leading from the pack- Milney article

[saintbrat]

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/s ... -x70b.html
Saints' joker leads the pack ROHAN CONNOLLY
June 4, 2010
.AT THE beginning of 2005, St Kilda called for nominations to its player leadership group. To the surprise of some, perennial joker Stephen Milne put his hand up. The response wasn't exactly overwhelming. Indeed, when the numbers were counted, Milne had received just one vote.

It was a humbling comment on how Milne was perceived by his teammates, and a potentially shattering personal rebuff. Instead, the livewire forward dusted himself off and got on with the job.

Five years down the track, Milne is still to crack it for a spot in the leadership group. At 30, that chance has probably gone. But so has the issue been rendered largely irrelevant. Because with or without that official recognition, Milne is delivering leadership in spades at a time it's most required.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
But Thomas has always given Milne credits for having the guts to put his hand up all those years ago.

''I remember saying to him that he ought to be proud of himself. I thought it was very courageous, because people didn't take him seriously, and that was really the first time they did,'' he said.

''He's a very passionate, loyal club person, Milney, and it showed that he cared.''

And clearly still does. Milne may never crack a spot in the Saints leadership group. But if those votes were cast again, it's safe to say there'd be a lot more than one voice in the affirmative

[|Andy|]

so truee!! love you milney!

[desertsaint]

milney & bakes should be co-captains!

[battye]

milney & bakes should be co-captains!

I'm pretty sure Milne was captain during the NAB Cup game down in Mandurah (vs West Coast, 2006).

[markinUSA]

Hmmm.... I REALLY like Steven Milne. But I didn't like a couple of things about that article.

First, I don't think it is right that a private matter between the playing group (like the lack of votes for his nomination for the leadership group) is made public. That just doesn't seem right.

And I didn't really like GT's comments about him not being able to dictate a game on his terms... I believe that on special occasions like a player milestone what is appropriate is graciousness, at the least. If you can't be flattering, just acknowledge his durability and determination. Or, on the other hand, be flattering. It's a milestone... he deserves it.

[saintlee]

I could have sworn Milney made the leadership group the following year after he got that single vote....I was sure there were stories about it at the time.....think he only stayed in the leadership group for 1 year.....

[milney044]

Yeah i'm sure Milne was in the leadership group in either 2006 or 2007 i can't remember which. He was only in there for a year but i'm 99% sure he was! I would say 100% but i can't remember which year of the two it was.

[saintbrat]

Yeah i'm sure Milne was in the leadership group in either 2006 or 2007 i can't remember which. He was only in there for a year but i'm 99% sure he was! I would say 100% but i can't remember which year of the two it was.

no that's part of the story- He placed himself into the election and presented to the group But was not elected- but as it says- Great work on his behalf to have a go

he was captain the one challenge game as the rest of the team was rookies and young guys.

[milney044]

Not according to Stride - sports management:

"Stephen continued to be a valuable goal kicker managing 46 goals in 2004 and 61 goals in 2005. His consistent performances were rewarded with a promotion to the leadership group in 2006, where he was given bigger responsibilities playing further up the ground"

[saintlee]

Not according to Stride - sports management:

"Stephen continued to be a valuable goal kicker managing 46 goals in 2004 and 61 goals in 2005. His consistent performances were rewarded with a promotion to the leadership group in 2006, where he was given bigger responsibilities playing further up the ground"

Yes, this is how I remember it too

[milney044]

Not according to Stride - sports management:

"Stephen continued to be a valuable goal kicker managing 46 goals in 2004 and 61 goals in 2005. His consistent performances were rewarded with a promotion to the leadership group in 2006, where he was given bigger responsibilities playing further up the ground"

Yes, this is how I remember it too

Yeah from what I remember he gave a speech to induct him into the leadership group which was apparently very strong and moving and is ultimately what got him into the group.. That's how i remember it anyway.. and i normally consider myself pretty accurate when info is milne related

[saintbrat]

Milney got to deliver the Kosi Jumper pre game- part of team acknowledgement of milestones etc- there is some one amongst the group who knows the player well who says a few words
Milney had the job
http://sportal.com.au/mediaplayer/audio ... oints-8256

[Solar]

GT dial a quote

[saintnick12]

Given they were quoting Thomas, you think that Thomas would be fairly sure if Milney was in the leadership group in 06 or not, given that he was still coach at the time. Maybe he forgot