crowds continuing to boo a player every time they touch the ball.
 

acuguy

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Bit simplistic maybe but you would have to think the pressure of the contract is not helping
Too much pressure on the kid. Not playing well and everyone looking at him, they know how much earns, they know how much they earn, they know how much everyone should be earning. Not good! Too much pressure, he got some relief from when he performed brilliantly in the finals. But the pressure went up a notch and a half externally and I assume internally.
 

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blynd_freddie

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Managing stressors is a good start, but lets not forget that this is a medical issue, and predisposition due to genetics is often a prevailing factor. A bit simplistic to put it down to too much or too little money.

On another vein (unrelated to acuguy), another cause of depression and anxiety that I think is underestimated in sporting circles is exposure to abuse. I'll boo a situation or a decision, but I'm not a fan of crowds continuing to boo a player every time they touch the ball.
It's also a known that sledging, fan noise etc. can also spur on a few sporting individuals - it is far too easy for us to generalise, this as is with many health issues linked to depression, will often vary from one individual to another.
 

Milk Steak

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Police investigating Tyrone Vickery and another former player in a non disclosed serious investigation. Just when you thought trading for Vickery couldn't be any more beneficial
 
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My support is behind raising the draft age to 21 and creating an u21 league.

A lot of pressure on the draftees comes from speculation on whether they will "make it" to afl superstar level. The discussion around this is harsh - think Nick robbo on this board. Copped a flogging last year and now a developing hero.

If we recruited at 21 out of a u21 league this discussed would be significantly different. There would still be speculation but as it is all kids the same age I believe it would be less fierce. Also the media would still focus primarily on the afl so while the kids would get exposure there will be periods where they would be left alone.

The other advantage is the kids in the u21 league, while still training for an afl opportunity , would get the chance for normal age behaviour - part time work, study, friends and not have to leave home until they are more mature.

And... I'll mention this again. our u18 mostly play at 9 am Saturday. So they stay off booze Friday night and if they drink Saturday they usually fall asleep. Best way to keep them out of trouble and I personally would love this to continue up to 21.

The afl draft would them be about drafting actual talent at 21 plus years old rather than potential. A lot of Dane Zorkos essentially.
On paper this all looks great but can't see this ever possibly being politically possible.

The AFLPA probably wouldn't lend the AFL a pen, let along agree to this sort of reform.
 

jackess

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Wasn't the AFLPA after a longer break between the end of season and pre-season training?

This could be a good time for players to get back in touch with the real world.
 

Gadzorks

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On paper this all looks great but can't see this ever possibly being politically possible.

The AFLPA probably wouldn't lend the AFL a pen, let along agree to this sort of reform.
I know. But I keep dreaming of the afl league being a competition of adults playing against adults. What a game it would be.
 

Football Pope

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Extortion apparently. according to the carlton draft
Facebook.
Oh that Carlton Crew.......understood from the Gatto

Hawthorn recruit Tyrone Vickery and former Richmond hardman Jake King have been arrested for alleged extortion and threats.
It is understood police are investigating allegations Vickery used King to intervene in a business dispute.
Vickery, 27, believed a partner in his Hawthorn East Italian restaurant, Fat Monkey, stole as much as $100,000.
He raised his concerns with police, but when he was dissatisfied with the response, it is alleged he enlisted King, 33, to recover the funds.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-pl...sed-of-threats-extortion-20170705-gx5ceu.html
 
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