No worries TT, I don't want to give the impression we are best mates or anything because that is not the case. Basically we are from the same area and had a mutual connection through some local groups when he was young and then through footy when he was older. His TAC time came when I came back to Australia and had a bit of involvement with the Pioneers and helping some potential Central Vic draftees prepare for the draft and club life.
I don't talk about him much because he wouldn't like it, but what I would say is he has always been respectful and polite throughout his entire life. He's always been a lad but much more good than bad.
As for the other stuff, he took some time to settle into AFL life, the fame and money and spare time was a trap for him, no question but so it is for most players.
Without saying too much, people don't realise how close he came to blowing his career away in the early years and he is very lucky some hijinks never became public or I doubt he would be at Richmond or even in the AFL.
I think what really turned him from talented to superstar was when people close to him sat him down and really let him have it about pissing his talent down the drain. He listened, took it well and never looked back. He's still a lad but has learnt there's a time and a place and it is more enjoyable when you've earned it.
Personally I couldn't speak more highly of him. He always stops and says hello when I see him, treats my kids like they are special and remembers their names even though he might run into them once a year at the footy. Never missed sending me a birthday message in 20 years, took me into the rooms after 2017 when we ran into each other by chance. Footy aside, I find him to be a warm and gentle young bloke and I'd be happy to see my daughter end up with someone just like him.
