Growing up in Wollert, I’m lucky I didn’t experience bullying. Dad would always tell me to surround myself with good people. He’d tell me that bullies were often just jealous and to ignore people if they were teasing or bullying.
When I meet young kids who have had a tough time with bullies, I try to tell them something similar. And, to people who witness bullying, I ask them not to stand by and watch it happen. We should try to help if we see people in trouble.
Bullying doesn’t just happen in the schoolyard – there are terrible stories of online bullying that we need to be aware of, too. It’s also important for us, as representatives of Richmond and the AFL, to be good role models for kids.
Our charity partner, The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, focuses on protecting children from violence and reducing bullying. The foundation’s website, amf.org.au, has great resources for parents, teachers, children and young people to deal with bullying and cyberbullying.
Although I’m ready for a break from footy, I’m already looking forward to the 2013 season. We have some big goals to achieve and are determined to do everything we can to reach them.
It’s been a big year for me and the Richmond Football Club, with plenty of highs and lows, which are quite normal when you play in the AFL.
We’re on our off-season break now, but I haven’t had a lot of time to relax just yet, with plenty of footy functions and events to attend.
I’ve attended the Jack Dyer Medal, which is Richmond’s best and fairest function, the All-Australian dinner and, most recently, the Brownlow Medal.
The Jack Dyer Medal is always a great night to unwind with all of my teammates, coaches and many of our supporters.
I was fortunate enough to be awarded my second Jack Dyer Medal, which is a real honour. It gives me great motivation to train hard in the pre-season so I can make my best possible contribution to our team’s performance next year.
