"Dear Matthew Pavlich,
Stalin once described gratitude as a sickness suffered by dogs. But I'm pretty sure if Uncle Joe were still around he'd be an Eagles supporter. Or a rugby league administrator. Or both. So thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Naturally, your decision to eschew more money and re-sign with Fremantle received underwhelming coverage east of Eucla. Your gracious press conference was, as far as I could tell, ignored by the Melbourne newspapers. Admittedly, there where other stories around. It's a shame because loyalty, character and commitment are rare and worth trumpeting, especially when found in a man-boy who can play back or forward and kick seventy metres. If Essendon's trading of Damien Hardwick last year wasn't the death knell of loyalty in the AFL, Terry Wallace's abandonment of the Bulldogs sounded The Last Post. It's now just another commodity, to be lauded and/or traded when convenient.
Wayne Carey's shift to Adelaide overshadowed your decision not to return home. Carey's is a cautionary tale, Matthew. Although you're not yet in his league as a player, we'd back you not to bugger up life like the King.
Ordinary people can't imagine money being a factor for a kid whose wage is twice the PM's. Still you're not ordinary and, if the mails right, you rejected more than $100,000 a year to move. Your family is large and close and living in Adelaide. Being selected by the Dockers as No. 4 draft pick must have been like winning the lottery, only to lose the ticket. At seventeen, you emerged as a key player in a dud team, a completely unreasonable burden. But you've never shirked a contest. There are no guarantees in life, Matthew, but, had you signed with Port, they'd almost certainly have delivered you a premiership - or vice versa. The Dockers are improving but a flag seems an eon away.
Imagine if we can get there, Matthew. You'll probably be captain and your mates Haselby and Brown will still be playing. Medhurst's bouffant may have settled by then, and hopefully Shane Parker might still be hobbling off a half back flank. As we all know, Shane would have been All-Australian playing anywhere else, but no one signs with Fremantle for glory.
Yet there's something unique about the Dockers, Matthew. We're irreverent and unpredictable, and still a bit prepubescent. Nor are we quite as ruthless as other clubs, which is probably to our detriment. But Chris Connolly is a terrific bloke with a sense of humour and perspective. He can also coach a bit, which makes a nice change.
There will be dark times ahead because Freo are young and still learning. And if Port wins a flag you'll suffer all sorts of doubts, which is natural. But you've done us a great service by following you're heart and not your wallet or family.
There's an eleven-year-old boy in Canberra whose face lit up when he learned 'Pav' was staying put. Multiply that by tens of thousands.
Enjoy the last game and have a terrific break. You deserve it. One more time ... thank you.
Sincerely,
All Fremantle Dockers supporters."
RIP Matt.
