Toast Angus Brayshaw's speech for retiring players.

[kickazz]

This may have been covered to some degree in the Brownlow live thread but I think it deserves its own recognition.

I thought this was a great speech, and for those that didn't catch it, check it out below.

I thought (and to be honest hoped) it would be a quick toast but it went on a bit longer, but as it did I felt it was really well written, and even better it was delivered with heart and most of all humility (starting by introducing himself, the anti "don't you know who I am" was a great touch.)

It had appropriate humour (Dustin Martin), and reminded us that retirees can be both young and old. He honestly addressed the fact that his was a medical retirement, but did so without bitterness. And he reminded all players that even playing one game, even making a list, at this level is an achievement that somewhere down the road needs to be acknowledged for the success that it is.

We look at these guys and think they live the life, and many retire young with plenty of money. Sure, that is a privilege, but that doesn't mean retirement is necessarily an easy phase of life for these guys.

In a world where the public voice of players and ex players still comes with a decent level of boofheadedness, this was a speech that really stood out as one to remember.

Well done, Angus.

 

[Lunchtime]

It was a great speech. He poured out his heart with 100% honesty. Good to see.

He also highlighted the difficulties some players face when exiting the AFL system. Sometimes it's not easy for some players and they struggle with "life after football".

 

[Not a mere cat]

I actually found it quite awkward at times.

He seemed nervous, very emotional? It also went on for a long time. Then they had Dan Sultan and the song and they focused on him rather than the video. Then they showed the video but no names, number of games played etc. I knew most of the players but not all. So amateur from the AFL (how surprising!)

 

[Freddy Swift]

Agree 100%. Was a really good heartfelt and sincere speech and well delivered.

 

[Lunchtime]

I actually found it quite awkward at times.

He seemed nervous, very emotional? It also went on for a long time. Then they had Dan Sultan and the song and they focused on him rather than the video. Then they showed the video but no names, number of games played etc. I knew most of the players but not all. So amateur from the AFL (how surprising!)

It probably was awkward because he touched on some realities of the real word which a lot of AFL player's face when they leave the AFL system.

It's not all bells and whistles in an ideal world unfortunately. But not just that it was probably awkward because he alluded to some players returning due to medical issues (concussion etc) which is a reality and a sad one too.

It puts things into perspective really. People want to carry on about the Brownlow medal etc etc....yet Brayshaw's speech touches about real life issues.....the real world. It just shows that a lot of people are far too focused on the AFL bubble.

 

[dean33]

I wonder how Maynard was feeling watching that? Was he in the room or at home with all his bruz?

 

[kickazz]

I actually found it quite awkward at times.

He seemed nervous, very emotional? It also went on for a long time. Then they had Dan Sultan and the song and they focused on him rather than the video. Then they showed the video but no names, number of games played etc. I knew most of the players but not all. So amateur from the AFL (how surprising!)

Yeah the post bit could have been done better, but I guess it's hard as the final retirement / asked to retire list hasn't been finalised.

I think the awkward/emotional aspects gave it a raw authenticity that made me stop and think about what he was trying to say.

 

[Breretonisahood]

Emotional and honest without being self-piteous. He did a great job. Seems like a smart guy. Hope he does well post-football.

 

[beside the seaside]

I wonder how Maynard was feeling watching that? Was he in the room or at home with all his bruz?

How many times was Brayshaw concussed? 8 or so? Maynard's act was dog but it's not wholly his fault that Gus had to retire.

 

[Blackhawk42]

Adding to the gravity of the subject matter was just how different he looked now.

The pure example of the highs and lows of being a professional athlete and how quickly you can lose your 'identity'.

No disrespect to Angus, of course.

 

[BF Tiger]

It was honest, but I found it searching a bit for something that he was having trouble expressing. Overall good, but some awkwardness.

 

[Lavender Bushranger]

I actually found it quite awkward at times.

He seemed nervous, very emotional? It also went on for a long time. Then they had Dan Sultan and the song and they focused on him rather than the video. Then they showed the video but no names, number of games played etc. I knew most of the players but not all. So amateur from the AFL (how surprising!)

Agreed.

It was weird.

I had no idea what the point was to be honest. It was like something between eulogy, a wedding speech and an Oscar's acceptance speech.

I was sitting there the whole time thinking WTF is going on here?

Don't get me wrong, his personal perspective on retirement may have been of interest to some - but it just didn't seem to have a place at an awards night in that weird, sombre delivery.

These guys are retiring from a sport FFS. Celebrate their careers. They're not dead FFS.

It thought it was just borderline bizarre.

 

[Toump Ass]

An absolute legend of the game. Was incredible in the '21 grand final third quarter. His mark and goal when we were wrestling the momentum back from the Dogs is the stuff of legend.

Love you Gus!

 

[HirdsTheWord]

It probably was awkward because he touched on some realities of the real word which a lot of AFL player's face when they leave the AFL system.

It's not all bells and whistles in an ideal world unfortunately. But not just that it was probably awkward because he alluded to some players returning due to medical issues (concussion etc) which is a reality and a sad one too.

It puts things into perspective really. People want to carry on about the Brownlow medal etc etc....yet Brayshaw's speech touches about real life issues.....the real world. It just shows that a lot of people are far too focused on the AFL bubble.

well put

the AFL for all purposes is a massive safety blanket. Blokes are literally paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to kick a ball around and hang out with mates. Every part of your professional life is managed for you, and most enter it straight after school.

Leaving that system would be a shell shock to anyone. The real world is relentless, and if you aren't prepared for it, it would be a big-time change.

Thought it was a good speech.