How's Graham Polak Progressing?

[jamo]

Good morning all,

I write this very conscious of the vitriol - and personal attacks I'm probably going to receive, however.....

I had hoped that once the season was finished - and this circumstance/situation could be reviewed rationally - that the sycophantic / politically correct hyperbole may fade away - and the RFC and supporters could look at this without emotive rose coloured glasses ......

alas - it appears it hasn't.

Firstly - I very very much hopes that Graham improves, gets well and has a fantastic life ahead of him

Secondly - I do hope that he resumes for the Tigers and picks up where he left off in 2007 (not 2008)

At the end of the day he is/can be a valuable contributor.

Notwithstanding - perhaps it is time to address the "elephant in the room"

(a) Graham was hit by a tram either proceeding to/or returning from a night on the town (post Tigers function)

Accordingly, he deserves continued care by the RFC (arguably WorkCare/Cover - whatever it is called in Victoria) - BUT - he does not deserve to be kept on the roster "regardless of his playing future" etc etc. At the end of the day this is sympathetic tokenism that serves no purpose but to make us all feel better.

It should be of concern that Graham was not having a stellar year in 2008. Having been rightfully dropped for the Swans game (in which we were subsequently flogged), Graham was never an "automatic" selection, and you could argue that the backline in particular functioned much better without him in the last half of the year.

His goal kicking at the other end left a lot to be desired.

Graham - please get better.

I have indeed met the man, and he is a fine example,

BUT - if it becomes uncertain that he can resume his playing future next year then either:

(a) approach the AFL for some specific leniency, or

(b) support / encourage and perhaps financially assist him - BUT - find a rookie/draft to take his spot.

In my humble opinion,

Regards

That was very well said, no one could be offended, I also hope he makes a full recovery.
I agree, if he can't play his way into the side, he should not play, we need the best 22 every week.

Off the Polak topic.
I also feel the same way about playing a token game for retiring players, If they aren't good enough, don't risk the four points.
Tivva just scraped in this year to deserve a last game, Hyde did not, and rightly so didn't get the game.

 

[Tigers of Old]

Good post sir.
No doubt the club is taking a very measured approach to Graham's position both emotionally and professionally so I am happy with what ever they decide to do here.

However I also agree re Graham's form prior to the incident in '08.
Sometimes the truth is distorted and positives favoured in the aftermath of tragedy to individuals but the harsh reality is that Polly was an average footballer before his injury. It is unlikely(not impossible) he'll improve after it.

We all wish him well in his recovery but we need to keep some perspective in tapering expectations.
Great to hear he is doing everything he can to give himself the chance though.

 

[doherz]

im with sir. my thoughts on the polak trade are known to all. my opinion on him as a footballer is known to all. i mean no disrespect to a bloke who has gone thru a tough time. but imo he should be delisted.he wasnt good enough to keep before his accident his accident should not change this.

there is another side to all this what happens the next time polak backs into a pack or puts his head over the ball and his head gets taken of. its not just a talent thing or how you rate him but theres a duty of care thing as well.

Finally you speak sensibly and politely. Well done :clap
I still dont agree with your opinion on Polly. He is a KPP and by claw law, they are gold. Arent you being hypocritical by saying we should dispose of him?

 

[doherz]

I've met plenty of people who have an ABI.

I once met a boy who fell a thousand feet from a hang glider.

Another young man I know fell ten stories from a balcony.

Are you starting to see a pattern here? :spin

 

[doherz]

No doubt the club is taking a very measured approach to Graham's position both emotionally and professionally so I am happy with what ever they decide to do here.

Good point. The RFC should be commended for the support they have shown and the way this has been handled. Collingwood should be taking notes :hihi

 

[the claw]

Finally you speak sensibly and politely. Well done :clap
I still dont agree with your opinion on Polly. He is a KPP and by claw law, they are gold. Arent you being hypocritical by saying we should dispose of him?

i take offense at the sensible jibe. but agree i could be much more user friendly. this aside ive said this before often, you dont kepp players who cant play weather they be big or small. polak has some value in front of others because of our list situation but this does not mean we should be trying to do better.

 

[Baloo]

Just saw this photo on today's training session.

If he held that all the way down I'd have to say his marking skills are better than before...

http://www.gspimages.com.au/image/?image_id=139012

Edit: Sorry, that's an old photo

 

[tigertim]

Just saw this photo on today's training session.

If he held that all the way down I'd have to say his marking skills are better than before...

http://www.gspimages.com.au/image/?image_id=139012

Good pic. Was anyone there to see how he landed? Did he land on his feet? It looks very dangerous for someone recovering from a brain injury.

 

[Mr Pumblechook]

Good pic. Was anyone there to see how he landed? Did he land on his feet? It looks very dangerous for someone recovering from a brain injury.

Check the date - pre-injury

 

[Baloo]

cheers chicken little, hadn't noticed that. I was starting to wonder why some of the later pages had collard in them.

 

[tigertim]

Check the date - pre-injury

Well spotted then Mr P.

 

[Redford]

I thought he was moving pretty well all things considered.

 

[In the Blood]

I watched him quite a bit this morning.

Big positive is that he is out there running, marking and kicking. He was hitting his targets and was better at playing football than 99% of those who were in the crowd. He was not as sharp as I remember and did labour a little but still has to be a chance to play again next year. Come on Polly.