Yeah this article has been written about him. My thoughts go out to his family, the MFC and its supporters.
Demons in mourning for lost son
9:09:21 PM Mon 3 January, 2005
Sportal
The Melbourne Football Club is in mourning as the death of its young defender Troy Broadbridge was confirmed on Monday night.
Broadbridge, 24, had been missing since being swept away by the Indian Ocean tsunami which devastated the Thai resort of Phuket on Sunday, December 26 while he was on his honeymoon with his new wife Trisha.
Club Chairman Paul Gardner said confirmation of Broadbridge's death was an enormously sad blow.
"Just as Troy has become the face of the tsunami for so many people, so Troy was very much the face of the sort of character we admire at the club," Gardner said.
"He had a strong family upbringing, showed great courage and spirit to overcome injury, and was generous to his fellow players and those around the club.
"The whole club is working as a family, supporting each other and resolving to get through this tragedy together as a whole team of people.
"We've also been cognisant that while Troy is a very treasured part of the club fabric, more importantly his passing has robbed Trisha of a husband, and his family the loss of a loved son and brother, just as it has so many thousands of others, and our hearts go out to all those touched by this unfathomable tragedy."
Senior coach Neale Daniher said the latest news was "gut wrenching".
"It's a very close group and Troy was a popular fellow, and he and Trisha were well liked by players and their partners," Dainher said.
"Troy came back from injury a number of times with great spirit and courage, and in 2004 really cemented his place as a leading member of the Melbourne.
"Against that backdrop, and just getting married and being on his honeymoon, you just don't expect this and it's tremendously hard to accept. I know the hearts of all the players and everyone at the club go out to Trisha, and to Troy's parents Wayne and Pam and their family."
Club captain David Neitz said he'd been hoping and praying that 'Broadie' would be found and be OK.
"But the miracle hasn't happened and it cuts really, really deep," Neitz said.
"It's tough to train and play alongside someone, get to know him, go to his wedding and send him off on a Christmas honeymoon and then have to accept that he's not coming back.
"It's very tough on the players and partners and this will be a very emotional time for us. But as difficult as it is we will support each other and get through this. That's what Troy would have done and we want to support Trisha."
AFL Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Demetriou said the AFL, its 16 clubs and the entire football community wished to extend its deepest sympathy to Trisha Broadbridge, the Broadbridge family and the players and staff of the Melbourne Football Club.
"Troy was a young man in the prime of his life and had just embarked upon marriage with Trisha" Demetriou said.
"His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him and the football community is poorer for the loss of a fine young man," he said.
Demetriou said all sections of the football community have been shocked by the devastation across so many countries and the loss of many thousands of lives.
"AFL football and our clubs will join the world wide aid effort to the victims in all countries with our response to be announced in the coming days, once all clubs have been consulted".
Broadbridge started his career at Melbourne in 1999 after being recruited from the SANFL. The young South Australian was always destined to play football with his explosive speed and thumping kick.
Two shoulder injuries and a knee injury did not deter Troy from his path and he continued his training to return strongly to have his best year in 2004.
Broadbridge played 40 games for Melbourne and he will be remembered for his tenacity and dedication to the sport he loved so much, his courage in overcoming setbacks, and his generosity of spirit with fellow players.