Libba surprises old teammates

[GVGjr]

Libba surprises old teammates

FORMER Western Bulldogs captain Rick Kennedy yesterday broke an extended silence on club issues to question the motives of Tony Liberatore's public outburst.

Kennedy, a former club director and teammate of Liberatore, said the criticism of chief executive Campbell Rose and the Dogs board should have been kept in-house.

"When I heard about the comments, my first question was whose interest is this in?" Kennedy said. "If it's in the club's interest, why are we doing it publicly?

"He is a great bloke. I'm surprised by it. It should be said behind closed doors. Pick up the phone and say to David Smorgon (president), I'll shout you a cup of coffee."

In a massive vote of confidence in the club's hierarchy, Kennedy declared: "I believe Campbell Rose is one of the best things to happen to the club in 50 years."

Kennedy entered the debate as another former teammate, the legendary Doug Hawkins, urged the club's fans to give Liberatore a fair go.

Hawkins yesterday said there were no winners in the public spat between Liberatore and the Dogs, but was adamant his former teammate had a right to an opinion.

"I just hope all the supporters don't bag Libba. Give him a fair go," Hawkins said.

"It's his opinion and it's fine. If you have a crack, it's like you're rocking the world. You've only got an opinion.

"Your own supporters can start potting you and these were the ones that loved you when you played.

"He's just really concerned about the footy club because he loves it. He's voiced his opinions in the media and that's his decision."

Hawkins said it would be a shame if Liberatore was banished from the club and offered to be the peacemaker.

"Maybe I could be the

go-between. If the club needed me to get involved I'm happy to try and help."

Hawkins spoke to Liberatore yesterday and said the champion rover was attacking the club's football resources rather than the progress off the ground.

"The footy club and the board are working their backsides off. Off the ground, the footy club is in very good shape and no one is questioning that, including Libba."

After Liberatore on Thursday unleashed a savage attack on Rose, president David Smorgon said the 1990 Brownlow Medallist would not be welcome at Whitten Oval until he apologised to Rose, the football club and members.

Liberatore said Rose was more concerned with finances than winning games, pointing to a lack of resources in the football department.

Liberatore has been overlooked for assistant coaching jobs in recent years.

If Hawkins had his way, Liberatore would be at the club in a support role.

"I love Libba to death and I love the footy club. There would be nothing better than seeing one of our favourite sons back there," Hawkins said. "I am a mate of his, but I think his credentials do stack up. I think he's up to it, but the club has a right to make a decision. They need to pick and choose what they want."

Kennedy said the development at Whitten Oval and planned entertainment facility at Edgewater were like dreams come true.

"People talk about the Lexus Centre but the development at Whitten Oval will be a triumph over that. Lexus is great, but it is the past."

[Dogs 24/7]

There is possible a few sides to this story.

I often hear that the players from the early nineties expect a free ride from the club
I also hear that because of the cut backs implemented by Rose there is more than a few noses out of joint.

I wont say a bad word about Libba but I think he was wrong to talk about the club in the manner he did. Like any family argument this can be sorted out if everyone is willing to get together and discuss things. There is nothing worse when someone wont tell you what the problem is so the issue remains unresolved.
Tony, arrange a meeting with David and/or Campbell and discuss this like a man.

[bornadog]

I wrote to Cam Rose to tell him I support him as a dogs fan in the role of CEO. Received this message back.

Dear Michael,

Thank you for your support – it is greatly appreciated.
As a team we must ensure that our club is united and Tony’s approach has been disappointing.
Let’s all stick together and make the Red, White and Blue stronger than it already is.

Kind Regards
Cam Rose


I urge all supporters to stick with the club and not to air things in public, it doesn't help anyone.

[The Coon Dog]

I wrote to Cam Rose to tell him I support him as a dogs fan in the role of CEO. Received this message back.

Dear Michael,

Thank you for your support – it is greatly appreciated.
As a team we must ensure that our club is united and Tony’s approach has been disappointing.
Let’s all stick together and make the Red, White and Blue stronger than it already is.

Kind Regards
Cam Rose


I urge all supporters to stick with the club and not to air things in public, it doesn't help anyone.

Ditto,

Got a similar response from Cam.

[BulldogBelle]

I often hear that the players from the early nineties expect a free ride from the club.

Yes, that is accurate - a few names that I know of would surprise a few people, they feel the club should provide them with access to every event that is organized by the club.

[southerncross]

For what it's worth I don't think we should be hopping into Libba. I don't for one second condone his comments but he has his reasons and the should be heard by Smorgon and Rose. He's better than providing the media the opportunity to cast aspersions on the club.
Dougie is right to point that out to everyone

[LostDoggy]

There is possible a few sides to this story.

I often hear that the players from the early nineties expect a free ride from the club
I also hear that because of the cut backs implemented by Rose there is more than a few noses out of joint.

I wont say a bad word about Libba but I think he was wrong to talk about the club in the manner he did. Like any family argument this can be sorted out if everyone is willing to get together and discuss things. There is nothing worse when someone wont tell you what the problem is so the issue remains unresolved.
Tony, arrange a meeting with David and/or Campbell and discuss this like a man.

Yes, they all just need to have a good discussion. I think Libba is in the wrong but loading the gun with the media won't resolve anything. I think at times its easier to to get all shirty than it is to get things sorted out like men.

[Sockeye Salmon]

For what it's worth I don't think we should be hopping into Libba. I don't for one second condone his comments but he has his reasons and the should be heard by Smorgon and Rose. He's better than providing the media the opportunity to cast aspersions on the club.
Dougie is right to point that out to everyone

Absolutely we should be ripping into him.

I don't give a rats arse if his reason were as pure as the driven snow, radio is not the place to do it.


PS. I seriously doubt that his reasons were anything other than spite and he does not have the best interests of the club at heart. This is about the 4th time he has opened his mouth to the detriment of the club.

[The Coon Dog]

Absolutely we should be ripping into him.

I don't give a rats arse if his reason were as pure as the driven snow, radio is not the place to do it.


PS. I seriously doubt that his reasons were anything other than spite and he does not have the best interests of the club at heart. This is about the 4th time he has opened his mouth to the detriment of the club.

Gotta agree with SS (was nearly going to type in scooter).

He's burnt his bridges as far as I'm concerned.

[Dogs 24/7]

Absolutely we should be ripping into him.

I don't give a rats arse if his reason were as pure as the driven snow, radio is not the place to do it.


PS. I seriously doubt that his reasons were anything other than spite and he does not have the best interests of the club at heart. This is about the 4th time he has opened his mouth to the detriment of the club.

He's a family member as far as I am concerned and I won't dismiss him for making an error.

To do so would be Richmondesque

[MrMahatma]

At the end of the day, Libba spoke up and the end result is:

1. People now think Libba is a bit of a sook cause he is only saying these things because he didn't get coaching roles
2. He's done himself no favors in being welcomed back at the club, or considered for other roles.
3. His view will pretty much be discounted in the future, as his comments about Rose seem way off the mark.
4. The club looks good because it's really just a chance to again sell the redevelopment and edgewater. Any publicity is good publicity right?

No need to bag Libba - he's made a big mistake IMO, and it should be left at that. Libba is a competitive guy, and his coaching career isn't going as he'd have liked. I wish him the best, but I think he's going the wrong way about helping himself or the club.