League the winner in Folau's AFL exit

Quentin Hull

Updated November 01, 2012 18:27:11

A red-letter day for one code is a red-faced day for another.

'The war' continues to rage but Israel Folau has symbolised an almighty battle within it and today rugby league is dancing on the AFL's battered millions.

The west cannot be bought - the heart and soul of Sydney's working class has repelled the cashed-up invaders from the south.

There were always two stories accompanying Folau's switch of codes and inevitably the journey of an athlete is lost in the cacophony of inter-code combat.

A young man's decision to leave everything he knows to try something new must be applauded. It is also very brave to admit very publicly that it didn't work out.

Australians who live by the mantra of "having a go" - and that's most of us involved with sport - would be hypocritical to knock that aspect of Folau.

Sure, there was a big chunk of cash to be earned, but it's likely his earnings in the next two years will fail to match what would have earned if he saw his AFL contract through.

Folau's story was always bigger than that.

The majority of Giants jumpers bought by fans have the number four on them and the most of the Sydney media or public wouldn't know who Jonathon Patton is.

So where did the AFL go so wrong with Folau compared to what is going so right with Karmichael Hunt?

Marketing was always a huge part of Hunt's recruitment but his talent was undeniably adaptable.

Having seen the amazing PR machine created by Special K, the AFL tried try and replicate it and the amazing vertical leap of Folau was enough to take a risk.

What will really hurt the AFL is that it had its "pawns" stationed in the wrong battlefields.

Success in Sydney and man down on the Gold Coast would have been a much preferred outcome considering the enormity - both in populous and psyche - of the AFL's task in these two frontiers.

Rugby league has always shown itself to be forgiving to a prodigal son and Folau will be welcomed back with open arms.

As for the AFL it might be best served asking the premiers across town, who have been in residence for 30 years, just how tough it is to make it in Sin City.

Tags: nrl, australian-football-league, rugby-league, sport, australia

First posted November 01, 2012 18:25:02

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Dual Magarey winner Bob Hank dies

Updated June 15, 2012 09:14:27

Dual Magarey medallist Bob Hank has died, aged 88.

The Australian Football Hall of Fame member played 224 games for West Torrens between 1944 and 1958 and won two premierships in that time.

Hank also played for South Australia 29 times and captained the side in seven matches.

Son Barry Hank said his father was remembered as a gentleman.

"Dad has lived a fantastic, full life and has been greatly loved and admired by his family and people from all walks of life for his sporting prowess and his magnetic personality," he said in a statement.

"He will be forever remembered and never forgotten as a champion sportsman in football, cricket and golf and a true gentleman in life."

SANFL executive commissioner Leigh Whicker also paid tribute.

"First and foremost, Bob was a true gentleman. He was also one of the finest footballers South Australia has ever produced," he said.

"He was a passionate advocate of the game and was thoroughly respected by all - teammates and opponents alike.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to Audrey and the Hank family."

Hank is survived by his wife Audrey, four children, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

There is to be a memorial service at Football Park in Adelaide next Thursday.

Tags: sanfl, death, australian-football-league, community-and-society, sa, adelaide-5000

First posted June 14, 2012 11:16:22

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