What Jobe Watson should tell the AFL Commission in his submission

The AFL Commission has asked Jobe Watson to submit reasons why he should keep his 2012 Brownlow Medal.

 

The following is an unofficial response to this request.

 

 

Dear Mike and the other big brass of the AFL commish.

 

Thanks for the opportunity to plead my case. I don’t know why people are getting the impression I have to come to you on my hands and knees pleading, or begging you to keep Chas. As you all know 2012 was a bitch of a year, my annus horribilis. The year a dank cloud settled over bomberland.

 

This last year, out of footy has been pretty tough living as a Barista in New York, enjoying the foot loose and fancy free lifestyle, with access to real coffee in the World’s greatest City. No press hounding me. No MCG granted, but I managed to watch Yankees play ball at Yankee Stadium and had a blast with the NBA, my god you would not believe what amazing sport I have managed to watch in my “sabbatical”. What a year, what a life!

 

But I digress. A special shout out should go to Gil, nice move avoiding this one buddy, you are right; you shouldn’t have to make this awful decision.

 

So why should I keep the Brownlow Medal? I don’t really know. I see no reason why such a big fuss is made over such a small object. Do I really want it?

 

Mike, as a former footballer you know it’s a team game. Personal accolades don’t mean much, and the Brownlow is just a great member’s medallion giving me access to future Brownlow nights, a bit like Dad’s club pass to Metro nightclub or Chasers with a free drink card.

 

Your umps voted me the winner. I can’t change that and pretty sure your rules can’t either. I admitted that I was given something and at the time believed it to be above board.

 

I took what I was told to take, yep, should have grilled my coach, doctor and everyone else there as to exactly what it was I was taking. Ignorance is no excuse they say. I am a team player and I led by example. It was a big sacrifice.

 

So, to brass tacks.

 

I understand you have discretionary powers under the Brownlow Act, regulation 21 of the AFL Regulations that I am not eligible for Honours, including dear old Chas, if found guilty of the AFL Anti-doping code. Not sure but I thought you guys thought I was OK, it was the pesky WADA and ASADA dudes that pursued the penalties. Not sure where you guys sit with that!

 

Remember, your anti-doping tribunal ruled unanimously that banned substance thymosin beta-4 was not proven to have been administered.

 

Anyway, seriously I am not fussed. If you want to take it off me, that’s OK. It adds enormous value to my claim for damages, the bean counters at Essendon would be trembling, maybe added another million. Who knows, they may tap you on the shoulder and ask for some assistance?

 

Chas is a medal, an object not of desire but reward. It matters not if I keep the object in my sock drawer or around my neck. The sentiment has passed. I had a good night, partied hard, didn’t get much sleep, it doesn’t define me or my career.

 

I love the game, I love playing with my mates and I am living a great life with or without the Brownlow.

 

I know who I am and what I stand for.

 

I have no sway in your decision, I can’t offer contrition.

 

Not sure why I should have to plead my case, you already know what you are going to do, just going through the motions perhaps.

 

Your decision will be one of symbolism, of what you want to portray to the public, even though most have already made up their mind.

 

I will wake up content with my life; I play the game hard and fair and expect the same from others.

 

 

Jobe (DaveP)

 

And hey, in case you were wondering, this is not the real Jobe Watson, it’s a writer employing a device to make a point about Jobe Watson – Ed

About David Parker

A keen observer of all things sport and a Swans tragic, David likes to dabble in sporting documentaries including the Max Bailey doco for Fox Footy. David is currently filming a documentary on the Australian Cycling Men's Team Pursuit squad as they prepare for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Comments

  1. You almost convinced me

  2. Dave Brown says

    A point well made. Jobe should no more have to make a case to the AFL Commission than should Mitchell and Cotchin. Incredible (literally) that the Commission has waited until after the end of the final appeal to start thinking about it. Of course, that’s not the case, they just want to avoid taking responsibility for the decision. Sad.

  3. Daijobe!!

    It’s a Japanese word meaning you are okay or no worries. From your letter, I think you (Jobe) can keep the Brownlow medal.

    You have missed a year playing footy and ended up making coffee in New York. It’s enough for your punishment.

    On the other hand, your overseas experience have brought you different values and points of views. Then you have got motivated more on playing footy, I am sure.

    You will show your great efforts in the footy field and we will see the Bombers fly up up, but sorry except when playing the mighty Saints.

    All the best mate

    Yoshi

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