What They're Saying - The Bulldogs Media Thread - Part 3

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Could be worse. Norf supporters are pissed off JB didn’t talk about a fourth quarter handball one of their players had.
 

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BRWB said:
Ironically there appears a piece trying to get Scott a job right under an article saying how sh*t is Norf. Scott, the bloke that list managed Norf into their current sh*t show. Hilarious.
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That was my big takeaway, why would anyone want Brad Scott as a bloody coach ???
 
Hamish McLachlan: Western Bulldogs Lin Jong on depression and being a trailblazer for Asian footballers
Western Bulldogs trailblazer Lin Jong has overcome racism and depression. He tells Hamish McLachlan why he thinks a revolution on race has begun.

Hamish McLachlan

12 min read
April 3, 2021 - 2:30PM
Sunday Herald Sun


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Western Bulldogs star Tom Boyd opens up about his mental health battles on Last Time I Cried with host Hamish McLachlan. Source: AFL.com.au


Lin Jong was a rookie drafted to the Western Bulldogs after only having recently found the game.
Since he has played in finals for the Bulldogs, won Footscray premierships in the VFL and has always been keen to pave a way for Asian footballers.
He talked about his father fleeing civil war and starting off in Australia with very little, taking a chance on football, battling depression and dealing with racism.
HM: Lin, tell us what you know about your father, and how he and your mother met?
LJ: There’s still a bit I don’t know about my old man. I’ve never had a proper sit down and chat about it. I’ve learnt a lot along the way about his life in East Timor, moving from the civil war, and travelling across the globe to work, trying to earn enough to get by, and find a place he could call home.
HM: He fled the civil war as a teenager — just 18 years old — where did he go first?
LJ: He went to Japan first, where he then worked and studied. With no language to assist.
It would have been pretty daunting. Then he went to Macau, and then Hong Kong, and eventually he met mum in Taiwan, at a party there.
[PLAYERCARD]Lin Jong[/PLAYERCARD] after winning the VFL Grand Final between the Casey Scorpions and the Footscray Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on September 25. Picture: Michael Dodge/AFL Media/Getty Images.

Lin Jong after winning the VFL Grand Final between the Casey Scorpions and the Footscray Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on September 25. Picture: Michael Dodge/AFL Media/Getty Images.
HM: What did he do in terms of work?
LJ: Work wise, he was waiting in restaurants, anything he could get. He had no language, no money, and in reality, nothing more than hope that he could make it all work.
HM: He met Faye in Taiwan, they got married, and they came to Australia in ’85.
Is that because his siblings had come to Australia?
LJ: That played a big part. The decision to go to Melbourne was to start afresh — not with his family again. They picked Melbourne and went there with my older sister.
Mum and Dad first came to the Footscray commission housing, and then moved to the housing in Richmond. That was the start for them, and for me, it was all I knew.
I never really new of mum and dad’s journey and hardships. I was just lucky to be born here and grew up like any normal Australian kid.
HM: You turned your attention to sport early. You were a state basketballer before you contemplated footy?
LJ: I played basketball at 12, and to be honest footy was never on my mind. I didn’t have any interest in footy until my mates told me I should come and play at the local club. I just joined for a bit of fun but never thought it would lead to anything.
HM: You took to it quickly. You played your first competitive match at 15, and were drafted three years later.
LJ: That’s right. When I started playing for the Oakleigh Chargers is when I decided to give up the basketball. That wasn’t because I thought I was going to make it in footy, I just thought it was a bit too much to deal with — especially with VCE. Everything just fell into place at the right time. Playing TAC Cup, I never had any intention to play AFL. It wasn’t until the TAC finals series when it started to become a possibility.
[PLAYERCARD]Lin Jong[/PLAYERCARD] when he played with the Oakleigh Chargers.

Lin Jong when he played with the Oakleigh Chargers.
HM: I’m told you were apprehensive telling your parents that you wanted to play footy
LJ: I was, and apprehensive to start playing footy myself!
HM: Why?
LJ: In reality it was because of the barrier that I’d formed in my own head — that Asian kids don’t play footy! I thought it was pointless for me to start playing. Telling Dad wasn’t too hard, because he’s always enjoyed sport, it’s the bond that brings us together. But Mum … well, she’d have much preferred if I didn’t play! Dad and I, in the end, had the last say.
HM: Does Faye like you playing now?
LJ: She didn’t watch a single game when I was in juniors, but she jumped on the bandwagon once I got drafted. She is such a huge Bulldogs fan now. It’s really nice. It’s brought the family a lot closer together. Mum goes when I’m not even playing.
HM: It’s what football does. There’s a lot of stories of football bringing an individual out of their shell, a family together, or having a united interest.
LJ: It’s brought my family so much closer together. I was apprehensive to start playing, and now I’m into my tenth year. I don’t know what I’d do without it!
HM: Drafted in 2012 in the rookie draft. You don’t often get a call from a Prime Minister when you get drafted.
LJ: I did. I wasn’t great on my Timorese history, so I didn’t actually know who Xanana Gusmao was! Once dad told me about him, I realised how big of a deal it was.
Dad still has the letter from him.
An injured [PLAYERCARD]Lin Jong[/PLAYERCARD] comes off in the first quarter. Picture: George Salpigtidis.

An injured Lin Jong comes off in the first quarter. Picture: George Salpigtidis.
[PLAYERCARD]Lin Jong[/PLAYERCARD] in 2015. Picture: Michael Klein.

Lin Jong in 2015. Picture: Michael Klein.
HM: When you debuted, I remember you saying in the papers, “I want to be a trail blazer for Asian kids”.
LJ: I still do. I don’t want Asian kids to feel like I did. Because when you look at me, you think “Yep, he’s Asian”. So I thought I could be able to make a difference for those who felt marginalised or in a minority group. I’m the first Timorese and Taiwanese player — a rare mix in the first place — but clearly look Asian, and that’s what brought more attention to that rookie draft than anything else, my look.
HM: Has it been an overall positive or negative?
LJ: When I started as a junior, I wanted to be like everyone else. I didn’t want to stand out for how I looked. But the older I’ve become, the more I’ve learned to be proud of my background and not to shy away from it. When everyone was asking whether I wanted to be a trailblazer, I was just trying to find my feet. I didn’t know what that really meant in the overall scheme of things. Now it’s something I really embrace, and I’ve found out how good it is to be different.
HM: How many of your clan were at your debut versus the Tigers?
LJ: Mum and Dad actually missed my first game, because they were in New Zealand. They gave me no chance at all of playing, but I had a close network of about 30 there.
HM: You go from a debut versus the Tigers and skip along nicely. In 2016, your off to the west in an elimination final. I assume, at that point, you’re feeling like life’s pretty good, and a fairytale might be around the corner?
LJ: It was a bit like that. From the debut through to playing in a final, it was pretty surreal. I’d come a long way from starting footy at fifteen. I really thought we were going to have a big finals series.
[PLAYERCARD]Lin Jong[/PLAYERCARD] has copped a number of injuries. Picture: AAP Image/Tony McDonough.

Lin Jong has copped a number of injuries. Picture: AAP Image/Tony McDonough.
HM: You were injured against the Eagles in that win, you missed the AFL Grand Final win and the body has let you down a lot since.
LJ: It’s been a tough battle since then. At times I’ve felt a bit sorry for myself – why me?
With injuries comes the mental battles, trying to regain form, and a lot of self-doubt creeps in. Injuries manifested into a lot of other things.
HM: On the mental battle, you took time out of the game in 2019 to focus on your mental health. How long do you think you’d been battling with mental health before you were diagnosed?
LJ: It had been a while — maybe since 2015. I didn’t really know or understand my own emotions. Like many, I just wasn’t educated in that space. I had this mindset that if anything bad happened, “it could always be worse”. I always thought like that. I never took into account my real feelings, and assumed that it was OK to feel shit.
HM: You avoided addressing the issue?
LJ: Exactly. It hurts me to say that I used to think like that, but because I didn’t address the issue, or address how I was feeling, pressure just kept building up, and up, and up, until it got to a point where it was serious. I needed help.
HM: In what ways would it manifest itself with you?
LJ: It’s a tough one to explain. Even when I was training at the club, I would finish training, get a wave of sadness, and go to Brent Prismall’s office and just break down and cry.
There are these racing thoughts, and you’re your own worst enemy at times. There’s a lack of sleep, because there are so many things going on in your head. It manifests into many other things.
[PLAYERCARD]Lin Jong[/PLAYERCARD] during the First VFL Semi Final match between Footscray and Port Melbourne in 2019. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge.

Lin Jong during the First VFL Semi Final match between Footscray and Port Melbourne in 2019. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge.
HM: Once you’re diagnosed, are you able to manage it all better?
LJ: It’s hard to hear from someone that you have depression, but the way I look at it is, it’s now a part of my identity. I’m male, I’m a footballer, I’m Asian, I am right footed, I have depression. None are more unusual than the other for me now. When I realised I didn’t have to hide away from that, and I didn’t have to be ashamed about what people would think, it all got a hell of a lot easier.
HM: That was one of the great things that came out of the weekend, and the tragedy of Spud. His legacy will be, hopefully, having people realise that not only is talking important, it’s imperative.
LJ: Agreed. Once I was open about it, and I started talking about it, that made a world of difference for me. Not just to a psychiatrist, or a psychologist, but to people who you are close with that understand your mind on a personal level.
HM: Teammates, sisters, coaches.
LJ: There’s nothing as cathartic or cleansing as talking to a friend, or someone you trust.
HM: Day to day now – how do you feel about talking to guys like me, or talking publicly? Is it now second nature?
LJ: I talk about these things in the hope that other people will too. There’s no shame in talking about it. Sometimes I get a bit upset thinking about those really dark times, but generally I feel better after speaking about it, and seeing where I am now.
HM: When you go back to the darkest of times – where are you?
LJ: To high levels of fear and anxiety. I was with my partner back then, and sometimes we’d just be lying in bed, and I’d break down sporadically, for no reason. There were suicidal thoughts, and I just didn’t see there was a finish line I wanted to run to. I didn’t see how things could possibly get better, because I had been battling for so long.
HM: When you say things couldn’t get better – the mental health, the injuries?
LJ: Just me. Becoming happy, becoming content.
HM: There was no catalyst was there Lin?
LJ: There was never one moment that clicked that made me feel flat or depressed — it was just an ongoing battle that felt like a lifetime.
\Western Bulldogs' [PLAYERCARD]Jackson Macrae[/PLAYERCARD] and [PLAYERCARD]Lin Jong[/PLAYERCARD] at the 2016 Grand Final Parade. Picture: Alex Coppel.

\Western Bulldogs' Jackson Macrae and Lin Jong at the 2016 Grand Final Parade. Picture: Alex Coppel.
HM: When you’re sitting there having suicidal thoughts, how do you avoid doing anything silly?
LJ: We aren’t together anymore, but back then I leaned on my partner a lot. That was the biggest thing for me. It’s a lot tougher when you don’t have someone with you, so I really feel for people who are alone in that situation. I’d be calling my friends and, teammates, a lot, just to be able to talk to someone. At all hours of the night. I was so fortunate that I had that support network with me. Looking back, I’m very grateful for my friends and family.
HM: Racism and trolls on social media I would assume are stimulants for down days – how do you minimise the effects of things like those?
LJ: There’s a lot of good that comes with social media, and I try to use that as a platform to talk about mental illness, and my own journey, in the hope that it helps other people in the long run. But it is an ugly place at times and comes some horrible negativity and acidity – it’s gives people a voice to talk down on you. They can say whatever they want …
HM: I’m very thin skinned. I got off it in 2010. I was being unbelievably affected. I assume people who are susceptible to low thoughts get rocked by people who in less than 140 characters, can really turn your life upside down.
LJ: It’s hard to comprehend. I know people send a message and it may not mean anything to them …
HM: They forget about it two minutes later, but it’s with you for life.
LJ: … exactly, some things have stuck with me. I know people say, just ignore it, but it’s not that simple.
HM: I’m with you. I can’t pretend that I didn’t see it.
LJ: When I was in the hub, someone made a racist account about me. All these thoughts came rushing back to me, and it’s just like, “What have I done to deserve this? Why are they doing this to me?” I was thinking so poorly of myself. Little words and messages, they can manifest into big things that people don’t even take into account. There are days where I wish I didn’t have any social media.
HM: Are you still on it now?
LJ: I’m still on it. I feel the good has outweighed the bad, so I have stayed on it. The messages of support, and people who are curious about how I got through things allow me to help people, so I stay on. Some days I wonder why, but mostly it is OK. It’s been a good platform to help people.
HM: Have we progressed as a society with racism, or are we still so far from where we need to be that it’s a disgrace?
LJ: Ummmm … I’ll be careful here. Let me say … I feel we are at the start of a revolution. The new generation, are trying to make a difference. People are speaking out about it more freely now, which might lead to powerful change.
I don’t want to be pessimistic, but I feel we are still closer to the start of the issue than the end. It will get a lot better, but feel it is years down the track. But we are at the start line …
HM: … of a marathon.
LJ: I think so. But at least we are approaching the start line. I don’t even think people knew it was a journey we needed to address. Now people are aware that it is. With everything that’s happened with the Black Lives Matter movement, and all these things, we are at the start. People might think we have come a long way, but there’s still a really long way to go.
[PLAYERCARD]Lin Jong[/PLAYERCARD] during a training session at Whitten Oval this week. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images.

Lin Jong during a training session at Whitten Oval this week. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images.
HM: What’s the most exhausting part being of Asian heritage in 2021 living in Melbourne?
LJ: The whole coronavirus thing has been tricky and pretty tiring. People saw this correlation between Asian people living in Melbourne, and coronavirus. I got a few messages here and there suggesting that I started it.
HM: Did you?
LJ: (laughs) I don’t think so … Melbourne is a progressive city compared to others.
It was a bit uncomfortable, and I don’t want to speak for all Asians, but it was a time of discomfort. All in all though, it’s pretty fine living in Melbourne.
HM: How far away from playing in the 1s now?
LJ: Hopefully sooner rather than later. I’m finding form again and getting that fitness back.
I was behind the Eight ball in the off season, and right through pre-season, so I’m still regaining that fitness. With where the game is now, you have to be really fit to play with the interchange cap, and the new rules. Hopefully once I prove my fitness is back up and going, I’ll be playing.
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HM: Is there any reason why the Dogs can’t win the whole thing this year?
LJ: I don’t think so. We’ve addressed how the finals have ended up in the last couple of years, going down in the elimination finals. The way the boy’s gel, and how much we get along and want to play for each other, is something really different this time around. Why not again?
Click to expand...
 
Bulldog rick said:
Good article on lin. Hope he has a great year and gets an opportunity to play in the firsts again. Doing great with footscray at the moment.
Click to expand...
To me Jong is ahead of Scott, McNeil and even Lipinski. Not as skilled, but alot more gutsy and determined. Very unlucky with injuries also.
 
perro_loco said:
To me Jong is ahead of Scott, McNeil and even Lipinski. Not as skilled, but alot more
gutsy and determined. Very unlucky with injuries also.
Click to expand...

As you may have noticed I’ve never been huge on Jong.

Unfortunately in the style we are playing delivery by hand is paramount and that is close to Jongs biggest issue.

Scotts lack of handball skills in a chain stand out so badly in this team and I think Jong would be the same. His one meter handballs at 112992 miles an hour won’t work in this team

Although I do agree he is a good option as injury sub as he can fill several roles to an ok standard if needed
 
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West and cavarra should be in the team, but I wouldn't take out McNeil yet feel him playing is doing him the world of good and he has killer instinct which helps when the game is on the line
 

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BIG_BONTS said:
In that Jong article, HM mentions Spud... I thought Spud died in a car crash and it was unrelated to mental health... was it a suicide? 😕
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You're mistaken. I believe when the newspapers and media give out the lifeline number it's them saying it was suicide without them being allowed to say it. Also when they describe car crashes into trees with no skidmarks, suggesting the driver did not brake, that's another subtle way to say it.
 
perro_loco said:
To me Jong is ahead of Scott, McNeil and even Lipinski. Not as skilled, but alot more gutsy and determined. Very unlucky with injuries also.
Click to expand...

I like him too , but our team has improved around him over the last couple of years, and I cant see him breaking back into the side unless we become decimated by injuries.
 
stefoid said:
I like him too , but our team has improved around him over the last couple of years, and I cant see him breaking back into the side unless we become decimated by injuries.
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I think Lins best role in our team could be that defensive sweepery role that Scott currently holds. Jong is more imposing physically, harder tackler. Could see him there.
 
conrad_437 said:
Having a dig would be a strong term...

Sounded to me that they thought it was interesting that Bevo was talking about North after being asked a question about the dogs players.
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I love how Bevo messes with people's minds....Barrett just doesn't understand it :tearsofjoy:
 
I believe Lin Jong is equal to Libba as the most fearless player at the dogs. Unfortunately his bravely and bad luck have resulted in a lot of injuries. His downside is his decision making and disposal.
 
BIG_BONTS said:
In that Jong article, HM mentions Spud... I thought Spud died in a car crash and it was unrelated to mental health... was it a suicide? 😕
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic, but did you not anything last week about Spuds game and the reason behind it.
 

The surprising statistic that highlights how important Tom Liberatore is

"Now that surprised me, but that just shows the importance of this guy in this group."
www.sen.com.au www.sen.com.au

THE SURPRISING STATISTIC THAT HIGHLIGHTS HOW IMPORTANT TOM LIBERATORE IS

The Western Bulldogs midfield was already stacked before the addition of Adam Treloar, but it has gone to a new level in 2021.

Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, Treloar, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Hunter and Bailey Smith receive a lot of plaudits for their work, and rightly so.

The somewhat unheralded member of the squad is Tom Liberatore, who is quietly averaging 26 disposals, nine clearances and eight score involvements so far this season.

David King has revealed that after three weeks of the season, Liberatore is actually ranked second in the competition for generating scores.

“I had a look at some random numbers. Guys that generate scores. There’s always a player that starts the chain,” King told SEN Breakfast.

“Usually it’s ruckmen because scores from stoppages are 30 per cent of scoring.

“So Nic Naitanui is clearly number one and most of that is at centre bounces logically.

“The player ranked second is Tom Liberatore. Now that surprised me, but that just shows the importance of this guy in this group.

“They don’t need Treloar to come in and win contested possessions because you don’t want to be butting heads with your teammates.

“I think the complimentary role they’ve got with this midfield is allowing Marcus Bontempelli to get forward of the ball, it’s allowing Jack Macrae to get forward of the ball and Treloar with his breakaway speed, it’s going to be hard to clamp.”

Stay up to date with all the latest news from SEN. Sign up HERE.

King was also full of praise for Treloar and how he has changed the shape of this Bulldogs midfield on the outside.

“They added Adam Treloar in and Treloar isn’t winning contested possessions, he’s not. He’s the first receiver at breakneck speed and his kicking is a lot better given he’s been told he’s a good player … he’s living a different version of himself right now,” the former Kangaroo said.

“What he’s done to this midfield is just unbelievable.

“They’re stacked in the midfield, we all know that, but the contested possession numbers are just crazy numbers. Back to 2016.

“Don’t undersell how tough they are (either).”

The Dogs obliterated North Melbourne by 128 points in Round 3 and now face a much tougher task up against Brisbane at Mars Stadium.
 
Reading this clashes with others ideas that the pure inside mid role like Cripp etc is a thing of the past.
 
Mattdougie said:
As you may have noticed I’ve never been huge on Jong.

Unfortunately in the style we are playing delivery by hand is paramount and that is close to Jongs biggest issue.

Scotts lack of handball skills in a chain stand out so badly in this team and I think Jong would be the same. His one meter handballs at 112992 miles an hour won’t work in this team

Although I do agree he is a good option as injury sub as he can fill several roles to an ok standard if needed
Click to expand...
True a major weakness of Jong's is giving those handballs to players that really puts them under huge pressure. Hope he has learnt it at this level. It is a long season and our long list of mids will be helpful. wonder who comes in for Gardner this week. someone tall is very important.
 
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