The sacking of Carlton’s Josh Bootsma is a sad story of a missed opportunity, says Collingwood premiership captain Tony Shaw.
The hard-working centreman-turned-equally hard-hitting commentator said he felt sorry not just for the 21-year-old West Australian, who was axed following a series of social media indiscretions, but the hundreds of football hopefuls who missed out in the 2011 draft when the Blues took Bootsma at pick 22.
“I’m disappointed for him, he could have set up his life,” Shaw said.
“It’s not about the money, it’s about living the dream. Think about all the thousands of kids who would have loved to have his spot, the hundreds who missed out during the draft. I feel sorry and angry for him for missing an opportunity.”
On other hot footy topics, Shaw compared Port Adelaide’s pressure to that of Collingwood’s premiership year in 2010, and wouldn’t be surprised if the Power go all the way.
He also wasn’t totally convinced Travis Cloke’s form had turned the corner after a five-goal game against St Kilda last Friday night.
“We need him firing to go all the way,” he said. “I’m not sure he’s turned the corner as St Kilda’s defence isn’t great.
“His comments about losing confidence after dropping an early mark, I don’t know whether I would have kept that to myself, but he’s been the best power forward in the game for years.”
Renowned for a first-class work ethic, Shaw will share thoughts on fitness in St Albans next Wednesday as guest speaker for Brimbank’s Men’s Health Day.
“It [his fitness] was from a young age, one of six kids growing up in a housing commission flat in Reservoir, Mum and Dad never drove,” he said. “We pretty much walked or ran everywhere.”
Brimbank’s Men’s Health Day is on at the Westvale Community Centre, St Albans, from 10am-2pm. More information on 9249 4665 or via email on westvale@brimbank.vic.gov.au
