Scott 5Akermanis: AFL mouth moves south
August 11th 2006 07:00
Amidst the intense media scrutiny surrounding the rift between the Brisbane Lions and Jason Akermanis, there is one outcome becoming crystal clear.
Akermanis will move to Melbourne (the city, not the football club) and continue his AFL career in 2007.
The spat between the Brownlow Medallist and the Queensland club erupted in recent weeks, when Akermanis was granted a 'leave of absence' after he had placed the importance of his media duties ahead of the club and his teammates. This was not a revelation - but just another battle in a war that escalated out of control.
The Brisbane Lions may have told Akermanis to pack his bags, but his controversial suitcase was already half-full.
‘Aker’ has always had a mouth, and has never been afraid to use it. Refusing to tip-toe around sensitive questions, the 29-year-old deals with delicate issues the only way he knows how; honestly.
But when the integrity of a club’s inner-sanctum is at stake, honesty is not always the best policy. Akermanis lost the trust and respect of a number of his Brisbane teammates, and was subsequently dropped from the senior side.
Leigh Matthews played down the omission, see-sawing the reason for it between ‘out of form’ and ‘outspoken’. But it is now clear the latter is the only reason Akermanis will never play AFL for the Brisbane Lions again.
The hand-standing Akermanis, who is resoundingly popular amongst Lion supporters, was granted a six-week ‘absence’ from his footballing duties. This not only means he will not compete for the Brisbane Lions, but also relieves him of AFLQ duties. In effect, Akermanis may never again play football in Queensland.
You'd think that would steam Jason's broccoli - but instead, 'the mouth' has taken the move in his stride and begun the search for a new home in 2007.
Matthews has maintained the split was never initiated by the club and believes Akermanis just wants to play football in “the big footy town” - Melbourne, or course.
“There's a simple principle of team, and I like the way you spell it: TEAM, Together Everyone Achieves More,” Matthews said. “If you don't believe that together you're going to achieve more, then you go your own way, so there's no bad blood about it.”
Akermanis has already been linked with Collingwood and Melbourne, but just which AFL jumper he will play in next year is largely irrelevant. The peroxide-powerhouse must first prove he is worthy, and capable of a new club contract.
Melbourne is the footy capital of the world. Ten teams, three stadiums and media saturation. Is the temptation to talk going to be too much for Akermanis? To survive, the media-savvy star must change his approach, not his attitude.
There is nothing wrong with being honest, outspoken and daring – but there is a problem when one’s actions undermine the performance of his 17 teammates on the playing field.
One thing is for sure, in the run home to the end of the season, the Lions are missing Akermanis' drive and determination.
Love him or hate him, the guy is good.
Akermanis will move to Melbourne (the city, not the football club) and continue his AFL career in 2007.
The spat between the Brownlow Medallist and the Queensland club erupted in recent weeks, when Akermanis was granted a 'leave of absence' after he had placed the importance of his media duties ahead of the club and his teammates. This was not a revelation - but just another battle in a war that escalated out of control.
‘Aker’ has always had a mouth, and has never been afraid to use it. Refusing to tip-toe around sensitive questions, the 29-year-old deals with delicate issues the only way he knows how; honestly.
But when the integrity of a club’s inner-sanctum is at stake, honesty is not always the best policy. Akermanis lost the trust and respect of a number of his Brisbane teammates, and was subsequently dropped from the senior side.
Leigh Matthews played down the omission, see-sawing the reason for it between ‘out of form’ and ‘outspoken’. But it is now clear the latter is the only reason Akermanis will never play AFL for the Brisbane Lions again.
The hand-standing Akermanis, who is resoundingly popular amongst Lion supporters, was granted a six-week ‘absence’ from his footballing duties. This not only means he will not compete for the Brisbane Lions, but also relieves him of AFLQ duties. In effect, Akermanis may never again play football in Queensland.
You'd think that would steam Jason's broccoli - but instead, 'the mouth' has taken the move in his stride and begun the search for a new home in 2007.
Matthews has maintained the split was never initiated by the club and believes Akermanis just wants to play football in “the big footy town” - Melbourne, or course.
“There's a simple principle of team, and I like the way you spell it: TEAM, Together Everyone Achieves More,” Matthews said. “If you don't believe that together you're going to achieve more, then you go your own way, so there's no bad blood about it.”
Akermanis has already been linked with Collingwood and Melbourne, but just which AFL jumper he will play in next year is largely irrelevant. The peroxide-powerhouse must first prove he is worthy, and capable of a new club contract.
Melbourne is the footy capital of the world. Ten teams, three stadiums and media saturation. Is the temptation to talk going to be too much for Akermanis? To survive, the media-savvy star must change his approach, not his attitude.
There is nothing wrong with being honest, outspoken and daring – but there is a problem when one’s actions undermine the performance of his 17 teammates on the playing field.
One thing is for sure, in the run home to the end of the season, the Lions are missing Akermanis' drive and determination.
Love him or hate him, the guy is good.
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