MATTHEWS UNDERSTANDS MAL
BY BRAD KLIBANSKY
BRISBANE Lions coach Leigh Matthews understands Mal Michaels decision to postpone his retirement and nominate with Essendon in next month’s pre- season draft, believing harsh financial realities was the principal behind the defender’s sudden back- flip.
As reported in today’s Australian, Matthews was typically realistic and calm about Michael’s decision, which is now under investigation by the AFL.
“You feel a little bit uncertain whether we have been conned for six months,” Matthews said. “That is the overriding thing. Apart from that it is a free world.
“Maybe he has simply changed his mind. I reckon he might have realised the only way he can make a buck is playing footy and that has become more apparent in November than it was in September-October when he decided not to play.”
Matthews also said he has no ill- feelings towards the Bombers and also also placed no great stock in the investigation, which is expected to take several weeks to complete.
“If you want to be cynical and think this was a campaign (by Essendon), that is what is against the rules,” Matthews said. “But I don’t think you are ever going to know. To me, we move on.
“From our point of view, the most that can happen is Mal doesn’t play footy and that doesn’t particularly help us.”
