It was good to hear such a coherent perspective for a change - the disconnect between the playing group and the supporters was particularly to the point.
Our move out of Fremantle may/may not lead to a similar set of symptoms - I'm not sure. Yes/No/Maybe/Maybe Not. But how refreshing was it to read such an open and honest reflection by a former club champion like that. I've almost given up on the 'straight guff' after a steady diet of corporate evasion.
I always thought that our rebranding nightmare would've prompted a similar reflection from our past players. I lost about 80% of my footy buddies from that, yet it has never really been reflected on by those that were in the club at the time. The sacking of Harvey, the carefully managed AGMs, the fan activation blunders all stem from that turbulent time. Yet no one even refers to it - as if it never happened.
I've got to admit putting down Pav's book when it was swiftly passed by in his commentary - to date I've never resumed reading. The text became as carefully managed as anything coming out of Central Control, in a sense pointless. Sad, but it wasn't credible anymore ( not to this supporter).
St. Nick's reflections establish a new bar for credibility, good on him. Footy supporters aren't like a disposable microwave oven - you can't just plunk them on the verge when you're done with it. Club allegiance is an intergenerational tradition that needs to be fostered with honesty and trust. It may be possible to regenerate that, it may not be - at least the Deaf Cheats are giving it a go.
