When words fail

I'm a professional writing student. I want to be a journalist. I'm supposed to be good with words. But I honestly can't put yesterday into words and do it justice.

I was born into a Collingwood/Fitzroy family. It was my Dad's family that were (and still are) footy nuts. And although there was a bit of a divide in teams many years ago, when the Fitzroy Lions Football Club came to an end, it was one-eyed Magpies all the way.
I started going to the footy when I was nine, I've been a Collingwood member since I was ten. As cliche as it sounds, it's not just about the footy for my family. We're always together- My dad, brother, aunty, uncles and cousin. I wouldn't be able to tell you the number of times we've been to clinics, family days, parades and all that jazz.

Unfortunately we missed out on GF tickets, that is until a spare one managed to pop up on Friday night and my Dad wouldn't take it. He didn't take it because he gave it to me.
So what you say? Then you don't understand. It's more then a game to us, it's more then football. And my dad gave that up. For me.

Yesterday was amazing, there was only one thing missing. My family, and most importantly my dad. Here's to hoping we get tickets for next week.
There's one thing that's left etched in my mind from yesterday- one sound. The sound of nothing. The sound of shock, disappointment and dis-belief. The sound when that final siren went.

So when words fail, a picture can tell a thousand words.

ALL OF THESE IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT TO THE AFL.
I CLAIM NO COPYRIGHT TO THESE IMAGES.
IMAGES FROM http://www.aflphotos.com.au

Sorry Aker, that just doesn't sit well with me...

Jason Akermanis' article in today's Herald Sun has caused controversy. Rightly so too, Akermanis can't expect to write on such a sensitive topic and not get back lash from the general public.
Let's recap what the article is about (This link will take you to the article). Akermanis' opinion piece titled 'Stay in the closet' suggests that gay AFL player's shouldn't 'out' themselves. Firstly, I can't stress the point enough that Aker is NOT gay bashing here. He states numerous times that he is not homophobic, the article is based more around the opinion that the AFL are not ready for gay players (to come 'out').
Excuse me Jason Akermanis, but can I please point out we are in the year 2010, where sexuality is something that (most) people celebrate, and homosexuality is not a taboo subject.
Before I get any deeper into this subject- No, this post is not going to be about how 'stupid' Aker's comments are. Everyone is entitled to their opinion; Aker no exception here. I actually admire the fact he is so openly expressing them- I just don't agree with them, at all.
I belive that there are gay players in the AFL. I believe there are some that the public will never know about, and that is the PLAYER's decision, no one elses.
I'm also willing to bet that a lot of the gay players are confused about their sexuality. It must be such a struggle to deal with their sexuality, let alone dealing with it whilst playing such a 'macho' sport, surrounded by 'macho' men.
An article like this, would NOT help things Aker.
If player's want to stay 'in the closet'- that's their decision. If they want to 'come out'- that's their decision.
As I write this I'm watching the channel 10 news.
Sydney coach Paul Roos has said 'to hear comments like this in 2010 is just bizarre.' (Note: This may not be the exact quote, but it's definately close to it.)
Aker's article has also stunned some of his team members and others around the Western Bulldogs Football Club.
Like I've already said, I completely respect Aker's opinion. And I even agree with his statement that 'being the first AFL player to come out, (would be) too big a burden for any player.'
Definately, BUT given the fact we are in the year 2010, there would be an abundance of councelling, support and acceptance from the player's team, supporters and the general public.
Of-course there is going to be on-field sledging, but there is sledging about EVERY single topic you can imagine. Plus, I'm nearly 100% sure that the player's team members would have that said players back.
You only have to look at the players that have today said that Aker's comments are unusual, Collingwood player Heath Shaw even says there are different characters within every club.

Jason Akermanis- your opinions do have merit, and I understand them as you trying to spare a gay player having to go through unnecessary 'torture' from other players and the community.
However, I do think people can be surprising, and if/when a player decides to publicly decalre they are homosexual, on their own accord, there would be nothing but support and admiration.
You can't tell people what to do Aker, now that is just a fact of life.

Leave a comment, I'm keen to hear about everyone's views on the issue. I'm also keen to see what the AFL board says, Aker isn't generally known for keeping quite about his opinion.