Behind the scene heroes

[qldmagpie67]

A few years ago JDG was in a world of hurt
He had stumbled from 1 self inflicted issue to another
He was erratic in his training, game play and behaviour
There was many who wanted to cut our losses and let him go. It was a fair assumption in many ways.
Nothing we seemed to do internally was making a difference
At the time here on nicks there where pages and pages of opinions some good some bad some just not knowing what was best
But what many didn’t know but was mentioned in those pages was the clue to what was really happening
JDG had reached his rock bottom. He didn’t know if he had a career ahead, he didn’t know if he was wanted by the club any longer, he didn’t know if he had reached the final straw with his team mates
Was all trust gone ? How could he help himself as well as help the team.
Enter Maynard and Pendles
Pendles had him around to his house weekly for dinner and a dose of realism
He had him there not out of pity or to keep an eye on him but more so to show him what stability off the field looked like.
JDG for his part started interacting with Pendles kids and felt gee if the captain wants me at his house and around his kids then he must see something in me I don’t.
On other nights he spent time with Maynard.
Bruzzy didn’t hold his hand or give him cuddles but was talking to him straight down the line but also and likely more importantly was giving him a new outlet for his time away from football
They did extra training together they ate together they hang out together they became extremely close.
Bruzzy was supportive but real and always hammered away that his future was in his hands no one else’s.
These 2 hero’s weren’t instructed by the club to do so. They weren’t doing it to act like his keeper they did it because they truly cared about a young man and team mate who was juggling the life of a footballer with high expectations on himself and trying to be like his mates who didn’t play elite sport.
He has a decision to make.
He off his own back started seeing a therapist and working through his issues.
He started spending less times with his old mates and more time with team mates and there families
Now we see a player at the peak of his power
His a match winner
He’s smiling and accepting of outside expectations but not letting those overpower his thoughts
If you see dressing room scenes after most marches you’ll see him interacting with team mates kids, sitting on the ground with them playing like a kid would with his uncle
He’s found his happy place
What’s more he found his own feeling of self worth
We all know there’s much more to be written in his career and the blank pages are going to be exciting
After the GF (ice watched the replay countless times) he looked a young man content in his own skin and free of external pressure
Most of all he looked happy, contented and felt loved by those around him most

[masoncox]

I always enjoy reading Qldmagpie 67 posts.
He was great when discussing Beams.
He has great insight into different aspects of the club and its players.
I remember numerous posters wanting JDG head.
Not me.
A graders are gold.
JDG is an A grader so thankyou to Pendles and Maynard for going the extra mile.

[Uncle Jack]

^ so well written. Great contribution.

[Harrysz]

great post Qld.

[BazBoy]

[the fuzz]

We don't win that Flag with Jordan. We don't win that Flag without Jordan in a good space. Big congrats to him and everyone around him that helped him become the player we hoped he would.
Great post QLD

[LaurieHolden]

Nice sentiments QM67.
Pendles legacy has become generational.

[What'sinaname]

The maturity of the PF was evident. He could have cracked the shits when on the bench. Instead, he laughed and smiled and his joy when the siren went was evidence of his love for what he is doing and where he is doing it.

[stui magpie]

Nice post QM67