I don't think there is a club or AFL directive on this. My point is really where does it stop. So what if say Brandon Ellis had wanted his mother on the podium in 2017? Or another player his grandmother? Or another their partner? For the experience and the photo?
Should the AFL just say no matter how long it takes everyone can bring someone up on stage. Maybe that's the right thing to do, let everyone bring a significant person in their lives up to share the podium?
The only one I have no issues with is Marlion, he's such a great example of a person getting a second chance and taking it. He's an inspiration and I think it helps complete the picture seeing him lead his family up there.
Perhaps its just that I think Jack's a little self-indulgent and I prefer my heroes a little understated? (its funny you say you think his tiger passion is contrived, not sure how you can doubt his tiger passion?)
PS - Jake Carlisle actually put his family first and football second didn't he by returning home for the birth?
MD Jazz,
Totally understand view point (take no umbrage)
I just watched the "Grand Final Recollections" of Cotch, Nank, Lambert and Grimes which serve to reinforce my ethos (without criticising yours)
Firstly - there is (not yet) any suggestion that players are going to start bringing parents/grandparent on to the podium.
But! Would we begrudge Jayden Short if he took his Mum up? Or Marlion his wife?
(PS - your hypocrisy re Marlion is enlightening? How is his story any more legitimate that Ellis, or Short or Higgins? Yes I have watched Australia Story - loved it! deep respect to Marlion - but you trivialise the other players who have done it tough and made wrong decisions along the way - Jay Shulz! LOL!)
As I said in my previous (rant?) I have always suspected Jack is a calculating media/man - but - that can not detract from his contribution (and who am I to judge?)
The AFL doesn't need to get involved.
There are things in life that are entirely appropriate, and I would suggest even the AFL understands:
"Sharing a key life moment with those that helped you get there!"
PS - Jake Carlisle is (IMHO) another great example of Ty Vickery. A man who was big and could play footy - but his heart was elsewhere. Last I looked - no one has ever become a champion with that ethos and they fade into the "coulda, shoulda, didnt". (rightly or wrongly)