The other human headline at it again....The Age

[Life Long Saint]

They needed to respond.

But it should have been done via a 'matter of fact' press release.

Had they given it the level of 'respect' it deserved, they could have played the victim card themselves from the start.

But instead, they came across as very rattled by it, and therefore that they were rattled for a reason.

I didn't sense that the club was rattled, I sensed they were angry.

It also aired the rift between captain and player/s.

Riewoldt, being 'the face of the club' made no effort to protect or defend Dal Santo or Dawson.

There is no rift between the players...Gilbert did something stupid and copped his "whack"...I trust these guys not to be petty enough to hold a grudge...Gilbert made a mistake. He did not deliberately set out to embarrass his captain.
I am pretty sure that Roo (or the club) stated that Dal Santo had no relationship (or had ever met) the girl in question.

The other big mistake was not the court order to stop the photos, it was again the missed opportunity to be the victim in this.
Instead, by using the heavy handed hero approach they made the girl appear to be the victim in all of this.

Which in turn, gave her story that the club shafted her all those months ago when she fell pregnant to one of their players, some creedence.


It was always going to come out that she was lying about the photos. When it did, it should have been a clean cut case of 'ooops, aren't we all embarrassed now that we believe this lying little nasty girl'.

But instead, because of the approach the club took, the public and the press simply ignored this and kept looking for other angles to roast them.


The approach they've taken now is the absolutely correct one.

Funny, I thought that Roo and Dal have come across as the victims in this...Sam Gilbert is the major player in why we are in this mess (from the clubs point of view)...Unfortunately, we cannot escape that...The club obviously feels that they can't cut him loose on this and, therefore, offers to help everyone through the situation.

[joffaboy]

What does Stan Alves or Ken Sheldon have to say about the "scandal"?

After all they have just as much currency and in Alves case, more success as a Saints coach than the last has been coach has.

Maybe the journo went to them and they, like any adult with dignity would do, declined to comment.

Thomas is rent-a-quote and has become a sad irrelevance screaming out for attention.

So sad, used to be a big supporter of Thomas when he was coach.

[rodgerfox]

Thanks Grant - that's terrific. We were off the front page for a bit there. We appreciate that. Well done.

Isn't it terrible to have an opinion.

GT should be shot for having One.

If he gave a rats ar@e about the club he would've kept his ill-thought-out, contradictory and rambling opinion to himself. Although I did get the sense he enjoyed the naked picture of Nick Riewoldt.

Why?

If you care about the club (not sure whether GT does or not, and I don't care) why would you keep quiet if you think they've stuffed something up?


On a side note, I actually think it's better to have the heat on faceless and nameless administrators that no one cares about, than the players.

He's pretty much saying that the poor players are copping it, and they shouldn't be.

I don't agree with that totally, but as a supporters surely that's a better scenario than the players being flamed in the public.

[HSVKing]

RF, on what basis is Nick a greedy wanker? Nah, don't bother answering that

It's not wanker, it's waanker

As in, foxy will be easy to spot at the footy, he'll be the one leading the opposition crowd chants with "Riewoldt's a WAANKER" clap clap clap clap clap

I thought that was Dal?

[joffaboy]

RF, on what basis is Nick a greedy wanker? Nah, don't bother answering that

It's not wanker, it's waanker

As in, foxy will be easy to spot at the footy, he'll be the one leading the opposition crowd chants with "Riewoldt's a WAANKER" clap clap clap clap clap

I thought that was Dal?

Its actually the two in your avatar

[rodgerfox]

Funny, I thought that Roo and Dal have come across as the victims in this...

The club doesn't care about one-eyed fans like you, they'll get your money no matter what.

It's the others they're worried about.


The reality is clearly that Dal, Roo and Zac are victims. As is Gilbert thanks to Riewoldt, and if you call having a relationship break-up making you a victim - then the girl is too.

But this isn't about reality. It's about public perception for an organisation that's job is to make money.


Players, coaches and anyone else involved only want to win flags so they can keep their jobs. Keeping your job means you get paid.
Administrators only want to win flags cause it means they're in a better position to make money for the organisation.

It's only the fans that want flags for emotional reasons. And the clubs and the AFL prey on this.

The emotional fans will cough up every year. They've already got you.

It's getting new fans, and getting new sponsors to pay up that is the problem. And it's making sure that old sponsors still pay the bills.

Sponsors want to be associated with winners, and clubs that are popular and are recognisable to people.


So the club merely plays a game that keeps them in a favourable view in the eyes of people that open their wallets.


So as I said, it's not about reality and doing what's right - it's about keeping the coffers up. And clearly in this instance (and many others recently) they haven't painted themselves in a good light publicly.

[HSVKing]

RF, on what basis is Nick a greedy wanker? Nah, don't bother answering that

It's not wanker, it's waanker

As in, foxy will be easy to spot at the footy, he'll be the one leading the opposition crowd chants with "Riewoldt's a WAANKER" clap clap clap clap clap

I thought that was Dal?

Its actually the two in your avatar

No, it's the ones who were below the podium when Jimmy and Mark were up there in 92

[GrumpyOne]

There are two ways of handling a crisis at a footy club.

GT's show of absolute faith in Milne and Montagna, or the Board's appeasement of Kimigate.

I know which one worked better, and has been proven correct over time.

[Life Long Saint]

The club doesn't care about one-eyed fans like you, they'll get your money no matter what.

You don't know the first thing about me! Clearly commenting on an topic you know nothing about.

But this isn't about reality. It's about public perception for an organisation that's job is to make money.

Players, coaches and anyone else involved only want to win flags so they can keep their jobs. Keeping your job means you get paid.
Administrators only want to win flags cause it means they're in a better position to make money for the organisation.

That is excrement. The players get a, relatively, small amount of extra money out of winning a flag. We have this little system called the salary cap that limits the amount of money a club can pay its players. Maybe you've heard of it.

I'd be willing to bet that all of the teams that have won the flag recently were not thinking about the money. If that's what we're thinking about then its no wonder the club haven't got over the line in the past few years.

The emotional fans will cough up every year. They've already got you.

Once again, you don't know the first thing about me...So don't presume to do so.

It's getting new fans, and getting new sponsors to pay up that is the problem. And it's making sure that old sponsors still pay the bills.

Sponsors want to be associated with winners, and clubs that are popular and are recognisable to people.

Winning is clearly more preferable to losing but it is the exposure they really want otherwise nobody would ever sponsor the lower clubs.

So the club merely plays a game that keeps them in a favourable view in the eyes of people that open their wallets.


So as I said, it's not about reality and doing what's right - it's about keeping the coffers up. And clearly in this instance (and many others recently) they haven't painted themselves in a good light publicly.

That is cynical crap...

[rodgerfox]

There are two ways of handling a crisis at a footy club.

GT's show of absolute faith in Milne and Montagna, or the Board's appeasement of Kimigate.

I know which one worked better, and has been proven correct over time.

The club back in 04 were very careful when referring to the 'victim' though. They were incredibly cautious not to be seen to be attempting to discredit, defame or belittle her in any way.

They supported their players, but never gave any ammo for the public and press to portray them as monsters.


This time around, they haven't supported all the players involved, and clearly gave the public and press every ounce of ammo they wanted!

[Dr Spaceman]

RF, I'm gonna do everyone a favour and not quote your recent lengthy spray on all things AFL.

It's similar to other sprays you've done in the past.

While there may be some elements of truth in there, one can only wonder why you continue to have any interest in the game if you feel that way.

Why not find a new pastime and allow those of us who still enjoy this "corporate" sport to do so.

If I'm a fool, being fooled by the AFL, and being fooled by the suits at StKFC, then so be it.

I really couldn't give a toss

GO SAINTERS!!!

[rodgerfox]

That is excrement. The players get a, relatively, small amount of extra money out of winning a flag. We have this little system called the salary cap that limits the amount of money a club can pay its players. Maybe you've heard of it.

'Premiership players' get contracts at other clubs when they're clearly washed up or no good. 'Premiership players', no matter how thick, get media jobs for years to come.

It's a business.

Of course it's not just all about money. Getting to the top of the tree in any job is an ambition of most people. Footballers want to win to be the best.

But most footballers would be happy to get there regardless of what jumper they're wearing.

I'd be willing to bet that all of the teams that have won the flag recently were not thinking about the money. If that's what we're thinking about then its no wonder the club haven't got over the line in the past few years.

Did you hear Riewoldt's comments after the GF1, and during the week? It was all about money.


It's a business to the players. Far moreso to coaches and administrators, but still not an emotional thing to most players.

See Gary Ablett, Campbell Brown, Hamill, Judd, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.

[rodgerfox]

While there may be some elements of truth in there, one can only wonder why you continue to have any interest in the game if you feel that way.

It's not a spray as such. Just explaining as to why clubs handle things certain ways.

Some here are way, way off the mark when discussing topics like this because they are naive in understanding why clubs do things.

Fans don't get it. they don't understand that guys like Lyon, Nettlefold, Drain, etc. etc. aren't in love with the club and are simply football professionals who move from club to club to ply their trade.

They aren't die hard supporters pining for a flag for the red, white and black. they're dudes who only a couple of years ago were doing exactly the same thing at other clubs.

Take Max Hudghton for example.

[joffaboy]

There are two ways of handling a crisis at a footy club.

GT's show of absolute faith in Milne and Montagna, or the Board's appeasement of Kimigate.

I know which one worked better, and has been proven correct over time.

So how would the absolute faith in M&M looked if they had been guilty?

[matrix]

[markp]

While there may be some elements of truth in there, one can only wonder why you continue to have any interest in the game if you feel that way.

It's not a spray as such. Just explaining as to why clubs handle things certain ways.

Some here are way, way off the mark when discussing topics like this because they are naive in understanding why clubs do things.

Fans don't get it. they don't understand that guys like Lyon, Nettlefold, Drain, etc. etc. aren't in love with the club and are simply football professionals who move from club to club to ply their trade.

They aren't die hard supporters pining for a flag for the red, white and black. they're dudes who only a couple of years ago were doing exactly the same thing at other clubs.

Take Max Hudghton for example.

We're very lucky we have you here to explain how the world really works.

How many pages do you hope and plan to see this GT thread to?

[GrumpyOne]

There are two ways of handling a crisis at a footy club.

GT's show of absolute faith in Milne and Montagna, or the Board's appeasement of Kimigate.

I know which one worked better, and has been proven correct over time.

So how would the absolute faith in M&M looked if they had been guilty?

How would my Auntie look with my Uncle's balls?

They werent, and neither was a St kilda player this time round either.

[markp]

There are two ways of handling a crisis at a footy club.

GT's show of absolute faith in Milne and Montagna, or the Board's appeasement of Kimigate.

I know which one worked better, and has been proven correct over time.

So how would the absolute faith in M&M looked if they had been guilty?

How would my Auntie look with my Uncle's balls?

They werent, and neither was a St kilda player this time round either.

You're comparing apples to oranges.

And how come it wasn't the Board's absolute faith in M and M, and Lyon's appeasement of kimigate?

They tried one strategy, and then changed to another as circumstances dictated.

Either way it was never going to cost us 4 points, or anything of note.

It's one big nothing... gossip column and self-promotion fodder.

[Life Long Saint]

See Gary Ablett, Campbell Brown, Hamill, Judd, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.

None of those players left their club before winning a flag! Except Hamill, he left because of a spat with the club. Once that premiership success has been achieved then yes, some players want to set themselves up financially...This is clearly the minority situation.

How many West Coast, Sydney, Geelong, Hawthorn or Brisbane premiership players left for more money?

BTW, Judd did not leave for money...He wanted to return to Victoria. The only choice he then had was which club could pay him the most...Common sense call, really.

However, if what you say is true and it is all about the money, then why don't all premiership players put themselves out there for trade? Nearly every player is worth more on the open market than he is at his club. Premiership or not!

[St Michele]

As a female member I saw the photos and realised very quickly they were not in any way sordid. I actualy thought Nick had more class than get involved with someone like this young person ( I can't call her a lady) so was not worried.

As for the press conference... many were calling for Nick's blood and he needed to clarify what was going on for many members (personaly I think none of it was any of our business)

My theory is we pay them to play football and their off field behaviour unless illegal and they are cherged with a crime is really none of our business!!! I think this will fire Nick up and he will be out to prove once again he is all class this year.

As for Thomas well... seems he can't keep his opinion to himself and the papers just love asking him...

I disagree.

None of the other players made statements. Nor did they need to.


The club should have merely released a statement.

That press conference was an absolute debacle.

Get real. Not everyone reads press releases. Members, especially female members were pissed off and may not have re signed. There are also sponsors who needed to be placated.

So because Riewoldt potted his mate, and in the eyes of the public lied about posing for a photo, now all the chicks out there are going to re-sign??

Fair dinkum.

Riewoldt didn't appease anyone, or anything - except himself. He made it sound like there is serious friction between the the players, and made it clear that he wasn't upset in the slightest about the impact this had on the club - but was only worried about the impact it was going to have on him.


These nude photos were never a 'scandal' for the club. The only 'scandal' was that the initial hope of the media and footy public was that there was a group sex scandal.

That should have been put to rest simply, and without fuss by simply releasing a statement with the facts.

Instead they fanned the flames and made a massive deal out of it.


There never was a scandal for the club. There was embarrassment for the players involved I assume, but that's it.
They did the 'crime', so stiff shiit. Who cared anyway?

But after a press conference with the captain protecting his own image at the expense of the club and his mates, then that fool Ross Levine huffing and puffing like a hero out the front of court - hey presto! We have a big scandal for the club!

[fingers]

2004 is a little different isn't it?

We had 2 players with allegations against them....this time we had someone who was on the victim of an immature person's poor choice.

Not sure you can compare them.

On GT - of course he is entitled to his opinion but he only seems to have one when it's a criticism of the club.

Sometime , not all the time, but sometimes one should keep one's mouth closed.

[rodgerfox]

We're very lucky we have you here to explain how the world really works.

I'm glad I can be of assistance.

How many pages do you hope and plan to see this GT thread to?

I don't think it's a GT thread.

Some as usual, will go down the GT path. However I'm only discussing the opinion - not the person who gave it.

So to answer your question, I don't really care.

Although with true to form sarcastic smart arrse posts from the likes of yourself, it will probably be yet another dismal example of Saintsational at it's finest.

[joffaboy]

Interesting how some here don't understand the difference between opinion and affirmation.

The views expressed in the OP are not opinion but affirmation of the stance the hasbeen coach has on a club he has not been a part of for five years.

According to him GT good, Saints baaaaaddd.

[joffaboy]

Although with true to form sarcastic smart arrse posts from the likes of yourself, it will probably be yet another dismal example of Saintsational at it's finest.

you are free not to post in it RF if you feel to strongly about its direction.

[rodgerfox]

Although with true to form sarcastic smart arrse posts from the likes of yourself, it will probably be yet another dismal example of Saintsational at it's finest.

you are free not to post in it RF if you feel to strongly about its direction.

I'm pretty sure I said I didn't care. That would suggest I don't feel very strongly about it's direction at all.