David EdwardsCarey’s Gaff Hits the Kangaroos Hard
August 13th 2007 14:27
The underdogs for the season, the Kangaroos, have definitely been the surprise packet for the AFL. In a season where many predicted that they would be winning the wooden spoon, they have been in fact one of the strongest sides this year, just slipping from second spot on the ladder after narrowly losing to the West Coast Eagles last weekend. They have indeed been the surprise packet for 2007.
However it seems that whilst the Kangaroos have been making waves on the field, they have not been treated in the limelight by the media. Sides such as Geelong, Hawthorn, Collingwood (before their three week slump) and the Eagles have been highly promoted by the experts, and whilst the Kangaroos has had their share of successes throughout the year, they have never been the favourite son in the AFL.
The media, whilst giving the club their fair share of praises, have far been claimed as one of the sides to beat. The betting agencies have more often than not backed them as outsiders in most of the matches, and indeed many experts and commentators have not claimed how far this side can travel, but rather how long until they fall.
One ‘expert’ who has been one of the biggest critic is actually one of the club’s favourite sons, albeit a fallen son. Wayne Carey, centre half forward and captain for the Kangaroos during their glory years of ‘90s. At the start of the season, Carey commented that coach Laidley should be removed from the top position after side suffered losses in its first three games. Nineteen rounds later, and twelve wins from the following sixteen games, it seems that he did not have the right idea in what path the club should take.
Whilst Carey has backed off from his earlier comments, a comment that former teammate Laidley took to heart, he has once again taken a swipe at a club that he won two premiership with on Sunday against full-forward Nathan Thompson. On his show on Sunday morning, Carey commented that Thompson should be focusing on improving his injury and fitness after suffering a knee injury before the season, rather than spending time at the Darwin Cup.
This comment was not offensive, however Carey took it a step further when he claimed that he should not be backing horses due to the fact that Thompson suffers from a well-publicised depression. Whilst his co-hosts desperately tried to cut him off, and as the show itself cut to break, it was still overheard Carey commenting “that he will soon be necking himself.”
Mental awareness groups have blasted Carey for the comment, as well have the Kangaroos. Many people are pointing out that how Thompson spends his time is not a major talking point, as it will be next year until he will play football again. Others have pointed out that gambling and Thompson’s condition have no immediate connections. However the biggest point many have highlighted is that this is the second major time that Carey has attacked his former club on national television, and questions are now beginning to emerge about if Carey does indeed have a bone to pick with the Kangaroos.
Carey’s well-publicised separation from the club was not a happy ending, and the contests with his former club when playing for the Adelaide Crows was always a rough affair. With many former teammates still involved at the club (Archer, Harvey, Simpson and the coach Laidley), there is still time needed for the club to welcome back the son that lead them to their first premiership trophies in 30 years, but when he left set the club back ten years.
Whilst Carey and the Kangaroos do not see eye to eye at the moment, many supporters still respect the ability that he showed in the blue and white. There will be a time when he will be able to walk back into the club with respect. However with attacks such as these, it does seem that Carey has some resentment towards the club. Whilst he is known to have foot in mouth disease quite often, he has to learn that attacking the Kangaroos just places him in a bad light.
If Carey commented on any other club in the league, not many people would notice. However because of how well known the rift is between himself and the Kangaroos, criticising the club or players on any aspect will just seem to be said with a hint of venom. Carey will have to learn that when it comes to the Kangaroos, he will definitely have to keep the kid gloves on for the time being.
Until next time, sports minds.
However it seems that whilst the Kangaroos have been making waves on the field, they have not been treated in the limelight by the media. Sides such as Geelong, Hawthorn, Collingwood (before their three week slump) and the Eagles have been highly promoted by the experts, and whilst the Kangaroos has had their share of successes throughout the year, they have never been the favourite son in the AFL.
The media, whilst giving the club their fair share of praises, have far been claimed as one of the sides to beat. The betting agencies have more often than not backed them as outsiders in most of the matches, and indeed many experts and commentators have not claimed how far this side can travel, but rather how long until they fall.
One ‘expert’ who has been one of the biggest critic is actually one of the club’s favourite sons, albeit a fallen son. Wayne Carey, centre half forward and captain for the Kangaroos during their glory years of ‘90s. At the start of the season, Carey commented that coach Laidley should be removed from the top position after side suffered losses in its first three games. Nineteen rounds later, and twelve wins from the following sixteen games, it seems that he did not have the right idea in what path the club should take.
Whilst Carey has backed off from his earlier comments, a comment that former teammate Laidley took to heart, he has once again taken a swipe at a club that he won two premiership with on Sunday against full-forward Nathan Thompson. On his show on Sunday morning, Carey commented that Thompson should be focusing on improving his injury and fitness after suffering a knee injury before the season, rather than spending time at the Darwin Cup.
This comment was not offensive, however Carey took it a step further when he claimed that he should not be backing horses due to the fact that Thompson suffers from a well-publicised depression. Whilst his co-hosts desperately tried to cut him off, and as the show itself cut to break, it was still overheard Carey commenting “that he will soon be necking himself.”
Mental awareness groups have blasted Carey for the comment, as well have the Kangaroos. Many people are pointing out that how Thompson spends his time is not a major talking point, as it will be next year until he will play football again. Others have pointed out that gambling and Thompson’s condition have no immediate connections. However the biggest point many have highlighted is that this is the second major time that Carey has attacked his former club on national television, and questions are now beginning to emerge about if Carey does indeed have a bone to pick with the Kangaroos.
Carey’s well-publicised separation from the club was not a happy ending, and the contests with his former club when playing for the Adelaide Crows was always a rough affair. With many former teammates still involved at the club (Archer, Harvey, Simpson and the coach Laidley), there is still time needed for the club to welcome back the son that lead them to their first premiership trophies in 30 years, but when he left set the club back ten years.
Whilst Carey and the Kangaroos do not see eye to eye at the moment, many supporters still respect the ability that he showed in the blue and white. There will be a time when he will be able to walk back into the club with respect. However with attacks such as these, it does seem that Carey has some resentment towards the club. Whilst he is known to have foot in mouth disease quite often, he has to learn that attacking the Kangaroos just places him in a bad light.
If Carey commented on any other club in the league, not many people would notice. However because of how well known the rift is between himself and the Kangaroos, criticising the club or players on any aspect will just seem to be said with a hint of venom. Carey will have to learn that when it comes to the Kangaroos, he will definitely have to keep the kid gloves on for the time being.
Until next time, sports minds.
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