One-Eyed Richmond Forum

Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: Moi on June 29, 2008, 08:29:03 AM

Title: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Moi on June 29, 2008, 08:29:03 AM
According to Bigfooty
Prayers with you, Graham  :pray
 :'(
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Ramps on June 29, 2008, 08:43:17 AM
terrible 24 hours for the footy club in general. hopefully the reports on Graham are better than what I heard on radio. Tony Schebecci on SEN said RFC having a Press Conference at 10am.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Moi on June 29, 2008, 08:43:47 AM
According to Fox news not life-threatening injuries, so hopefully that is the case.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: julzqld on June 29, 2008, 08:45:58 AM
It's on Fox Sports.  Says serious head injuries.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Moi on June 29, 2008, 08:49:06 AM
If the club are holding a press conference doesn't sound too positive.
I don't think they'd bother if it wasn't that bad.
Or maybe they would just to allay fears.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: julzqld on June 29, 2008, 09:01:59 AM
From Foxsports.com.au

Polak critical after tram hit

June 29, 2008 RICHMOND AFL footballer Graham Polak is in a critical but stable condition after being hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night.

Mr Polak was crossing the road at the intersection of Orrong Road and Dandenong Road in Armadale at around 11.30pm (EST).

The 24-year-old was treated by paramedics and taken to The Alfred hospital. He is believed to be suffering head injuries and has been placed in an induced coma.


AAP

Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Moi on June 29, 2008, 09:06:53 AM
Much the same report as Julz's

http://news.theage.com.au/sport/richmonds-polak-critical-in-hospital-20080629-2ym9.html

Richmond AFL footballer Graham Polak is in a critical but stable condition after being hit by a tram in Melbourne.

Mr Polak was crossing the road at the Orrong and Dandenong roads intersection in Armadale around 11.30pm (AEST) Saturday.

The 24-year-old Prahan man was treated by paramedics and taken to The Alfred hospital. He is believed to be suffering head injuries.

A hospital spokeswoman said Mr Polak was in a critical but stable condition.

Police have confirmed the man involved in the incident was the Richmond key position player.

Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Moi on June 29, 2008, 09:11:29 AM
Matt Thompson reporter on SEN.

Happened around 11.30 in Armadale.  Crossing with friends and hit by tram and was knocked unconcscious.

Medically induced coma.

Was listed as critical a while back but an update expected soon and expected that he has improved.

Press conference at 10am, but informal chats from club officials appear to say he is okay. 
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: 2JD on June 29, 2008, 09:21:14 AM
Awful news! Made my stomach drop. :(
Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery Graham  :pray
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Moi on June 29, 2008, 10:12:11 AM
Club doctor Greg Hick says(*)

Signs are more positive this morning than last night.  Scans have shown he has a brain injury which is not great news but the way he’s improved overnight is positive.  Put in an induced coma and hope he will wake up in a better state.  Next 24 hours will dictate what his future holds.

Induced coma is a normal procedure for someone sustaining a brain injury, to shut the body down and the brain down so that the hospital can take control of the situation and monitor without extra movement and things happening.  He hasn’t shown signs of swelling and the positive he will be okay.

Long term prognosis – not sure.  They’ll have a clearer picture today and odds are he should make a full recovery and what that timeframe is is hard to say.

Is it the end of his footy career?  Hopefully not but wouldn’t think he will play again this year.  See how he goes over the coming months.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Fluffy Tiger on June 29, 2008, 10:47:11 AM
Hang in there Graham.

He got back up on onto ground after getting smashed by Fev yesterday. I am confident he will be back as he showed what he was made of yesterday.

We are all thinking of you.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: shannon on June 29, 2008, 11:04:53 AM
i feel for the big hunk, as soon as i heard i was in tears. it does not sound positive to me, i hope for polaks sake it is not another motley scenario. but i feel maybe there might just be some brain damage, the doc did not sound positive to me  :( :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: jezza on June 29, 2008, 11:40:10 AM
Geez that's terrible news. Hopefully he can make a full recovery.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Tigermonk on June 29, 2008, 11:57:10 AM
Such tragic news
l hope he recovers his full health  :pray football is not important at this time
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Francois Jackson on June 29, 2008, 11:59:20 AM
yeah very sad..heard he should be fine..
dangerous intersection princess hwy/chapel street.

does anyone know if he was intoxicated or just a case of wrong place at the wrong time..
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: one-eyed on June 29, 2008, 12:18:17 PM
By media reports wrong place wrong time. It happened on the corner of Dandenong and Orrong Rds near where he apparently lives.

He wasn't alone according to the footy show. He was with Hughes and another Tiger. Both have required counselling.





Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Moi on June 29, 2008, 12:23:11 PM
Hughes and McMahon were with him
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Hellenic Tiger on June 29, 2008, 12:32:18 PM
Its irrelevant now who was with him.
All I hope is that Graham will be okay first and foremost and his injuries will heal over time.
All the best big fella  :pray
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: one-eyed on June 29, 2008, 12:34:41 PM
Polak's playing future in doubt after tram accident
ABC
Posted 18 minutes ago | Updated 6 minutes ago

Richmond footballer Graham Polak has suspected brain injuries and his playing future is in doubt after he was hit by a tram in Melbourne last night.

Richmond says Polak's condition has improved but he remains in an induced coma at The Alfred Hospital.

Polak was crossing the intersection of Orrong and Dandenong roads at Armadale about 11.30pm (AEST) on Saturday when he was hit.

He was with a group of people including team-mates Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon.

Ambulance officers were forced to insert a tube to assist Polak's breathing.

Club doctor Greg Hickey says the 24-year-old has suffered a brain injury and his immediate playing future is now in doubt.

"Really it's gonna depend on how he wakes up and the first couple of days," Dr Hickey said.

"Obviously he's going to be in hospital for some time.

"Hopefully he might just end up in a normal general ward, and then whether he'll need a period of rehabilitation after that in some sort of other facility I'm not sure."

However, scans on Sunday morning showed no extra swelling to Polak's brain.

"He has got bruising on the brain - initially it was of great concern. Fortunately, through the night he has improved," Dr Hickey said.

Richmond football manager Greg Miller says Polak's partner Alycle and his Tiger team-mates were told of the accident on Saturday night.

Polak's parents are due to arrive from Perth today, along with his partner's parents.

Richmond captain Matthew Richardson says the accident is a shock.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/29/2289003.htm?section=sport
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: one-eyed on June 29, 2008, 12:35:42 PM
Polak's manager coming up now on SEN
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Moi on June 29, 2008, 12:45:42 PM
Graham Polak’s manager Paul Connors says his family have just arrived from Perth. 

Tried to wake him up.  He’s still in the induced coma and that’s the best thing for him so the swelling can heal.  Lot better than last night.

A couple of the players told him that a young man helped him on the scene doing all the first aid stuff, and the players were grateful to him.  They think they know who he is and in time will contact him I think.

Has a broken rib from the game.

The windscreen was damaged so a big impact.

Just spoke to his mum and she was very emotional and just going in to see Graham.

Similar to when he had to see Jason McCartney – both his players – both in induced comas.

Jordon witnessed it and said it was just a freak accident.


Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: one-eyed on June 29, 2008, 12:47:20 PM
Paul Connors (Polly's manager):

* In Alfred hospital - family members have arrived.

* They tried to wake him up but he still wasn't great (although better) so they decided he's better off to remain in an induced coma so the healing process can take its natural course. He's in an improved state compared to last night.

* A young man helped Polly on the scene and did first aid.

* Polly has a broken rib but they think that was from yesterday's game when he got hit. It's more about the brain now  :(.

* Jordy was in the cab with his wife. He said he saw it unfold before his eyes and it was a freak accident. One of things that happens. Cleve was with Polly and was very lucky himself.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: WilliamPowell on June 29, 2008, 01:02:13 PM

l hope he recovers his full health  :pray football is not important at this time

Absolutely agree

Graham's health is the only thing that matters at the moment
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: the_boy_jake on June 29, 2008, 02:17:28 PM
Thats stuffed.

Get well big fella.  :pray
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: richmondrules on June 29, 2008, 02:32:28 PM
I've been avoiding football since yesterday's game and had heaps to do today so I haven't looked at the paper. Just decided to sit down and have a look and this is the first thing I see. What an absolute shocker!

Hope your OK Graham, get well quickly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hope to see you in the Yellow and Black again.

Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Ox on June 29, 2008, 03:00:15 PM
he'll be fine.
could have done without it.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Tigertailz on June 29, 2008, 03:33:04 PM
This has been a topic of how and why in our house today.
I used to live on that corner..............sh1tloads of prangs and tram related incidents there over the years although they have improved the tramstops along dandenong rd with safety railings and there are speed / redlight cameras city bound at that intersection too.
Long day for polak yesterday particularly after a fairly hefty knock during the game and who knows if he had a drink or 2 after the game........sounds like a momenetary lapse of concentration after being dropped off....wish him and his family all the best...
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: one-eyed on June 29, 2008, 03:44:58 PM
Graham Polak hit by tram at Armadale
The Australian
June 29, 2008

DOCTORS hope to bring Richmond's Graham Polak out of an induced coma today after he was hit and badly injured by a tram in Melbourne.

The accident last night left the AFL defender with bruising on the brain and a spokesperson for The Alfred hospital said Polak's condition was critical, but stable.

Polak, 24, was crossing the intersection of Orrong and Dandenong roads at Armadale around 11pm when he was struck.

While his condition has improved, Richmond club doctor Greg Hickey said Polak would be in hospital “for some time”.

Team-mates Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon were with Polak at the time of the accident.

Hickey said Polak's condition had improved overnight and he was trying to move his limbs.

“The latest scan, which was done not that long ago, show there hasn't been any significant change in the situation,” Hickey said.

He said there had been no extra swelling, which was an encouraging sign. Dr Hickey earlier said Polak had swelling on the brain.

“Initially, they were planing to keep him in an induced coma for two to three days,” he said.

“Now the hope is they will be weaning things off this morning, and hopefully he will wake up ... and we will have a clearer picture of where he's at.

“Things are a bit more positive now than they were a few hours ago.”

Polak's parents are travelling from Perth to be with their son, while his partner Alycle (Alycle) and Richmond team-mates were told last night of the accident.

Although Polak's condition is improving, he will not play again this season and his AFL career is in doubt.

“In terms of footy, it is unquestionable. He won't play this season - longer term beyond that, we'll just have to wait and see,” Hickey said.

“He's certainly been moving all his limbs, which is a good sign.

“It's not like there are signs he is paralysed in any of his limbs. Probably the hardest thing to gauge at this stage is more his intellectual recovery, whether he will regain that - time will tell.”

Richmond football manager Greg Miller said it was unclear if alcohol played a role in the accident.

“I'm unaware of that, it's not a concern for us at the moment,” he said.

Polak has played 11 games for Richmond this season for a career total of 106 and was part of the team that lost to Carlton yesterday at the MCG.

Tiger veteran Matthew Richardson said: “It's a shock, but I don't know any details at this stage”.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,24897,23941022-601,00.html
Title: Polak critical but stable - latest update
Post by: one-eyed on June 29, 2008, 04:34:37 PM
Richmond's Polak critical but stable
The Age
June 29, 2008 - 3:23PM

Richmond AFL player Graham Polak remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital after the AFL defender was hit by a Melbourne tram.

His club released an update on Sunday afternoon, saying Polak remained in an induced coma at The Alfred hospital and his condition was not expected to change overnight.

Polak's mother and three brothers flew from Perth.

"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and partner Alyce at this time," the club statement read.

"The club should be in a position to make a further statement (Monday) but at the moment, Graham's condition is expected to remain unchanged throughout the night.

"Graham has suffered bruising to the brain and is being kept in a medically induced coma."

The statements said the club would not be commenting further until (Monday)."

http://news.theage.com.au/sport/richmonds-polak-critical-but-stable-20080629-2ym9.html
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: tigersalive on June 29, 2008, 04:39:19 PM
yeah very sad..heard he should be fine..
dangerous intersection princess hwy/chapel street.

does anyone know if he was intoxicated or just a case of wrong place at the wrong time..

Brown said he was not under the influence on MMM.


Polak has not seen the tram coming as he came out from a tree line and the collision happened apparently.  :'(

Hughes was also present but unsure where he was when it happened, McMahon was in a taxi.

They have both been offered counselling.


Sad.  :(  Let's hope he'll be out of the induced coma soon as the brain bruising subsides and can make a complete recovery.  :pray

Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: one-eyed on June 29, 2008, 05:06:58 PM
Ch 10 news had Miller saying they were running across the wide road to catch a taxi and while they beat the car traffic Polak mustn't have seen the tram.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: wayne on June 29, 2008, 06:06:18 PM
Channel 7 said that 3 Freo players are flying across after their game to join the bedside vigil.

It's sounding worse and worse every hour. 

:pray
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: mightytiges on June 29, 2008, 06:13:31 PM
Forget about football (Ch 7 said he was unlikely to ever play again), you've got to just hope and pray he'll recover eventually just to have a normal life. The report on the news didn't sound good  :'(.   
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: 2JD on June 29, 2008, 06:25:29 PM
Forget about football (Ch 7 said he was unlikely to ever play again), you've got to just hope and pray he'll recover eventually just to have a normal life. The report on the news didn't sound good  :'(.   
You know what the media are like MT, the more tragic they make the story the more newsworthy they reckon it. Vultures feeding off bad news >:(
With the improvement he has made overnight I have lots of hope that  he will make a good as new recovery. :pray
My 24 year old niece had a brain op a year ago and she is 99% back to normal now, wnhen they say "may not make a full recovery" it may mean he has a bit of a lisp or a bit of memory loss, not that he will be dependant on other people for ever
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Ramps on June 29, 2008, 06:49:32 PM
Lets all hope the guy pulls through and able to live his life as normal as possible, even if that means he doesnt play again. Although we should all hope he makes it back.

If he doesnt play again, what I want to see from my club, is a club that stands by its player, pays out his contract IN FULL and helps in anyway possible for his future recuperation. If he doesnt play again, they should with his manager organise some sort of fund, im sure supporters would be happy to contribute. Polak is 24 yo with his whole life in front of him, lets stand by the young guy properly and show everyone that Richmond looks after its own.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: shannon on June 29, 2008, 06:52:31 PM
this is bad, with a capital B.  i know it was not a car accident, but this is motley all over again, seems polak may not pull through, and if he does, most likely will have irreversable brain damage

bloody hell, it is just not fair
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: mightytiges on June 29, 2008, 06:57:25 PM
Lets all hope the guy pulls through and able to live his life as normal as possible, even if that means he doesnt play again. Although we should all hope he makes it back.

If he doesnt play again, what I want to see from my club, is a club that stands by its player, pays out his contract IN FULL and helps in anyway possible for his future recuperation. If he doesnt play again, they should with his manager organise some sort of fund, im sure supporters would be happy to contribute. Polak is 24 yo with his whole life in front of him, lets stand by the young guy properly and show everyone that Richmond looks after its own.
Couldn't agree more Ramps  :clapping.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Infamy on June 29, 2008, 07:12:25 PM
Terrible news, my thoughts are with him and his family

Having said that, there are a few people jumping the gun a little bit here. It's still early days, let's save the chicken little predictions for now, it's not necessary.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: torch on June 29, 2008, 07:31:51 PM
as long as Polak gets back to 100% in life.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: tigersalive on June 29, 2008, 08:20:05 PM
Terrible news, my thoughts are with him and his family

Having said that, there are a few people jumping the gun a little bit here. It's still early days, let's save the chicken little predictions for now, it's not necessary.

Agree with that, so far everything RFC & Alfred doctors have said is going exactly to plan.

The induced coma reduces the effect and further progression of the bruising.

Right now it's looking as good as we could hope for Polak after being hit by a Tram going a decent speed.  We just have to hope all this does go to plan and he'll be the same Graham Polak outside football.  The football part of it can come later.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Judge Roughneck on June 29, 2008, 10:57:30 PM
Rance in.

Lets hope he does not get hit by bus.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Fwoy3 on June 29, 2008, 11:03:08 PM
best wishes to Polly. Hope he pulls through ok.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Ox on June 29, 2008, 11:17:45 PM
Rance in.

Lets hope he does not get hit by bus.

Lets pray you do,you classless,ignorant tool.
Title: Tram hit leaves Graham Polak in coma (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on June 30, 2008, 04:07:03 AM
Tram hit leaves Graham Polak in coma
Staff writers | Herald-Sun | June 30, 2008

RICHMOND defender Graham Polak faces the fight of his life after a freak tram accident left him in an induced coma.

Polak, 24, suffered a bruised brain after being hit by the tram outside his Armadale home, at the corner of Orrong Rd and Dandenong Rd, about 11pm on Saturday.

The Tigers have ruled out the 106-gamer playing again this season and his future beyond is uncertain with fears he may have permanent brain injuries. Polak is expected to be taken out of the coma today.

In developments late yesterday:

* POLAK'S family flew in from Perth to be at his bedside and support his girlfriend, model Alyce Oksuz.

* RICHMOND said he was not given drugs that would affect his judgment after a crash with Carlton's Brendan Fevola.

* DOCTORS said Polak had not sustained serious spinal injuries impeding his mobility.

* POLICE were not expected to lay charges against the tram driver.

Ms Oksuz's family had also flown in from Perth to be with her.

Her father, Derbish, said he was confident Polak's fighting spirit would see him through this tragedy.

"Graham's a real fighter. My heart says he'll get through this," Mr Oksuz said.

Police said Polak, drafted to the Tigers from Fremantle in 2006, regained consciousness when police arrived but was put in a coma at the Alfred hospital to minimise risk.

Polak played all 22 games for the Tigers last year.

He was leaving home with teammate Cleve Hughes about 11pm to get into a taxi with another teammate, Jordan McMahon. It is believed they were on their way to meet teammates in St Kilda.

The three had attended a club function after its 100-year celebration game with Carlton at the MCG.

Polak was injured after colliding with Fevola in the first quarter but returned to play out the game.

"I feel a bit sick," said Fevola, a friend of Polak and Ms Oksuz.

Tiger Nathan Brown said Polak was not drunk after the function.

Polak's family, including mum Judy and brothers Chad, Dion and Troy, yesterday flew in from Perth.

Chad Polak said the news had stunned his family.

"It's pretty hard when you're on the other side of the country and don't really know what's going on," he said.

Chad said his family was coping but was waiting for Graham to wake.

"We're not going too bad, just hanging in there," he said.

"He seems to be getting better but we have to wait."

Club doctor Greg Hickey said the 2003 Rising Star nominee had been moving his limbs, but it was too early to say whether there was any long-term brain damage.

"These things can take some months to settle down and get a clearer picture," Dr Hickey said.

"Things are going to change very quickly the next few days.

"He's got bruising on his brain. Initially this was of great concern, but through the night he has improved.

"The risk is swelling of the brain can follow this."

Richmond football director Greg Miller said last night Polak had not taken painkillers or medication after his knock to the ribs that could have impaired his judgment.

"No, not at all," Miller said.

"It was one of those million to one chances, unfortunately."

Miller said the club was unsure if Polak had been drinking and it was not an issue.

Brown yesterday described the accident as shattering.

"He's a good mate of mine, he's a good mate of everyone at the club," he told Triple M.

"It's a freak thing. He wasn't drunk or anything, he was on his way out. It's shattering."

Fevola said he'd sent Polak and Ms Oksuz his best wishes.

"Knowing Graham and his missus, Alyce, hopefully he can get better," he said.

"It's a shock. You just don't expect these kinds of things."

He said he recalled being in a clash with Polak in the match, but did not know the extent of the defender's injuries.

Richmond legend Francis Bourke said his thoughts were with Polak and his family.

"I'm just hoping he's OK," Bourke said.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23943179-661,00.html
Title: Coma's end to reveal injury level (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on June 30, 2008, 04:08:47 AM
Coma's end to reveal injury level
Anthony Dowsley | Herald-Sun | June 30, 2008 12:00am

ROAD trauma victim Graham Polak is expected to be woken from an induced coma today as doctors gain an insight into the extent of his brain injuries.

The Richmond key position player, who sustained bruising to his brain, was placed in a coma with drugs, a normal procedure to reduce swelling to the brain and help it heal.

Although Polak regained consciousness after being struck by a tram in Armadale on Saturday night, he was induced into a coma at the Alfred Hospital.

Leading sports physician Dr Peter Larkin said by placing him in a deep state of unconsciousness, specialists could stabilise and monitor Polak's heart rate, blood pressure and breathing."It's like an anesthetic. It's a medically controlled unconscious state . . . not a coma where you don't know what's going on," he said.

He said medical staff would gradually bring him back to consciousness.

Richmond Football Club doctor Greg Hickey said Polak was recovering well but the full extent of the damage was unknown.

"Graham was put in an induced coma to shut the body down and shut the brain down and just let things settle down," he said.

"The hardest thing to gauge at this stage is his intellectual recovery, whether he will regain that."

He said Polak had been able to move his limbs, easing initial fears he may have suffered permanent physical injuries.

Polak was running from his house to a taxi to meet other players in St Kilda when he was struck by the tram.

It is believed Polak's head struck a tram window and then struck the ground as he fell.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23943134-2862,00.html
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: shannon on June 30, 2008, 06:42:44 AM
Rance in.

Lets hope he does not get hit by bus.

what a stupid comment
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Tigermonk on June 30, 2008, 09:16:17 AM
Rance in.

Lets hope he does not get hit by bus.

what a stuffwit thing to write, you call yourself a passionate supporter
Polak is fighting for his life & all you can say is Rance in & that other crap.
you need to wake up
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Infamy on June 30, 2008, 10:42:38 AM
Bentleigh is a complete moron, he's been banned from pretty much every single football forum there is yet keeps popping back up with the same crap
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: julzqld on June 30, 2008, 11:56:34 AM
From Foxsports.com.au

Polak 'taken out of coma'

June 30, 2008 RICHMOND AFL player Graham Polak, who was hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night, has been brought out of a medically induced coma, Fox Sports News has reported.

Polak, who suffered bruising to the brain after the incident in suburban Melbourne, is also reported to have been squeezing and holding a brother's hand in The Alfred hospital in Melbourne, where his family and partner Alyce are at his bedside. Polak's mother and three brothers flew from Perth on Sunday.

A hospital spokeswoman said on Monday that his condition remained serious but stable.

“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and partner Alyce at this time,” Richmond said in a club statement on Sunday.

Richmond club doctor Greg Hickey said that Polak was expected to be in hospital for some time.

"Whether he will need a period of rehabilitation after that in some sort of other facility I'm not sure," Hickey said.

"Things are going to change very quickly over the next few days.

"Long term, it's very hard to say - these things can take some months to settle down and get a clearer picture of where he's at.

"In terms of footy, it is unquestionable he won't play this season. Longer term beyond that, we'll just have to wait and see."

Richmond football manager Greg Miller refused on Sunday to speculate whether alcohol was involved in the incident, but he said that wasn't a concern for the club.

Polak was crossing the intersection of Orrong and Dandenong roads in Armadale about 11pm (EST) on Saturday when he was hit.

Teammates Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon were with Polak at the time.

Polak has played 11 games for Richmond this season for a career total of 106. He joined Richmond from Fremantle in late 2006 and last year finished seventh in the Tigers' best-and-fairest award.

AAP

Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Moi on June 30, 2008, 01:04:22 PM
Sounds a tiny bit more encouraging that he is getting over this.  Hang in there, Polly.

Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: wayne again on June 30, 2008, 02:06:57 PM
  Get well soon mate.Hope everything is ok when he comes out of the coma.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Infamy on June 30, 2008, 02:21:07 PM
Just remember, Richard Hammond crashed a jet car at 464kph and not only survived but overcame massive head trauma to almost be back to 100%. He wasn't an elite sportsman and even he talks in his book about him not being able to learn skills as quickly as before, but other than that he's pulled through fine which was very unlikely at the time.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: julzqld on June 30, 2008, 03:09:12 PM
From Foxsports.com.au

Polak makes 'pleasing' progress

June 30, 2008 RICHMOND AFL player Graham Polak, who was hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night, has been brought out of a medically induced coma, Fox Sports News has reported.

Polak, who suffered bruising to the brain when he was hit by the tram, is also reported to have been squeezing and holding a brother's hand in The Alfred hospital in Melbourne, where his family and partner Alyce are at his bedside. Polak's mother and three brothers flew from Perth on Sunday.

Doctors are pleased with the player's progress after he was hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night, leaving him with brain injuries.

Polak  remained in a serious but stable condition in The Alfred's trauma unit on Monday morning, but The Alfred trauma director Mark Fitzgerald said that Polak appeared to have no brain swelling at this stage.

"He's continuing to improve, he's obeying commands this morning, we're reasonably happy with his progress," Associate Professor Fitzgerald said on 3AW radio.

"He was put on a ventilator at the scene and taken to the trauma centre to do serial brain scans to make sure he didn't have any brain swelling. And I took him off the ventilator mid-afternoon yesterday and he's continued to improve since then.

"Without going into any great detail, he's had quite a severe blow to the head, he was deeply unconscious at the scene, he's got some areas of brain injury on his scan, but he's a young person, he's very fit.

"We expect him to recover over the next few weeks. It'll take some time before we can be absolutely positive of a good outcome, but he's doing very well."

Dr Fitzgerald said that Polak was doing a lot better than expected.

He said the injuries were life threatening but Polak was lucky there were people around when the incident took place and that paramedics quickly on the scene.

It was too early to say what further restrictions Polak might face, Dr Fitzgerald said.

"We just have to wait and see how he goes," he said. "The good thing is he has improved since yesterday ... it'll be a bit of a slow process over the next few days."

Polak's Richmond teammates gathered at the Punt Road oval on Monday morning for a meeting to discuss Polak's condition.

Richmond football manager Greg Miller refused on Sunday to speculate whether alcohol was involved in the incident, but he said that wasn't a concern for the club.

Polak was crossing the intersection of Orrong and Dandenong roads in Armadale around 11pm (EST)on Saturday when he was hit.

Teammates Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon were with Polak at the time.

Polak has played 11 games for Richmond this season for a career total of 106 games, and was part of the team which lost to Carlton on Saturday at the MCG.

AAP

Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: julzqld on June 30, 2008, 03:22:39 PM
Big Footy are saying reports on SEN have that Polak has had a shower, is talking and up and about.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: shannon on June 30, 2008, 03:45:53 PM
Big Footy are saying reports on SEN have that Polak has had a shower, is talking and up and about.

fanbloodytastic

lets hope that this tragic accident and polaks toughness against the odds inspires the team to bigger and better times
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: one-eyed on June 30, 2008, 08:28:02 PM
Messages for Graham Polak
richmondfc.com.au

Supporters and friends have the opportunity to send their best wishes to Graham Polak and his family as the Tigers' star recovers in hospital.

To leave a message of support for Graham and his family, click here:
mailto:aceddia@richmondfc.com.au?subject=Messages%20of%20support%20-%20Graham%20Polak (http://mailto:aceddia@richmondfc.com.au?subject=Messages%20of%20support%20-%20Graham%20Polak)

All messages will be collated and sent to Graham's family.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: one-eyed on June 30, 2008, 08:36:10 PM
His manager Paul Connors said tonight they're hoping to move him to a ward within 24 hours. Everyone is pretty happy with smiles on our faces because of the progress he has made today (walking, showering and responding to commands) but the doctors say next 7-10 days will determine his future.

It'll be a long haul for Polly but let's hope he makes a full recovery.
Title: Tram-hit Tiger wakes to a more hopeful future (The Age)
Post by: one-eyed on July 01, 2008, 04:09:42 AM
Tram-hit Tiger wakes to a more hopeful future
Samantha Lane | The Age | July 1, 2008

RICHMOND footballer Graham Polak has been moved out of intensive care and into a general ward following promising improvement after his weekend tram accident.

A spokesman from The Alfred hospital said he was transferred last night and was in a satisfactory condition.

Polak was brought out of a medically induced coma yesterday and while it may be unclear for up to 10 days whether he will be permanently brain damaged, he was able to open his eyes yesterday morning, indicate to nurses that he could hear, stand up briefly and speak a few words.

After being carefully weaned off drugs to make him unconscious and help prevent his brain from swelling further, Polak spent most of the day asleep but was able to sit up in bed and, with help, walk to the bathroom to be showered.

Suffering post-traumatic amnesia, he has been asked only a couple of questions and uttered a few words. But when he was asked whether he felt pain, he answered: "No."

Club doctor Greg Hickey was buoyed by the progress Polak had made since his accident late on Saturday. While expressing hope that the 24-year-old would make a full recovery, he said it was going to be a "long haul".

Polak's parents and partner were by his side in the intensive care unit of The Alfred and there was a stream of visitors throughout the day.

Scans showed he suffered bruising to his brain after he was hit by a tram on Dandenong Road, Armadale. The impact shattered the tram's windscreen.

"The fact that he has responded specifically to questions is a really good thing — when he was asked to open his eyes or to squeeze someone's hand," Dr Hickey said.

"It means that, for a start, he can hear the instruction, he can understand it enough to act on it and he can make the appropriate response … It means there are a few pathways that are intact."

The damage to Polak's cognitive function is expected to be unclear for at least a week.

"The scans can't tell you. They can pick up damage on a scan, but it doesn't necessarily reflect what their outcome is going to be months down the track," Dr Hickey said. "So it's really just waiting and seeing, and hopefully in a week … we'll be able to tell you that things are going fantastically well."

With the help of the AFL Players Association, Richmond is providing support for the two players, Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon, who were at the scene of the accident.

The club's chaplain, Paul Cameron, and the AFLPA's manager of psychology, people and culture, Pippa Grange, are playing key roles.

Richmond president Gary March said: "Cleve is in a reasonable state of mind at the moment but obviously quite traumatised from being right on the scene … Our concern has been about his mental state and getting him through that."

He said the club's priorities were Polak's health and supporting his family and the players. The investigation of the accident would be left to the authorities.

Dr Hickey said Polak had been given two pain-killers after a heavy bump during Richmond's game against Carlton on Saturday but the medication should not be linked to events later that evening.

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/tramhit-tiger-wakes/2008/06/30/1214677943560.html
Title: How a simple hand squeeze can say so much (The Age)
Post by: one-eyed on July 01, 2008, 04:16:59 AM
Dr Peter Larkins and the following Age article describe the recovery process. I'll just link to them as they are quite long but it's a good read on what's next for Polly.

How a simple hand squeeze can say so much
Julia Medew | The Age | July 1, 2008

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/how-a-simple-hand-squeeze-can-say-so-much/2008/06/30/1214677944242.html

Brain still the most fragile of organs
Dr Peter Larkins | Herald-Sun | July 1, 2008

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,23949594-19742,00.html
Title: Polak awake and showers, as Tigers head into unchartered waters (The Age)
Post by: one-eyed on July 01, 2008, 04:21:40 AM
Polak awake and showers, as Tigers head into uncharted waters
Peter Hanlon | July 1, 2008

MOGGY, the Richmond Football Club's tabby in residence, slept soundly at the door to the Punt Road offices yesterday. On one side of the glass, at least, it was life as normal.

Football clubs go to enormous lengths to better themselves, yet are marked almost exclusively on how they fare in the business of winning matches. The handling of off-field crises, should they arise, is still relatively uncharted territory for a 150-year-old pursuit.

"It's certainly not something they 'whiteboard' and expect, but they've come a hell of a long way in dealing with this sort of thing," Pippa Grange, the AFL Players Association's manager of psychology, people and culture, said yesterday. "This is a really great example — Richmond have handled this very, very well from our perspective."

"This", of course, is the head injury received by the Tigers' defender Graham Polak, when he was struck by a tram in Armadale on Saturday night.

His improvement continued yesterday, Polak coming out of an induced coma at the Alfred hospital and his manager, Paul Connors, reporting he had managed to get out of bed and take a shower. But the club's doctor, Greg Hickey, said it was still too early to eliminate the possibility of permanent brain damage.

While they await further news, the club's various arms have swung into action. Grange spoke to football manager Greg Miller and development coach Craig McRae on Sunday morning to offer assistance, and has been impressed with their diligence in handling an incident far more devastating than any on-field loss, one which has touched all at the club.

Coach Terry Wallace has spoken individually to every player on the list, as well as Polak's girlfriend, Alyce. Long-time club chaplain Paul Cameron has comforted the family at the hospital, and was at Punt Road yesterday morning to speak with Jordan McMahon and Cleve Hughes, who witnessed the accident, and any others who felt they needed his counsel.

"Something like this, when you have one of your own family — and that's what Graham is to us, one of our family — go down in such an horrific accident … a lot of people at the club have been affected by this," president Gary March said yesterday. "Graham is a much-loved player around the club, he's got a great character, he's a really good guy.

"A lot of us have had a lot to do with Graham … We just want to make sure they can cope with this, keep their chin up, and hopefully we can get through this as a club and it'll make us stronger."

March, who addressed the Tigers' staff yesterday afternoon, said he had taken calls of support from AFL clubs both local and interstate, from club legends such as Royce Hart, and had been buoyed by the level of community support.

Beyond Polak and his family, March said the club was concerned for Hughes and McMahon, "their health and their mental state", and that Hughes' family had flown to Melbourne from South Australia on Sunday. "Cleve's in a reasonable state of mind at the moment, but obviously quite traumatised by being on the scene. We've just got to work with him and help him through."

Grange's first involvement in a true football tragedy came with the death of Melbourne's Troy Broadbridge in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, a time when "there was not really a plan in place for something as horrific as that". She is heartened by the improved processes established since.

"It's really encouraging to see people (at clubs) who are able to think not just, 'How do we manage the message of this?', but really, 'Who's important? How do we keep the players informed? What do we need to do with his family?'."

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/tigers-head-into-uncharted-waters/2008/06/30/1214677943864.html
Title: Re: Tram-hit Tiger wakes to a more hopeful future (The Age)
Post by: the_boy_jake on July 01, 2008, 01:00:44 PM
As best as we could have hoped for really.


Suffering post-traumatic amnesia

Wish I couldn't remember Saturday. Lucky b@stard  ;D
Title: Re: Tram-hit Tiger wakes to a more hopeful future (The Age)
Post by: 1965 on July 01, 2008, 01:23:18 PM
As best as we could have hoped for really.


Suffering post-traumatic amnesia

Wish I couldn't remember Saturday. Lucky b@stard  ;D

A little insensitive?

Title: Re: Tram-hit Tiger wakes to a more hopeful future (The Age)
Post by: the_boy_jake on July 01, 2008, 02:19:10 PM

A little insensitive?


Only for a wretch.

Prefer a lighthearted existence myself.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: 1965 on July 01, 2008, 02:41:31 PM

Who are you calling a wench?

 :blah
Title: Polak takes first steps to recovery (RFC)
Post by: one-eyed on July 01, 2008, 04:59:59 PM
Polak takes first steps to recovery
richmondfc.com.au
2:07 PM Tue 01 July, 2008

RICHMOND defender Graham Polak continues his promising recovery from injuries sustained when he was hit by a tram on Saturday night.

Polak was moved from intensive care to a general ward on Monday evening and is on fluids.

Richmond Football Club also confirmed on Tuesday that he has walked a few steps assisted and has asked for water.

The 24-year-old is still quite confused and very tired but is aware he is in hospital.

He will undertake further scans in the coming days.

The Alfred Hospital's trauma director Mark Fitzgerald said on Monday that Polak appeared to have no brain swelling to this stage.

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/tabid/6301/Default.aspx?newsid=62500
Title: Miller uplifted by Polak's progress (RFC)
Post by: one-eyed on July 01, 2008, 05:07:12 PM
Miller uplifted by Polak's progress
richmondfc.com.au
By Steve Lavell
 4:38 PM Tue 01 July, 2008

RICHMOND director of football Greg Miller has described the continued recovery of defender Graham Polak as "remarkable" after he sustained ing serious injuries when hit by a tram on Saturday night.

Miller, who visited Polak in hospital again on Tuesday afternoon, was uplifted to see the 24-year-old walking, greeting people and contributing to conversations.

Polak was moved out of intensive care on Monday night, less than 48 hours after he was hit by a tram when crossing the intersection of Orrong and Dandenong roads near his Armadale home.

"To see the progress he's made in such a short time is testament to his fitness, testament to the staff at the hospital and also to God's wishes," Miller said.

"He's certainly progressed very quickly in what could have been far worse ramifications."

Miller also acknowledged the strength of Polak's family throughout the ordeal, with his mother, three brothers and aunt joined by his girlfriend's parents, her sister and partner.

"To see the strength of the family ... there were times there, particularly Sunday night, where mixed messages were coming from the nurses who were looking after him," he said.

"Some of those messages were upsetting but other members of the family helped them through it.

"I've just been there more as assistance to the family, just to make sure they had things that they needed from the club and what the club could do to help.

"Everyone together behind the scenes, Kayne Pettifer and Chris Newman, we've tried to limit the players' involvement because it's just too much. But (Pettifer and Newman) have been by his side as well.

"It's been uplifting to see his progress."

Miller added that young Tiger Cleve Hughes, who was with Polak and teammate Jordan McMahon when the accident occurred, would also be making a visit.

"Cleve's on his way down," he said. "We want Cleve to go and see the progress because we think that will be a great tonic for Cleve.

"And I spoke to Jordan, and he's buoyed by every message that he receives about the progress, making things easy for him as he knows Graham's moving out of the danger zone.

"We've kept [all] the players informed every step along the way and they also are very keen to see him. As each hour goes by or each few hours go by, he can handle a little bit more but we don't want to overload him either.

"It's been remarkable. You see so many tragic stories and to see what could have been tragic, the progress so far's been great."

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/6301/Default.aspx?newsId=62516
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Francois Jackson on July 01, 2008, 07:32:26 PM
thank god, thats great news....

It just amazes me the luck some of our players have, or lack of it.

Cogs, Browny and now this.

I'm starting to think we have been cursed by someone or something in the past

Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: tiga on July 01, 2008, 09:52:00 PM
Wonderful news! He's showing us what true fighting Tiger spirit is all about! One goal at a time champ and before long you'll take out your own Coleman!!  :thumbsup
I know its very early days but wouldn't it be great at some stage to see him run out in the Yellow and Black again.   :pray  It would be truly inspirational.
Title: 'Remarkable progress' in Polak's condition (The Age)
Post by: one-eyed on July 02, 2008, 03:44:11 AM
'Remarkable progress' in Polak's condition
Martin Boulton | July 2, 2008

RICHMOND footballer Graham Polak's improvement since being hit by a tram on Saturday night has been remarkable, according to the club's director of football, Greg Miller.

Miller visited Polak in The Alfred hospital yesterday and said he was walking, greeting people and contributing to conversations.

Polak was brought out of a medically induced coma on Monday and moved out of intensive care that night — less than 48 hours after he was hit by the tram near his home in Armadale.

Hospital staff last night described the 24-year-old's condition as satisfactory.

"He's certainly progressed very quickly in what could have been far worse ramifications," Miller said on the club's website.

Initial scans showed Polak suffered bruising to his brain after he was hit by the tram on Dandenong Road.

Since being moved from intensive care, Polak has continued to improve, saying a few words early yesterday and asking for a drink of water.

"It's been remarkable … the progress so far has been great," Miller said.

He said Tigers forward Cleve Hughes — who was with Polak and teammate Jordan McMahon when the accident happened — was expected to visit the hospital yesterday. "We want Cleve to see the progress because we think that will be a great tonic for Cleve," he said.

"As each hour goes by, or each few hours go by, he (Polak) can handle a little bit more, but we don't want to overload him."

Club doctor Greg Hickey said Polak's cognitive function was expected to be unclear for at least a week. He is due to have further brain scans in the next few days but the results may not be available for several days.

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/remarkable-progress-in-polaks-condition/2008/07/01/1214678039378.html
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: one-eyed on July 02, 2008, 02:20:10 PM
SEN 2pm update....

Club says there's been no change in Polly's condition since last night. Not uncommon though. He's still tired and confused and will spend most of the day sleeping. He is eating now and can recognise and respond to family and visitors and know some names.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Smokey on July 03, 2008, 01:54:01 PM
Rance in.

Lets hope he does not get hit by bus.

what a stupid comment

Quote from: shannon on June 28, 2008, 10:29:51 pm
"why couldnt it have been kane johnson who tore his hammy, wish he tears it off the bone"

????????????

Pot, this is kettle, over.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: shannon on July 03, 2008, 03:16:48 PM
oh you are so clever!

by the way, have never owned a black pot or kettle  ::)

ps how are the porn sites going, are you blind yet?
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: tiga on July 03, 2008, 04:00:28 PM
oh you are so clever!

by the way, have never owned a black pot or kettle  ::)


Well you don't know what your missing out on! Black pots & kettles are now all the rage according to better homes and gardens.  :lol Just like stereo's & dvd players, one year they are silver, the next year they are black. I just can't keep up! Its driving me crazy!!! :scream

Porn sites on the other hand are very predictable! I guess some things never change after all!  ;)
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: julzqld on July 03, 2008, 04:08:54 PM
LOL @ Tiga
Title: Wishes for Polak overwhelming (RFC)
Post by: one-eyed on July 03, 2008, 09:44:33 PM
Wishes for Polak overwhelming
richmondfc.com.au
5:37 PM Thu 03 July, 2008

RICHMOND defender Graham Polak continues a slow recovery in the Alfred Hospital, nearly five days after being hit by a tram in Melbourne's inner suburbs.

The Tigers confirmed on Thursday that the 24-year-old has been inundated with letters, cards and messages, with almost 1000 arriving through richmondfc.com.au.

Polak's partner Alyce Oksuz said the family has been thrilled with the support.

"The Polak family and myself have been overwhelmed with the well wishes across Australia," she said in a statement.

"Graham will be really grateful for all the support he has received from the football community and public in general.

"I would especially like to thank the Alfred Hospital and Richmond Football Club for their heartfelt care.

"We have been amazed and blown away at the cards, emails and flowers from everyone, especially the young Tiger fans."

Polak was moved from intensive care to a general ward on Tuesday, with Richmond director of football Greg Miller describing his progress from an induced coma as "remarkable".

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/6301/Default.aspx?newsId=62665
Title: Injured Polak leaves hospital
Post by: richmondrules on July 04, 2008, 11:19:47 AM
Injured Polak leaves hospital

Tom Arup, Julia Medew | July 4, 2008 - 10:33AM

http://www.realfooty.com.au/articles/2008/07/04/1214951002746.html

Richmond defender Graham Polak has been discharged from hospital, just days since emerging from a coma after being hit by a tram.

Polak, who spent several days in an induced coma after suffering head injuries during the accident early on Sunday morning, was transferred to Epworth Rehabilitation Centre this morning.

A Richmond Football Club spokesman said while there had been no "real change" in Polak's condition the move was a positive step in his recovery.

"He is talking a bit more and recognising people a bit more," the spokesman said.

He said Polak had recognised his girlfriend and responded to coach Terry Wallace's voice after waking from an induced coma on Monday.

The spokesman said Polak tired easily and visitor numbers were being "scaled back to give him his space".

"The whole playing group has not gone in there at once but a few at a time and members of the senior leadership group have been there a fair bit," he said.

The spokesman said it was not known how long Polak would spend at the Epworth.

"He is not going to be there a couple of days," he said.

"He's going to be there a while ... it's going to be a long process".

Tigers president Gary March met with the Polak family at The Alfred hospital on Wednesday morning.

"Graham still has a very long way to go in his recovery," Mr March said.

"However, the club remains optimistic and we have been buoyed by the support of our supporters and also the general community."

The club has received more than 600 messages of support for Polak and his family.

Polak suffered brain bruising when he was hit by the tram while crossing Dandenong Road in the Melbourne suburb of Armadale.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: mightytiges on July 04, 2008, 02:34:11 PM
Still early days but great news that Polly has progressed to rehab at Epworth. I've actually been inside the big rehab room there (as a visitor) and it's not for the squeamish. People with rods and braces sticking in them. Most from road accidents. The staff there do a great job so Polly is in the best hands :clapping. 
Title: Polak was unaware of visit from Freo teammates (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on July 06, 2008, 05:40:10 AM
Graham Polak was unaware of visit from Freo teammates
Jay Clark | July 06, 2008

RICHMOND'S Graham Polak did not recognise close mates Heath Black and Stephen Dodd when they visited him in hospital this week.

Polak, 24, was unable to open his eyes or identify friends and family after Black and Dodd made a rushed trip to visit their seriously injured former teammate.

Black described his shock at seeing Polak's condition less then 36 hours after he was struck by a tram near his Armadale home.

"He's got up, but he still has his eyes shut and he doesn't really acknowledge that anyone's there," Black said on Perth radio this week.

"But he does know what he is doing, so it's quite a weird scenario, but at least he's moving and making some sort of recovery.

"I felt a lot happier to see him, without all the tubes and stuff in him."

A gravely concerned Black and Dodd rushed from Perth after Fremantle's four-point loss to Essendon on Sunday to be by Polak's side.

Related LinksChris missed: A tale of two Eagles
The pair were among a select few who were able to visit the key position player as he recovered from head trauma and severe amnesia.

"It was obviously a fairly traumatic time for all the boys who are friends with 'Polly'," Black said.

"He was in a fetal position sleeping. It was quite an ironic experience because it looked like you could give him a tap and say, 'c'mon mate, wake up, let's go', but that wasn't the case."

Polak has made good progress, being shifted to the Epworth Rehabilitation Centre on Friday.

Polak, who has played 105 AFL games including 73 at Fremantle, will not play football again this season.

Black said helmets should not be made compulsory for players as fears escalate about the rate of head injuries.

He insisted clubs needed to treat head trauma cases, on and off the field, seriously.

"I know after the Collingwood game when I was concussed I was doing all sorts of outrageous stuff in the changerooms," he said.

"The boys were laughing and there was plenty of banter and I was laughing along with them.

"But I didn't know what I was doing, it's a really serious situation."

Richmond officials were still unsure how long he would stay at the Epworth.

His girlfriend, Alyce Oksuz, said on Thursday Polak would be buoyed by the flood of support from fans.

"The Polak family and myself have been overwhelmed with the well-wishers across Australia," Oksuz said.

"Graham will be really grateful for all the support from the football community and public in general.

"I would especially like to thank the Alfred hospital and Richmond Football Club for their heartfelt care.

"We have been amazed and blown away at the cards, emails and flowers from everyone, especially the young Tiger fans."

The defender was on his way to see Oksuz at a nightclub when he was struck by a tram last Saturday night, suffering serious brain injuries.

More than 1000 messages have been posted on the Richmond Football Club website paying tribute to Polak.

There was no change in Polak's condition yesterday.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,23975164-19742,00.html
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Sauce on July 06, 2008, 10:11:24 AM
shame no impprovement but he sounds from everything ive heard to be improving everyday with every little thing he does i really hope he gets well soon for his family and everybody that loves him  :gotigers
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Infamy on July 06, 2008, 10:29:06 AM
Kind of a weird report to be mentioning he hadn't improved but using an example of something that happened not long after he was woken from the coma.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: yellowandback on July 06, 2008, 06:12:28 PM


Lets hope he gets the space he needs from everyone - particularly the media once he is well enough (all going well) to go home.  Vermin like Hutchy will probably camp outside his house when he gets discharged.  Remember when he took the same flight as Cousins when he went for rehab in the states. A disgrace.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: one-eyed on July 07, 2008, 02:32:31 PM
Latest update on Polak from the RFC.... (courtesy of SEN)

* Memory recall has improved. He remembers now some of the Carlton game.
* Quite some time though before he recovers.
* Club has received 1500 messages. Wallace has delivered them to Polak.
* Polak doing okay with the physio and exercise. He's also sleeping well at night.
* Not sure how long Polak will be in rehab at Epworth hospital.
Title: Polak's memory improving (RFC)
Post by: one-eyed on July 07, 2008, 03:40:07 PM
Polak's memory improving
richmondfc.com.au
Mon 07 July, 2008

GRAHAM Polak continues to make progress in his recovery after being hit by a tram nine days ago, with Richmond issuing a statement on Monday afternoon that said the 24-year-old's memory recall "had improved".

Polak has started to recall aspects of the June 28 afternoon game against Carlton, which was the day of his accident.

Coach Terry Wallace said he was "extremely pleased" to see the progress Polak had made since the middle of last week, when he visited the key position player in hospital.

“He still has a long way to go, but he is getting back to being the old Graham we all know," Wallace said.

Richmond club doctor Greg Hickey said: “Graham continues to maintain his improvement. He has been undertaking regular physio and exercise and he is sleeping well at night.”

It is unclear how long Polak will remain at the Epworth Rehabilitation Centre, and it is still expected his recovery process will be lengthy.

Richmond has now received over 1500 messages of support for Polak and his family, with Wallace and director of football Greg Miller delivering some of those messages to Polak today.

http://www.afl.com.au/News/NEWSARTICLE/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=62814
Title: Polak improvement 'amazing': Wallace (RFC)
Post by: one-eyed on July 08, 2008, 06:26:51 PM
Polak improvement 'amazing': Wallace
richmondfc.com.au
By Mic Cullen
Tue 08 July, 2008

RICHMOND coach Terry Wallace says he's amazed at how much Graham Polak has improved in the last week.

The young key defender was hit by a tram after the loss to Carlton and was rushed to hospital with head injuries, but since then has progressed from intensive care at the Alfred Hospital though a normal ward to now being at Epworth Rehabilitation Centre.

"The Graham Polak situation's been disappointing for everyone at the football club and he's part of the family," Wallace said.

"I went and saw him last week, and I really worried – as a layman speaking – about quality of life, let alone anything to do with football.

"But I went back in yesterday and saw him, and the difference between where he was mid-week last week and how he was yesterday, greeting me, shaking my hand, was just fantastic.

"I've really had a spring in my step for the last 24 hours, I'm just so pleased that he's come a long way.

"Look, he's got a long long long way still to go, but geez, the boy that I saw yesterday was Polly – that was the boy who's been with us for the last months.

"From our side of things it's almost buoyant – he's starting to show some really pleasing signs.

"He's still confused with a few bits and pieces along the way, and there's still some missing parts to the jigsaw puzzle, but certainly he's come a long long long way."

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/tabid/6301/Default.aspx?newsid=62895
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Fwoy3 on July 09, 2008, 01:02:51 AM
heartening to hear  :thumbsup :clapping :gotigers
Title: Graham Polak buoys Tigers' coach Terry' Wallace's hopes (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on July 09, 2008, 02:36:24 AM
A little bit info in the Herald-Sun

Graham Polak buoys Tigers' coach Terry' Wallace's hopes
AAP | July 09, 2008

"He [Polak] was speaking about events of Saturday week ago . . . (former captain) Bruce Monteath has a strong WA connection, he knew he'd spoken to Bruce at the function.

"I am a heck of a lot more optimistic on a full recovery now than I was, but he's still got a fair way to go."

Jay Schulz is Polak's likely replacement for Sunday's clash with West Coast at Subiaco.

Wallace said Cleve Hughes, who, along with teammate Jordan McMahon, was with Polak when he was hit by the tram as he crossed Dandenong Rd at the Orrong Rd intersection, was emotionally affected by the incident but would be right to play against the Eagles.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,23991521-19742,00.html
Title: Cleve Hughes to visit Polak (Age)
Post by: one-eyed on July 09, 2008, 02:56:57 AM
Polak health improves and Tigers now seek to heal mental scars
Chloe Saltau | July 9, 2008

CLEVE Hughes yesterday was expected to visit Richmond teammate Graham Polak for the first time since seeing him hit by a tram, and club officials believe the young forward's emotional health has improved enough for him to play against West Coast on Sunday.

The club has gone to great lengths to care for Hughes and Jordan McMahon, the two players who were with Polak at the time, and were particularly concerned about Hughes, 21, who is understood to have been badly traumatised by the experience.

However, the young South Australian, who has been a great improver up forward this season with Matthew Richardson roaming further afield, told Wallace during a training session at Punt Road yesterday that he felt strong enough to visit Polak, who recognised the coach on Monday and shook his hand, and recalled some conversations from the Tigers' centenary function on the night he was injured. In particular, Polak remembered speaking to former Richmond captain Bruce Monteath at the gala dinner.

"Cleve is going to see him (Polak) today, now that he is on the improve. Most of the players have been asked not to go and see him up until this point because he was tiring very, very quickly and getting almost confused in the initial stages of meeting and greeting so many people," said Wallace.

"I went and saw him last week, mid-week, and I was really worried about quality of life, let along anything to do with football. But I went back in yesterday and saw him and the difference between where he was mid-week last week and how he was, greeting me and shaking my hand yesterday, was just fantastic. I have really had a spring in my step the last 24 hours, just so pleased he has come a long way. He has a long, long way to go, but geez, the boy I saw yesterday was 'Polly'."

Both Hughes and McMahon have received counselling through the AFL Players Association and from club psychologist Kim Stephens, and it will not become clear how the players have coped with the trauma until they run out against the Eagles at Subiaco on Sunday.

"It's a pretty traumatic shock for anyone to see one of your mates seriously hurt and bowled over like that," Wallace said. All players have been kept up to date with developments in Polak's health with regular text messages, the tone of which have been more optimistic in the past two days.

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/polaks-health-improves/2008/07/08/1215282835336.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
Title: Tigers set to pep up hurt Polak (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on July 13, 2008, 02:56:51 AM
Tigers set to pep up hurt Polak
Jackie Epstein | July 13, 2008

RICHMOND players will this week begin visiting recovering teammate Graham Polak, with captain Kane Johnson revealing the incident had galvanised the group.

Johnson said the shock was subsiding with news Polak's condition was improving after he suffered serious brain injuries when hit by a tram on June 28.

"Obviously he's feeling a lot better which is a positive," the captain said.

"We just decided as a group we'd let him go for a couple of weeks. Just his immediate family and a couple of his real close mates have been in there, because if we all bombard him at once it's just too hard for him.

"We just need him to get right first and then we'll slowly work our way in there, one by one, or in small groups.

"When you have such a dramatic incident, it doesn't matter what type of thing it is, there's no doubt it actually brings the group closer together.

"We've had a few experiences along the way and they've all been terrific. For such a young group, to be so supportive, it's a real positive."

Polak is on the mend at the Epworth Rehabilitation Centre since coming out of an induced coma.

It is expected he will remain there for a few more weeks.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24009370-19742,00.html
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: mightytiges on July 13, 2008, 07:52:37 PM
Good on the Tiges. They did it for Polly  :clapping. It would be great news if he was able to see even some of it on the tellie.

Of his two best mates, Cleve was quiet but Jordie had his best game at the club.
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: Ekto on July 13, 2008, 08:12:17 PM
Jordy's interview after the game was sensational, especially in reference to Graham Polak still owing him a meal.

I am sure that Graham will have a smile on his face tonight and I bet the boys can't wait to get in to see him and share some highlights with him.  :cheers
Title: Re: Polak in Coma after being hit be tram
Post by: 2JD on July 13, 2008, 09:06:18 PM
What did the banner say in reference to Polak?
Title: Graham Polak kicks footy on road to recovery (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on July 17, 2008, 04:53:54 AM
Graham Polak kicks footy on road to recovery
Carly Crawford | July 17, 2008

INJURED Tiger Graham Polak is striding down the long road to recovery, joking with mates and even kicking a football.

Richmond players have rallied around the key defender, with captain Kane Johnson and midfielder Cameron Howat visiting the 24-year-old at Epworth Hospital in Richmond yesterday.

The Tigers chatted and shared a laugh as they strolled to a rehab unit across the road from the hospital.

With them was Polak's girlfriend Alyce Oksuz, who has barely left his side since the tram accident that left him with a brain injury 20 days ago.

Their short trip offered Richmond fans a rare public glimpse of the crash survivor who, despite his ability to walk unaided, was being moved around in a wheelchair until recently.

'Polly' was spotted soaking up the sun and kicking a football about 10m under the gaze of medics behind the rehab centre this week.

His determination lifted the Tigers to their stunning 77-point win against West Coast at Subiaco on Sunday, a match the team dedicated to their teammate of 18 months.

He is expected to miss the rest of the season.

The teammates who were with him on the night of the crash, Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon, have had counselling and Hughes visited Polak last week.

Polak was placed in an induced coma in the Alfred Hospital after the June 28 accident outside his flat on Dandenong Road.

He had been on his way to meet Oksuz after a club function earlier in the evening.

Six days later - after reaching the milestones of walking alone and eating his first meal - he was transferred to the Epworth for a sustained rehabilitation program.

In the days after the tragedy, he suffered post-traumatic amnesia and had been unable to recognise visitors.

Polak spent most days sleeping.

His recovery has been described by those close to him as a rollercoaster ride, with moments of strong progress and others of grim disappointment.

Wallace said last week he was impressed with the gains Polak had made.

"We had a couple of boys pretty emotional after the game in the rooms, as from our point of view we are a family and Polly is certainly part of that family," Wallace said.

"When one of your family goes down, it's up to everyone to rally around him."

Players kept their distance for about a fortnight, but since then the South Australian has had a steady stream of well-wishers.

Johnson said the accident had galvanised the group.

Richmond club doctor Greg Hickey said Polak was responding well to treatment for post-traumatic amnesia.

"Graham continues to make significant gains. His cognitive function is improving and the outlook remains positive," Dr Hickey said.

It is not known how long Polak will have to stay at the Epworth Rehabilitation Centre, but Dr Hickey said Oksuz and Polak's family visited daily and his progress was very positive so far.

The Richmond Football Club said yesterday Polak had received more than 2000 messages of support from fans since the accident.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24032894-19742,00.html
Title: Re: Graham Polak kicks footy on road to recovery (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on July 17, 2008, 04:55:18 AM
Pic of Polly outside Epworth yesterday with Sugar and Cam....

(http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6149715,00.jpg)
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: mightytiges on July 17, 2008, 05:20:14 AM
How good a sight is that to see Polly walking around. What great news  :thumbsup.
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: Moi on July 17, 2008, 06:15:09 AM
That is an awesome sight  :thumbsup
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: Tigermonk on July 17, 2008, 09:14:15 AM
yes very encourageing to see him up & about, also reading that his having a little kick.
can just see him banging one of them polly filled footballs around the hospital ward like my son bangs around the house here, it would be funny but l reckon it would be great therapy for him  ;D  :lol
l will send him one down so he can have a play  :thumbsup
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: richmondrules on July 20, 2008, 06:14:02 PM

Graham Polak to be home soon
Article from: Sunday Herald Sun

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24046043-2862,00.html

Jackie Epstein

July 20, 2008 12:00am

RECOVERING Tiger Graham Polak could be home in two weeks to continue his recovery after he was hit by a tram.

Polak, 24, was making strong progress in his rehabilitation after suffering brain injuries when he was hit by a tram on June 28.

Club spokesperson Judith Donnelly said Polak was "getting better every day" but still had a long way to go in his recovery.

"Contrary to reports earlier this week, he is not running around kicking a football," she said.

"The doctors are very pleased with his progress and our club doctor Greg Hickey continues to liaise with the staff at the Epworth Rehab Centre."

Polak was still being monitored for post-traumatic amnesia, but was eating and exercising well,

The teammates who were with Polak on the night of the accident, Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon, visited him last week.
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: mightytiges on July 21, 2008, 03:22:22 AM
I know we're only getting media reports but it's all sounding positive for Polly's recovery which is great to hear :). 
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: one-eyed on July 22, 2008, 02:17:56 PM
Patto on Polly today

Graham Polak is also on the road to recovery, with the defender continuing to show signs of improvement from the brain bruising he sustained just over three weeks ago when he was struck by a tram.

"I'm going in to see him today," Pattison said.

"He's going really well. The doctors are all very happy with his signs and stuff like that so hopefully he gets better as soon as possible."

http://afl.com.au/News/NEWSARTICLE/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=63844
Title: Polak is now at home
Post by: one-eyed on July 30, 2008, 12:41:17 PM
Polak has gone home today  :thumbsup 32 days after colliding with a tram. He's still not right enough to publicly speak about the accident but Terry is thrilled with the news.
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: one-eyed on July 30, 2008, 12:48:16 PM
The good news is now on the RFC site

Polak goes home
richmondfc.com.au
By Mic Cullen
12:26 PM Wed 30 July, 2008

RICHMOND'S Graham Polak has left hospital and is now at home.

Polak was hit by a tram in late June and was initially held in a medically-induced coma, but has steadily improved to the extent that he was allowed to go home for several hours to watch his beloved Tigers play a couple of Saturdays ago.

Coach Terry Wallace said he was rapt with the news that the 24-year-old had improved enough to be allowed to continue his rehabilitation from home.

"We are thrilled that Graham has been able to show doctors at the Epworth Rehab Centre enough positive signs that he can return home," he said on Tuesday.

"Graham still has a long way to go in his recovery, but this is considered another positive step."

Polak hasn't been into the club since the accident, although Wallace expects that to happen soon.

"No, not as yet. I think he's just continuing on with his rehabilitation.

"I would think within the next fortnight that rehabilitation will be conducted down at the footy club."

http://afl.com.au/News/NEWSARTICLE/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=64407
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: mightytiges on July 30, 2008, 10:03:00 PM
I know there's a long way to go just for Polly to recover just to have a normal life let alone play elite football but how good a news is this over the past 2 days. All positive for Polly :thumbsup. 
Title: Polak home, begins rehab (Age)
Post by: one-eyed on July 31, 2008, 03:53:50 AM
Polak home, begins rehab
Martin Boulton | July 31, 2008

RICHMOND defender Graham Polak has been discharged from hospital nearly a month after he was struck by a tram.

The 24-year-old spent weeks recovering from bruising to his brain at the Epworth rehabilitation centre after being treated first at The Alfred Hospital.

Richmond doctor Greg Hickey said Polak still had a very long way to go and would have extensive rehabilitation in the coming weeks.

In his second season at Punt Road, Polak was struck by the tram near his home in Armadale on June 28.

He was brought out of a medically induced coma two days later.

Polak emerged from post-traumatic amnesia two weeks ago, giving his doctor, John Olver, the first chance to assess the brain injury.

Soon afterwards he was able to watch the Tigers beat Essendon at home on television.

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/polak-able-to-go-home/2008/07/30/1217097331651.html
Title: Polak watched training today
Post by: one-eyed on August 01, 2008, 12:43:47 PM
Polak surprised everyone by turning up to watch training at Punt Rd today  :thumbsup.
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: one-eyed on August 01, 2008, 12:47:59 PM
Polak's presence spurs teammates
richmondfc.com.au
By David Reed
11:30 AM Fri 01 August, 2008

WOUNDED Tiger Graham Polak made a surprise appearance at Punt Road on Friday morning, his first since he was hit by a tram in late June.

Polak sat in the stands with manager Paul Connors while the Tigers went through their final paces before this weekend's clash with Geelong.

His teammates were obviously buoyed by his presence as they approached the defender one-by-one.

"It is fantastic," assistant coach Brian Royal said.

"We were a bit surprised, we knew that Graham had got of hospital on Wednesday but for Graham to walk into the club was overwhelming for the players.

"It's just terrific to see Graham back. [But] we realise he has got an enormous amount of work [to do] in his recovery."

Royal added that Polak's return to the club would give the side a lift for the game against the Cats and that the Tigers had taken heart from their performance in round eight, when they were able to match the reigning premiers for half of the game.

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/tabid/6301/Default.aspx?newsid=64591
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: one-eyed on August 01, 2008, 01:17:21 PM
(http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6175580,00.jpg) (http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6175505,00.jpg)
Picture: Mark Smith
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: mightytiges on August 01, 2008, 02:48:38 PM
They showed Polly at Punt Rd on the news updates. Fantastic positive news  :thumbsup.
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: the_boy_jake on August 01, 2008, 02:49:26 PM
Remarkable recovery.  :thumbsup

The young fella who reportedly administered first aid is the real hero and should be publically congratulated. Its convinced me that its time to do a first aid refresher course.
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: shannon on August 01, 2008, 03:05:39 PM
lets hope polak showing his happy face at training inspires the boys to a massive win tomorrow
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: Ox on August 01, 2008, 03:15:05 PM
Brings a tear to my eye :thumbsup
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: WilliamPowell on August 01, 2008, 03:23:26 PM
Best news the RFC has had all week

Bloody fantastic

Well done Polly  :thumbsup
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: mightytiges on August 01, 2008, 08:06:51 PM
The amazing thing from the news footage is if you didn't know what happened you wouldn't have guessed there was anything still wrong from a quality of life point of view. He was chatting away and laughing with Vickery and signing autographs for kids who came up to him and then at the end casually walked inside the rooms. Just incredible.
Title: Polak makes a welcome return to Tigerland (The Age)
Post by: one-eyed on August 02, 2008, 03:32:31 AM
Polak makes a welcome return to Tigerland
Lyall Johnson | August 2, 2008

BEFORE Richmond took to Subiaco Oval three weeks ago to thump West Coast, the Tiger players were told their injured backman, Graham Polak, who had suffered serious head injuries when struck by a tram, would be watching from his hospital bed in Melbourne.

As the Tigers overran the Eagles following a slow start, television commentators could be heard to muse whether the thought of their stricken teammate looking on had somehow given them a boost.

If indeed it did, then get your money on Richmond to knock off the Cats today after Polak made a surprise visit to Punt Road Oval yesterday morning for the first time since he left the Epworth Hospital on Wednesday to watch his teammates train.

Polak arrived with his manager, Paul Connors, and watched training for half an hour before moving into the gym to renew acquaintances with his teammates.

There he spoke with almost all the players and coaches, appearing relaxed and very pleased to be back in the rooms and among them.

When the team was called in for a team meeting, Polak was invited along and shared jokes with the group before listening as further plans were laid out for today's clash with the Cats.

Speaking after training, assistant coach Brian Royal said Polak's appearance had been a pleasant surprise for the club.

"It's fantastic. We were a bit surprised. We knew that Graham had got out of hospital on Wednesday but for Graham to walk into the club was overwhelming for the players and it's just terrific to see him back," Royal said.

"It's been a tough few weeks with everything that's happened with Graham and happened to the Richmond Football Club, so to see Graham walk into the rooms this morning just put a smile on everyone's face."

Royal said Polak's unscheduled appearance was probably part of his rehabilitation and that he has "got an enormous amount of work in his recovery" before there can be any thought of returning to football, if, indeed, that is what Polak wants to do, or is able to do.

"I went and saw Graham probably about a week after the accident happened and he was probably in a pretty ordinary state at that stage and to see him now and where he's come, he's come a long way but I guess we all realise he's got a long way to go and as a footy club, we have got to be very, very supportive of Graham in whichever direction that takes him," Royal said.

But will it translate to a lift for the Tigers against the Cats?

"I hope it does," Royal said. 'Geelong are a very, very good football side, so every one per cent we can gain …

"No doubt we're all feeling really happy for Graham — he's made the place a happier place because he's come back."

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/polak-makes-a-welcome-return-to-tigerland/2008/08/01/1217097534924.html
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: bushranger on August 02, 2008, 03:08:30 PM
That was so bloody good to see him back home. So just how long will he be out for now? I would think for the rest of this year and when he comes back will he need to wear a helmet for the rest of his football life?
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: one-eyed on August 19, 2008, 06:00:32 PM
Ch 10 news said there's more positive news for the Tigers as Polly is continuing to do his rehab in the club pool and gym  :).
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: 2JD on August 19, 2008, 07:10:37 PM
Ch 10 news said there's more positive news for the Tigers as Polly is continuing to do his rehab in the club pool and gym  :).

That sure is great news!!!! :thumbsup
Hmmm I wonder if we can start an argument about this????? ;D
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: mightytiges on August 20, 2008, 12:01:55 AM
Ch 10 news said there's more positive news for the Tigers as Polly is continuing to do his rehab in the club pool and gym  :).

That sure is great news!!!! :thumbsup
Hmmm I wonder if we can start an argument about this????? ;D
lol

Fingers crossed Polly continues to make good progress in his recovery. So far it's been all positive news along the way  :thumbsup.
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: bushranger on August 20, 2008, 07:01:56 PM
I'm so pleased for him and his recovery. He might be fit and well for next year. Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: one-eyed on August 21, 2008, 09:38:50 PM
Lyon and Brayshaw on the footy show saying there's been some "issues" for Polak this week and Hutchy will talk about it later on in the show.
Title: Herald-Sun accused of forcing Polak to give an exclusive interview
Post by: one-eyed on August 21, 2008, 10:18:57 PM
Polak has done an interview with the Sunday Herald-Sun. RFC and the AFLPA are upset that it's an invasion of privacy. Benny Gale said Polly doesn't remember the interview and Gale said the interview should not be published. Gale said it sets a bad precident. There's a meeting tomorrow to settle the issue.

The Herald-Sun rejects any claim they pressured Polak into giving an interview. They called him and he invited them back later and welcomed them in his home. They said Polak spoke openly and at length about his recovery and the support he's received from. The Sunday Hun also produced a photo of Polak smiling standing next to the journo.

Hutchy said Polly's still training in the RFC's gym and pool.
Title: Re: Herald-Sun accused of forcing Polak to give an exclusive interview
Post by: mightytiges on August 21, 2008, 10:40:28 PM
Benny Gale said Polly doesn't remember the interview
:(
Title: Richmond furious as newspaper 'bullies' injured player Polak into interview
Post by: one-eyed on August 22, 2008, 02:38:22 AM
Richmond furious as newspaper 'bullies' injured player Polak into interview
Ben Doherty | The Age | August 22, 2008

INJURED Richmond footballer Graham Polak — still recovering from being hit by a tram in June and unlikely to play football again — is caught in the middle of an angry stand-off between his club and a major Melbourne newspaper.

Richmond is furious at what it has described as the "gutter journalism" of the Sunday Herald Sun, which sent a reporter to Polak's house on Wednesday and "bullied" him into an interview.

The club threatened to hold a press conference with Polak today to scupper the paper's exclusive, but that was withdrawn because of doctors' advice that Polak was not ready to participate in interviews.

On Wednesday, Richmond claims, Sunday Herald Sun reporter Stephen Drill arrived unannounced at Polak's house, asking for an interview.

After being refused, Drill left but returned several hours later with a photographer dressed in Richmond club clothing.

The club says Polak "felt extremely pressured, confused and uncomfortable" and agreed to an interview under duress.

He was said to be upset and stressed and has told club officials he was confused and remembers nothing of what he said.

Despite making good progress, Polak has not returned to full brain function after being struck by a tram on Dandenong Road hours after the club's centenary celebration match against Carlton on June 28.

His girlfriend, Alyce Oksuz, who arrived home on Wednesday as the interview was finishing, said she initially thought the photographer and reporter were from the club's website because the photographer was dressed in Richmond gear.

Richmond has demanded that the Sunday Herald Sun pull the story, and club officials, Polak's manager Paul Connors and Polak are meeting newspaper representatives today. "We just hope that common sense prevails and they don't run the story," Connors said last night.

The club has also threatened to boycott the paper, in scenes reminiscent of last year's stand-off between Channel Seven and AFL players over the leaked medical records affair.

There could also be a broader boycott of the newspaper by Richmond players, players in Connor's management stable, which includes stars Chris Judd and Jimmy Bartel, or even AFL players generally.

Chief executive of the AFL Players Association Brendan Gale said media organisations had been told Polak could not give interviews, and that Melbourne's "football media" deserved credit for respecting that.

"But here, we're talking about repeated intrusions, we're talking about arriving unannounced at his home," he said. "We're not talking about a bloke who's broken a law or failed to meet community standards. We're talking about a bloke with a serious brain injury, a bloke that is extremely vulnerable, and a bloke whose representatives have told the media ad infinitum that he's not in a position to be conducting interviews. In that context, it's extremely disappointing."

Richmond said Drill was told that Polak was unable to grant interviews. Neither Sunday Herald Sun editor Simon Pristel nor Stephen Drill returned calls from The Age yesterday.

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/polak-bullied-into-interview/2008/08/21/1219262414261.html
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: Moi on August 22, 2008, 05:05:55 AM
They're a disgrace  :banghead
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: 2JD on August 22, 2008, 07:04:35 AM
Absolute vultures! >:(
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: moose on August 22, 2008, 07:25:14 AM
it is a worry though that polly cannot remember it, real worry
Title: Re: Herald-Sun accused of forcing Polak to give an exclusive interview
Post by: WilliamPowell on August 22, 2008, 08:31:30 AM
Benny Gale said Polly doesn't remember the interview
:(

it is a worry though that polly cannot remember it, real worry

They had his manager Paul Connors on SEN just before 8.00am and Connors said the reports that "Polak could not remember doing the the interview" were not quite accurate.

Connors said that Graham remembers doing the interview but cannot remember everything he said in the interview, which his doctors have said is normal with this type of brain injury. Short term memory loss is common.

He also went onto to say that is the reason the medicos have said Graham is not to do any interviews because of the short term memory issues. The medicos have said he can give interviews but the fact that he is unlikely to remember all parts of it at this stage of his recovery means it may cause anxiety and at this stage of recovery this not in Polak's best interests.

Hence, why the want the story pulled because as Connors said Graham is already upset about it because he felt he was bullied and he cannot remember all parts of the interview.





If the HUN cannot see that running this story could hinder the blokes recovery then..... but then again we are talking about the media :banghead :banghead

Title: Re: Polak
Post by: Go Richo 12 on August 22, 2008, 02:04:49 PM
Herald-Sun editor on 3aw this morning said Alyce was home and that the interview was conducted with Polly's permission. Stated they would not pull interview unless requested by Polly. Believed everything was above board.

Polly's girlfriend was on 3aw later, stating she only arrived at the end of the interview and was under the impression that they were official richmond reporters. Polly is under doctors orders not to conduct interviews as it is detrimental to his recovery. They did not introduce themselves as is practice and only left a business card when requested by Alyce.
Title: Graham Polak set for full recovery says girlfriend Alyce Oksuz (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on August 22, 2008, 05:43:19 PM
Graham Polak set for full recovery says girlfriend Alyce Oksuz
Matthew Schulz | Herald-Sun | August 22, 2008 10:50am

RICHMOND'S Graham Polak is set to make a full recovery from brain injuries suffered after he was hit by a tram, his girlfriend says.

The Tigers defender suffered a bruised brain after being hit by a tram outside his Armadale home on June 28.

He was placed in an induced coma and was treated in intensive care at the Alfred Hospital after the freak accident, before making quick progress in his recovery and being moved to the Epworth Rehabilitation Centre.

After a month in hospital and several more weeks convalescing at home, model girlfriend Alyce Oksuz said she was confident he would make a full recovery.

Asked if he was likely to return to professional footy on Radio 3AW today, she said “absolutely”.

“The brain was damaged, bruised, and it takes a long time for the brain to heal.

“So as it does heal he will definitely get out of this state of confusion.

“Compared to what he was even two weeks ago, his confusion is so much better and his memory is so much better.

And in a positive sign for family and fans, Ms Oksuz said that Polak was mostly in fine form.

She said 90 per cent of time he was fine but he had “moments where he was confused, especially in the afternoon”

But things were not always so positive soon after the accident, she said.

“They couldn’t even tell me that he’d live.

“Obviously just number one was for him to survive, and then after that I got selfish and wanted him to be 100 per cent.

“He couldn’t even tell me that he’d live, he’s a very lucky boy.

“Considering that he got hit by a tram he’s doing very well, I think.

Polak was a 2003 Rising Star nominee and drafted to the Tigers from Fremantle.

He played all 22 games for the Tigers last year.

Meantime, Sunday Herald Sun editor Simon Pristel has rejected suggestions Polak was tricked into giving an exclusive interview to with the newspaper to be published this weekend.

This follows claims on Channel Nine's Footy Show that Polak could not remember the interview because of brain damage sustained in the accident.

3AW presenter Neil Mitchell said the newspaper had acted unethically by taking advantage of someone suffering a brain injury.

But Mr Pristel told the radio station that Polak had agreed to a request for an interview with reporter Stephen Drill, and had even given the reporter his mobile phone number.

"If at any point during this he'd said I don't want to do an interview we would have gone away."

"We have not tricked or harassed or bullied him in any way."

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24223013-19742,00.html
Title: Herald-Sun won't run Polak interview
Post by: one-eyed on August 22, 2008, 05:44:40 PM
Paper won't run Polak interview
Mex Cooper | The Age | August 22, 2008 - 5:14PM

The Sunday Herald-Sun has backed down from publishing an interview with injured Richmond footballer Graham Polak.

Richmond Football Club yesterday accused Sunday Herald-Sun reporter Stephen Drill of bullying Polak into an interview with the newspaper.

Polak is recovering from a brain injury after being hit by a tram in June.

The club said he had initially refused to be interviewed but agreed under duress after the journalist twice visited his house uninvited, once with a photographer dressed in Richmond club clothing.

Despite the club's allegations and threats to boycott the paper, it today issued a statement saying it accepted the interview had been conducted in "good faith" and that Polak had invited the reporter into his home after agreeing to talk.

Polak's model girlfriend Alyce Oksuz told 3AW Radio today that Polak had felt pressured to let the reporter and photographer into their home.

She said Polak suffered short-term memory loss and was a "little bit scared" about what he had said during the interview which he couldn't recall.

"Graham didn't really understand what was going on," she said.

She said she had believed the reporter and photographer were from the Richmond Football Club when she arrived to find them taking photos of Polak.

"I just figured they were going to put it on the Richmond website," she said.

Ms Oksuz said Polak was not ready to speak to the media despite making progress in his recovery.

"It's such a long process but considering where he was at the start to where he is now he's doing amazing and he's in such good spirits, I'm really proud of him," she said.

The club released the statement after Richmond chief executive officer, Steven Wright, and Polak met Sunday Herald-Sun editor, Simon Pristel, today.

"Mr Pristel said that while the newspaper had done nothing wrong in gaining the interview, he has agreed not to publish after hearing personally from Graham," the statement read.

"Mr Pristel categorically rejected there had been any bullying or intimidation of Graham and all parties agreed that Graham's health and wellbeing was of paramount importance."

Mr Wright and Polak's manager, Paul Connors, thanked the newspaper for agreeing not to publish the article "clearly in the best interests of Graham's recovery".

AFL Players' Association chief executive, Brendon Gale, told the Footy Show last night that he believed Polak could not recall what he had said to the journalist.

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/paper-wont-run-polak-story/2008/08/22/1219262511356.html
Title: Re: Herald-Sun accused of forcing Polak to give an exclusive interview
Post by: moose on August 22, 2008, 06:42:03 PM
Benny Gale said Polly doesn't remember the interview
:(

it is a worry though that polly cannot remember it, real worry

They had his manager Paul Connors on SEN just before 8.00am and Connors said the reports that "Polak could not remember doing the the interview" were not quite accurate.

Connors said that Graham remembers doing the interview but cannot remember everything he said in the interview, which his doctors have said is normal with this type of brain injury. Short term memory loss is common.

He also went onto to say that is the reason the medicos have said Graham is not to do any interviews because of the short term memory issues. The medicos have said he can give interviews but the fact that he is unlikely to remember all parts of it at this stage of his recovery means it may cause anxiety and at this stage of recovery this not in Polak's best interests.

Hence, why the want the story pulled because as Connors said Graham is already upset about it because he felt he was bullied and he cannot remember all parts of the interview.





If the HUN cannot see that running this story could hinder the blokes recovery then..... but then again we are talking about the media :banghead :banghead



cheers for clearing that up wp, things are not that great but at least much more positive
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: one-eyed on August 23, 2008, 03:24:04 AM
Herald-Sun's version

----------------------------------
Polak meets with Sunday Herald Sun
August 22, 2008 03:45pm

THE Richmond Football Club, Sunday Herald Sun and Graham Polak met today at the invitation of Sunday Herald Sun editor Simon Pristel.

At that meeting, it was acknowledged by all parties that the recent interview with Polak was conducted in good faith as Polak accepted the request of the reporter and invited the newspaper into his home to conduct the interview.

Pristel said that while the newspaper had done nothing wrong in gaining the interview, he has agreed not to publish after hearing personally from Polak.

Pristel categorically rejected that there had been any bullying or intimidation of Polak and all parties agreed that Polak's health and well being was of paramount importance.

Richmond Football Club CEO Steven Wright and Polak's manager Paul Connors thanked the Sunday Herald Sun for listening to Polak and acting responsibly in agreeing not to publish the article as that was clearly in the best interests of Polak’s recovery.

Pristel said that he was pleased that the matter had been resolved and looked forward to working closely with Richmond and Connors in the future.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24224359-19742,00.html
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: one-eyed on August 23, 2008, 06:43:45 PM
Polly was at the 'G today watching the game  :thumbsup.
Title: Happy Graham Polak joins Tigers' victory joy (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on August 24, 2008, 03:39:52 AM
Happy Graham Polak joins Tigers' victory joy
Herald-Sun | August 24, 2008

(http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6213957,00.jpg)

GRAHAM Polak returned to the MCG for the first time in eight weeks yesterday and was delighted to see his Tiger teammates triumph in a hard-fought clash.

The brave defender appeared in his element as he continued his rehabilitation from injuries received when he was hit by a tram on June 28.

Polak was waiting in the rooms to congratulate his teammates as they entered after the game.

And the injured star was all smiles as he stood behind the circle of Richmond players singing the club's song.

His great day out - watching Richmond overcome his former club, Fremantle, by seven points -- came a day after the Sunday Herald Sun decided not to publish an interview Polak gave to the newspaper.

The Sunday Herald Sun made the decision after meeting Polak on Friday.

After days of misinformation about his controversial interview, this newspaper can clarify:

THE Sunday Herald Sun's reporter approached Polak for an interview at his home on Wednesday.

POLAK was keen to talk and invited the newspaper to return at noon on Thursday. Later on Wednesday, he phoned the reporter to say he would do it then.

NEITHER reporter Stephen Drill nor photographer Darren Tindale wore Richmond colours -- Tindale was wearing a blue-and-yellow jacket of the Banyule Bears junior football club, for whom his children play.

POLAK appeared well during the interview and was happy to pose with long-term girlfriend Alyce Oksuz.

LATER that evening Richmond Football Club called the Sunday Herald Sun, expressing its concern about the interview.

THE Sunday Herald Sun agreed to Polak's request on Friday not to run the interview. The newspaper agreed it was in the best interests of his recovery.

AFL Players' Association chief Brendan Gale said: "I applaud the Sunday Herald Sun for deciding not to run the story.

"It is the right and responsible decision and the regard they have shown to Graham's health and welfare at this time is pleasing."

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24230842-2862,00.html
Title: Why we supported Graham Polak (Sunday Herald-Sun editorial)
Post by: one-eyed on August 24, 2008, 03:41:45 AM
Why we supported Graham Polak
Editorial | Sunday Herald Sun | August 24, 2008

EVERYONE has had a say on the Graham Polak issue. Now it's time to get down to facts.

Graham Polak's health and rehabilitation was always this newspaper's primary concern.

Despite outrageous lies peddled by other media - notably The Age and its sister radio station 3AW - there was no bullying, no intimidation and no coercion used by this newspaper to gain an interview with the recovering Richmond footballer.

The Richmond Football Club has verified that Graham accepted our reporter's request for an interview. He phoned this newspaper and invited Stephen Drill into his home.

Graham spoke to us for more than an hour about many subjects, including his truly inspirational comeback from the tram accident that almost ended his life.

He spoke of his desire to again play AFL football, how much he enjoyed watching the Olympics - especially the feats of his heroes Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt - and was anxious to thank football fans for the tremendous support they have given him.

One of the more outrageous lies in The Age was that our photographer, Darren Tindale, was wearing Richmond gear.

That's just nonsense. Darren was wearing a blue and yellow Banyule Junior Football Club jacket, a club of which he is president. The Age did not let that fact get in the way of its attack on this newspaper.

We believed that an interview with Graham would inspire many Victorians. In the end, after speaking personally with Graham, we decided in the best interests of his ongoing recovery not to publish the interview. It is, we believe, the right decision.

We look forward to continue working with Richmond Football Club and Graham as he returns to full health. We wish him well.

theeditor@sundayheraldsun.com.au

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24229917-24218,00.html
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: torch on August 24, 2008, 08:52:04 PM
Great to see Polak walking. not pleasing to hear about him forgetting things. :(

but hearing what Terry Wallace said on SEN before the Fremantle match.

Polak may not play AFL again.
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: one-eyed on August 25, 2008, 11:53:03 PM
While Caro was having a go at the Sunday Herald-Sun tonight she mentioned Polak still only has 85% brain capacity.
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: Moi on August 26, 2008, 12:06:46 AM
While Caro was having a go at the Sunday Herald-Sun tonight she mentioned Polak still only has 85% brain capacity.
Archer said Caro would have gone and interviewed him.  Got a high opinion of her methinks  :nope

Funny, no-one asked Craig Hutchison if he would have  :lol
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: Infamy on August 26, 2008, 12:33:26 AM
Very harsh call by Archer on Caro, I don't like her much at all, but I don't think she'd have done what Drill the Dill did
Title: Tigers steel for the worst with Polak (Age)
Post by: one-eyed on August 27, 2008, 03:30:05 AM
Tigers steel for the worst with Polak
Lyall Johnson | August 27, 2008

IN A season that provided enough positives for the Richmond Football Club to consider it a successful year despite not making the finals, the tragic brain injury to Graham Polak in June was far and away the lowlight, coach Terry Wallace admitted yesterday.

Polak was at training again yesterday to watch his teammates prepare for their final game of the season against Melbourne on Sunday and was in the rooms last Saturday after the Tigers defeated Fremantle. Yet his progress in recovering from being hit by a tram has been gradual and remains far from complete.

And, given that slow progress, Wallace admitted one of the toughest decisions the club was already steeling itself for was potentially having to tell Polak he was no longer a required player.

Everyone around Tigerland hopes such an eventuality would not come to pass; that Polak would, indeed, make a full recovery and return to normal life on and off the field. He is still contracted till the end of 2009.

But Wallace admitted yesterday that with the medical data still inconclusive about the 24-year-old's health and future, the club, realistically, had to at least prepare for the worst as much as it would hope for the best.

"Yeah we do," said Wallace when asked whether the club had to soon start thinking about Polak's future at Richmond.

"We'll wait till the end of the season, but we'll get as much medical data as what we possibly can to make those decisions. But it is one that's not clear, it's not clear-cut that he either will or he won't (recover fully and play football again).

"We have got to get the appropriate medical data, speak to the AFL and see where that sort of sits.

"He's contracted for another 12 months. So that's the scenario there. Once we get the data in, we will sit down and work through all that. We don't actually really know."

Such a process was an extremely sad and unpleasant one for the club, which had well and truly adopted "Polly", a native West Australian. Wallace conceded it would be one of the toughest the club would have made in recent memory if it came to pass. In the meantime, his teammates and others around Punt Road Oval were heartened every time Polak walked into the clubrooms, as he did yesterday.

Wallace said, "putting my coach's hat on", before his accident, Polak had started to emerge as the type of player Richmond had hoped he would become when they brought him to the club at the end of the 2006 season. His absence from the field since the accident had affected the development of younger players.

"We got him across as a player that we thought could clearly impact and play at either end of the ground for us as a strong key position player, right at the right age. When he went out of the side he was our second-leading contested-mark player and starting to play some good footy for us," Wallace said.

"He hadn't absolutely established himself to the levels that we wanted, but we clearly saw signs that that was coming. I think Jack Riewoldt has probably not quite been the player in the last five or six weeks because he hasn't had quite the support.

"Clearly there is a bigger aspect than that and that (is) his health and wellbeing. We (still) don't know where that sits to the top end of it from being 100% right, and I don't think anyone could sit and give you any clarity on where that sits for the future.

"But it's great to see him here smiling and reasonably OK, to be working through."

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/tigers-steel-for-the-worst-with-polak/2008/08/26/1219516471703.html
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: mightytiges on August 28, 2008, 02:49:24 PM
Polly was at Punt Rd again today. He looked okay and in good spirits too today  :).
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: one-eyed on August 31, 2008, 02:09:19 PM
Caro said we're trying to get Polak onto our rookie list like Essendon did with Rama. She doesn't believe he'll play footy even again but he should get his health back.
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: mightytiges on September 11, 2008, 07:28:42 PM
Benny Gale said tonight on 3aw that Richmond hasn't applied to the AFL yet to seek special permission to place Polak on our rookie list but he's heard on the grapevine that we will go down the path. Gale said so it should be the case and the AFLPA will help us out.

Presumably we'll sort it out by the date when rookies need to be nominated.
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: Ekto on September 11, 2008, 09:42:38 PM
I have it on good authority that Polak is training really hard at Punt Rd while the rest of the Tigers enjoy their holiday and he is making good progress back to full health.

Don't write him off to the rookie list yet because he is busting his gut to get back to full playing capability.

But if it takes a year on the rookie list to achieve it, then so be it.
Title: Tigers keep Polak on list (Age)
Post by: one-eyed on September 24, 2008, 03:08:16 AM
Playing for time, Tigers keep Polak on list
Michael Gleeson | September 24, 2008

GRAHAM Polak will remain on Richmond's list next year as the club waits on his recovery, hoping that he might yet be able to resume his AFL playing career.

The club has thus far decided not to seek a special concession from the AFL to allow Polak to be moved on to the rookie list while he battles to recover from the head injuries received in a collision with a tram earlier this year.

"Graham will stay on the list. We just need to give him enough time to recover and find out to what level he can get to and I don't think anyone at the moment can give us that definitive answer. So we are going to give him every chance he can to play again," Richmond's new general manager of football, Craig Cameron, said yesterday.

"We have spoken to the AFLPA (the players' association) in terms of how we can help Graham but we haven't gone down the path of talking to the AFL in terms of special assistance at this point because we want to give Graham every chance and we don't want to say to Graham: 'You are off the list, there is nothing for you to aim at.' "

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/tigers-keep-polak-on-list/2008/09/23/1221935640785.html
Title: Re: Polak to remain on our list
Post by: mightytiges on September 24, 2008, 12:09:52 PM
Pleased to hear Polly will stay on our list but I don't understand why being on the rookie list wouldn't still give him something to aim at. As long as the Club paid his expenses and abided by his existing contract then what's the difference as he's not going to play next year. I would've thought being on the rookie list and not taking up a senior list spot would take away the pressure to comeback (if he does  :-\) quickly and say to Polly take as much time as you need to recover and then we'll take it from there at the end of next year.

Also if we only delist the mimimum 3 players (Tivs, Hyde, Petts?) then this will mean we'll only have 3 draft picks in the last uncompromised draft :-\.
Title: Re: Polak to remain on our list
Post by: blaisee on September 24, 2008, 03:00:01 PM
Pleased to hear Polly will stay on our list but I don't understand why being on the rookie list wouldn't still give him something to aim at. As long as the Club paid his expenses and abided by his existing contract then what's the difference as he's not going to play next year. I would've thought being on the rookie list and not taking up a senior list spot would take away the pressure to comeback (if he does  :-\) quickly and say to Polly take as much time as you need to recover and then we'll take it from there at the end of next year.

Also if we only delist the mimimum 3 players (Tivs, Hyde, Petts?) then this will mean we'll only have 3 draft picks in the last uncompromised draft :-\.

agree with this

No reason why it wont still happen though.

LTI list is still an option of course
Title: Re: Polak to remain on our list
Post by: mightytiges on September 24, 2008, 10:46:11 PM
No reason why it wont still happen though.

LTI list is still an option of course
That's true. We could keep Collard on the rookie list with the intention of promoting him just prior to round 1 moving Polly to the LTI list. The only problem with that is we would still reduce the number of National draft picks we could have by one as Polly will be taking up a spot on the senior list. In terms of draft day the Club would be better off getting permission from the AFL to put Polly on our rookie list. The Club still have to October 31 to do it by so there's plenty of time even if we wait until after trade week (Oct 6-10).
Title: Re: Polak to remain on our list
Post by: Darth Tiger on September 24, 2008, 11:58:14 PM
No reason why it wont still happen though.

LTI list is still an option of course
That's true. We could keep Collard on the rookie list with the intention of promoting him just prior to round 1 moving Polly to the LTI list. The only problem with that is we would still reduce the number of National draft picks we could have by one as Polly will be taking up a spot on the senior list. In terms of draft day the Club would be better off getting permission from the AFL to put Polly on our rookie list. The Club still have to October 31 to do it by so there's plenty of time even if we wait until after trade week (Oct 6-10).

Is an elevated rookie supposed to be subject to an 8 week notification, or does that apply only during the season proper ?

Similarly, we could invoke the Howat principle ...
Title: Re: Polak to remain on our list
Post by: mightytiges on September 25, 2008, 12:29:25 AM
No reason why it wont still happen though.

LTI list is still an option of course
That's true. We could keep Collard on the rookie list with the intention of promoting him just prior to round 1 moving Polly to the LTI list. The only problem with that is we would still reduce the number of National draft picks we could have by one as Polly will be taking up a spot on the senior list. In terms of draft day the Club would be better off getting permission from the AFL to put Polly on our rookie list. The Club still have to October 31 to do it by so there's plenty of time even if we wait until after trade week (Oct 6-10).

Is an elevated rookie supposed to be subject to an 8 week notification, or does that apply only during the season proper ?

Similarly, we could invoke the Howat principle ...
From my understanding if the injured player is placed on the LTI list then he has to remain on it for 8 weeks. Once done the promotion of the rookie can occur at any time after that. IIRC we promoted Howat in the week leading into the Round 1 Carlton game this year after placing Cogs on the LTI list.
Title: Re: Polak to remain on our list
Post by: one-eyed on October 13, 2008, 04:50:21 PM
From BF:

He [Polak] wants to be paid his contracted amount for next year.
Rama agreed to be paid a rookie wage for the season he missed.
You can only go on the rookie list if you are paid a rookie wage.
So Polak stays on the senior list and then will go onto the long term injury list to allow an upgraded rookie.

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508593
Title: Re: Polak
Post by: Judge Roughneck on October 13, 2008, 05:25:19 PM
While Caro was having a go at the Sunday Herald-Sun tonight she mentioned Polak still only has 85% brain capacity.

At least he's stil ahead of Caro..
Title: Re: Polak to remain on our list
Post by: tigersalive on October 13, 2008, 08:06:25 PM
From BF:

He [Polak] wants to be paid his contracted amount for next year.
Rama agreed to be paid a rookie wage for the season he missed.
You can only go on the rookie list if you are paid a rookie wage.
So Polak stays on the senior list and then will go onto the long term injury list to allow an upgraded rookie.

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508593

You do realise the members history you quoted that from is serial troll Hawker 44, yes a Hawthorn supporter?

It's a waste of time considering it to be true and i dont think it's worth spreading as a rumour on here.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: one-eyed on November 12, 2008, 05:52:28 PM
Ch 10 news showed Polly training today with the squad at Gosch's paddock. He's able to the drills but they said he still suffers memory loss from the accident. Sugar said Polly is training following strict doctor and physio orders.
Title: Polak training with Tigers (AAP)
Post by: one-eyed on November 12, 2008, 09:20:50 PM
Polak training with Tigers
AAP | November 12, 2008

RICHMOND'S Graham Polak continues to make encouraging progress from his serious head injuries, but an AFL comeback remains a distant goal.

The key position player has joined in senior pre-season training at the club over the last few weeks.

Earlier this year, Polak suffered brain damage when he ran into the path of a tram.

There were initially grave fears for his health, but the key position player has made a steady recovery.

“It gives everyone a lift, because we went through a hard time (this) year, when one of your team-mates goes down,'' said outgoing Richmond captain Kane Johnson.

“It's hard enough when he goes down on the footy field with a bad injury.

“But to have something like that ... get hit by a tram, that's just devastating for the whole club.

“At the moment, he's just doing what he can and he's relying on the physios and doctors to tell him what to do.''

While Polak seemed to move well during training, club officials stress he is a long way from being fully-recovered and ready for an AFL comeback.

The Tigers have kept him on their senior list in the hope he will play football again.

“I don't know a lot, because I've only just got back from holidays,'' Johnson said.

“I think he's progressing really well and hopefully he can get back out there and play one day.

“But at the moment we're just trying to get him out training and see how the progress goes from there.''

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24641063-23211,00.html
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: one-eyed on November 12, 2008, 09:25:02 PM
Polak joins Tiger training
By Ben Broad
Wed 12 November, 2008

THE SIGHT of recovering Tiger Graham Polak joining in pre-season training was a further boost for Richmond ahead of its 2009 campaign.

Polak, who missed much of the Tigers' 2008 season after being hit by a tram while out with teammates in late June, is making progress in his bid to play AFL football again.

On Wednesday he took part in training at Gosch's Paddock near Punt Road, where the large majority of the Richmond squad endured a skills session in searing heat.

Polak was joined by Irishmen Connor Meredith (County Laois) and Niall McKeever (County Antrim), both of whom are trialling with the Tigers.

It isn't known when or if Polak will be able to compete at the same level he achieved before his severe head injury – which left him with bruising to his brain – but outgoing captain Kane Johnson said Polak's return had buoyed spirits.

"It gives everyone a lift because we went through a hard time last year," Johnson said.

"When one of your teammates goes down [it's tough] … it's hard enough when he goes down on the footy field with a bad injury but to have something like that and be hit by a tram is just devastating for the whole club.

"To see him out there gives everyone a really big lift."

Johnson said while he wasn't 100 per cent sure of his teammate's progress, he was optimistic the key-position Tiger would continue to make significant strides.

"I think he's progressing really well and hopefully he can get back out there and play one day, but at the moment we're just trying to get him out training and see how the progress sort of goes from there," Johnson said.

"At the moment he's just doing what he can and he's just relying on the physios and the doctors to tell him what to do."

Senior Tigers Nathan Brown, Matthew Richardson, Troy Simmonds and Johnson were among the onlookers during the session which was conducted in temperatures reaching the mid 30s.

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/tabid/6301/Default.aspx?newsid=69721
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: one-eyed on November 13, 2008, 04:44:08 AM
Four pics of Polly at yesterday's training           (by Herald-Sun photographer Michael Dodge)

(http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6346806,00.jpg)
Graham Polak has a laugh with Mark Coughlan


http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6346810,00.jpg (http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6346810,00.jpg)

http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6346815,00.jpg (http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6346815,00.jpg)

http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6346814,00.jpg (http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6346814,00.jpg)
Title: Polak - The strength of support (RFC)
Post by: one-eyed on November 15, 2008, 02:14:55 PM
The strength of support
richmondfc.com.au
By Mic Cullen
Sat 15 November, 2008

A SCAR a few centimetres long on his left temple is the only visible indicator of Graham Polak's clash with a tram back in June.

It's a small reminder that gives no indication of how close the 24-year-old came to losing his life.

Polak suffered severe brain bruising after he was hit by a tram following the Tigers' round-14 match against Carlton, spent a week in intensive care and is still undergoing a rehabilitation program while training with the club.

In the first of a three-part series, Polak tells richmondfc.com.au how much the support from around the country – more than 2000 emails flooded in to the club – has helped him as he battles to recover from the terrifying incident.

Full story here:
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/tabid/6301/Default.aspx?newsid=69787
Title: Polly chats to Ch 7 news / Sunday-Herald Sun interview
Post by: one-eyed on November 15, 2008, 06:01:55 PM
Coming up shortly
Title: Re: Polly chats to Ch 7 news
Post by: one-eyed on November 15, 2008, 06:16:02 PM
They showed Polly walking along the beach hand in hand with partner Alycle.

Polak said he's feeling pretty good. The main thing is the memory is not back yet.

Ch 7 said Richmond officials are amazed by his recovery and there's even talk of Polly playing as early as next year but he's got a long way to go.

There will be pictures in tomorrow's Sunday Herald-Sun
Title: Re: Polly chats to Ch 7 news
Post by: wayne on November 15, 2008, 07:30:40 PM
His memory isn't back yet.......hmmmm

Someone get in his ear and say 'don't you remember, you were the new Wayne Carey, you'd kick 7 goals a game and were an absolute star.'  :lol
Title: Re: Polly chats to Ch 7 news
Post by: bushranger on November 15, 2008, 07:38:56 PM
His memory isn't back yet.......hmmmm

Someone get in his ear and say 'don't you remember, you were the new Wayne Carey, you'd kick 7 goals a game and were an absolute star.'  :lol
But brave as Glen Archer as Cary was a gutless prick.
Title: Re: Polly chats to Ch 7 news
Post by: DallasCrane on November 15, 2008, 07:54:32 PM
His memory isn't back yet.......hmmmm

Someone get in his ear and say 'don't you remember, you were the new Wayne Carey, you'd kick 7 goals a game and were an absolute star.'  :lol

 :rollin

There will be pictures in tomorrow's Sunday Herald-Sun

I hope they got permission this time.
Title: Re: Polly chats to Ch 7 news / Sunday-Herald Sun interview
Post by: one-eyed on November 16, 2008, 04:47:15 AM
Here's a video clip from the Herald-Sun:

http://player.video.news.com.au/heraldsun/#GXj0JfZz1kefijdzg9v_g_RfRcoZpfgw (http://player.video.news.com.au/heraldsun/#GXj0JfZz1kefijdzg9v_g_RfRcoZpfgw)

And a gallery of 16 pics:

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/gallery/0,22010,5035800-5013924-1,00.html (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/gallery/0,22010,5035800-5013924-1,00.html)
(http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6350538,00.jpg)


Title: Injured Tiger Polak keen to pull boots on (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on November 16, 2008, 04:49:05 AM
Injured Tiger Polak keen to pull boots on
Sunday Herald Sun
Glenn McFarlane
November 16, 2008 12:00am

EXCLUSIVE: GRAHAM Polak has told how he miraculously survived being hit by a tram and thrown several metres, saying a split second may have saved his life.

Breaking a five-month silence, Polak, 24, revealed he was struck by the mirror and not the full force of the tram when he was crossing Dandenong Rd in Armadale on June 28.

Polak and girlfriend Alyce Oksuz believe a split-second hesitation not only saved his life, but also limited the head trauma he suffered.

"I am the luckiest man alive. If I had been hit front-on, it might have ended up much worse than it was," Polak said during the week.

"I could have ended up underneath the tram."

Ms Oksuz said: "It could have been so much worse; he could have been dead. For it to have hit him and have him flip and land on the other side of the track on the grass for a soft landing is just a miracle.

"Graham said later, 'How could this have happened?' Now he puts it into perspective. He realises he was lucky, not unlucky."

Polak agreed to speak about the accident for the first time.

In an interview authorised by the Richmond Football Club, he revealed:

HIS father's premature death from a heart attack inspired his recovery.

HE still suffers some short-term memory loss and difficulties with his balance, which he hopes to overcome.

THE swelling on his brain has almost subsided.

THE support of his girlfriend, their families, the club and the medical teams from The Alfred and Epworth hospitals was crucial.

HE has received more than 2000 emails, cards and letters of support from the public.

Polak has returned to training with the Tigers and the club is monitoring his progress, mindful he is still a long way off a full recovery.

While Polak's long-term aim is to run out on the MCG in what would be an emotional return to the game he loves, he won't put his health at risk.

"I'm really enjoying being back with the boys at the club. It's given me a lift," he said.

"I'd love to play again, but it's not the be-all and end-all. The main thing is I am alive."

It was very different 4 1/2 months ago when Polak's world changed in the blink of an eye. He had played on the Saturday in a game to mark the club's 100th birthday.

The Tigers lost and, in a bizarre twist, Polak was knocked out and suffered a broken rib in a collision with Carlton's Brendan Fevola.

Incredibly, after the tram accident about eight hours later, the only broken bone his many X-rays revealed was the cracked rib.

Polak had attended a post-game centenary celebration, but did not have a drink.

Ms Oksuz was at Eve nightclub in Southbank and he was going to meet her about 11pm.

But he reached only as far as across the road from his home before being hit by the tram.

"I don't remember anything of the accident," he said.

"I was just walking across the road and the tram tracks to a taxi waiting on the other side. Jordan McMahon was waiting in the taxi with his girlfriend and I was going across with Cleve Hughes.

"I have been told I saw the first tram, but didn't realise there was another one coming the other way. Cleve pulled out of the way just in time. It didn't get him, but it got me."

In little more than an hour, Polak was in hospital, Ms Oksuz had rushed to his bedside and their families were ready to fly from Perth.

Ms Oksuz barely left Polak's side at The Alfred and later the Epworth Hospital.

"I just wanted the doctors to tell me he was going to be OK, but they couldn't," she recalled. "The first night was the hardest. We didn't really know what was happening.

"At that stage we didn't know if he was going to live."

Polak was diagnosed with a severe head injury, with the long-term implications unclear.

He was put in an induced coma and doctors were cautiously optimistic, rather than certain, he would make a full recovery.

When it became clear that Polak would survive, Ms Oksuz's outlook changed.

"At the start I just wanted him to live," she said.

"Then, once we found out he was going to live, I wanted to have him normal again.

"Everyone else was really happy he was alive, but I was like 'that's my boyfriend and I need him to be a boyfriend'."

The bond between the pair has been strong since they met more than five years ago in WA. But it has strengthened since the accident.

Polak says he wouldn't have emerged from the trauma without Ms Oksuz and the support they received.

"I think when something is almost taken away from you, you realise how much it means to you," Ms Oksuz said.

"When things were touch and go in the first few hours, you sit there and think 'What if he isn't going to come through this?' And you realise, 'Oh my God, I cannot live without him'."

The couple say they can never repay the people who helped them through the initial period, his month-long stay in the two hospitals and his ongoing rehabilitation.

Polak said the care he received from the medical staff at The Alfred - a time he does not recall - and the Epworth was "unbelievable".

"The care we got from the doctors, nurses, physios and Richmond's doctor, Greg Hickey, was great," he said.

Not only did the club fly their families to Melbourne and put them up in units , they ensured a steady stream of visitors, mainly teammates, to keep up Polak's spirits.

"I can't thank the club enough. They made sure we didn't have to worry about anything," he said.

'MY teammates really kept me going. It was boring at the hospital and the boys coming in all the time was great for me. That's what drove me and still drives me."

Polak made a point of praising coach Terry Wallace, former football manager Greg Miller, Kane Johnson and the Richmond board and staff for their care and support.

Polak said he could barely believe the 2000-plus messages he had from fans.

He admitted to frustration at his short-term memory.

"The balance and the memory are the most frustrating things at the moment," he said.

"If I put my phone or wallet somewhere and it is not in the place where it should be, then I have to get Alyce to help me.

"It is bloody frustrating, but I think it is improving slowly.

"I still get tired late in the day. The balance issue doesn't seem to be getting much better, but the doctors think it will continue to improve over time."

Polak is back doing a modified training program.

"They are not pushing me too hard," he said.

"I am doing a lot of the skills sessions. I've only done one bad one. I was dropping marks and just getting tired easy. The fitness coach (Matt Hornsby) saw that and pulled me out of the next drill.

"Sometimes I just feel more lightheaded, so I have to just chill out a bit until I'm right."

He knows there will be focus on whether he plays in 2009.

"I wouldn't put my hand up until I am ready to play," he said.

"I wouldn't want anyone to have their spot sacrificed because I shouldn't be there.

"It is the last year of my contract, so I figure I have to play or I won't be given another one. If it happens, and I play, that's great. If it doesn't, I will be disappointed, but my health is the main thing."

Ms Oksuz added: "He loves his football, so obviously I would love him to play again. But I don't know if I will able to watch. I will be screaming at everyone not to touch him.

"I think before the accident if he had gone out with an injury, he would have been devastated. But he now realises there is an outside world to the little footy bubble they are in."

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24656264-661,00.html
Title: Doctor unsure on AFL return (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on November 16, 2008, 04:52:08 AM
Doctor unsure on AFL return
Sunday Herald Sun
Glenn McFarlane
November 16, 2008 12:00am

NEUROSURGEON John McMahon was driving home along Dandenong Rd late on June 28 when he saw ambulance paramedics attending a person struck by a tram.

Instinctively he knew he would be required to play a role in the victim's rehabilitation.

What he didn't know was that the casualty was Graham Polak.

"I could see someone had been hit and was being assisted on the ground," Mr McMahon said.

"Right there, I knew that person would probably end up at The Alfred and we would probably be involved in that person's care."

Mr McMahon said the fact the accident was close to The Alfred made the medical team treating Polak more effective.

"That's the advantage of having The Alfred and all of its facilities available," he said.

Mr McMahon said Polak could expect continued improvement with his short-term memory and balance.

"As far as head injuries are concerned, we know it can take up to a year for the brain to recover," he said.

"In say a year's time, a lot of the problems will have been resolved."

But he is guarded about a possible return to football.

"It's just too early to say," he said.

"You would not want him to return to football unless his balance was back to normal and his reaction times and judgment were right.

"It is good that he is back training, but I suppose there is a quantum leap between training and a match."

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,%2024656265-661,00.html
Title: Listing an incentive for tram crash victim Graham Polak (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on November 16, 2008, 04:53:44 AM
Listing an incentive for tram crash victim Graham Polak
Glenn McFarlane | November 16, 2008 12:00am

RICHMOND never considered asking the AFL for a special concession over Graham Polak's tram accident, because the club wanted to give him something to strive for.

Coach Terry Wallace said the Tigers could have sought assistance in a manner similar to Essendon rookie listing of Adam Ramanauskas in 2006 after his second battle with cancer.

But Wallace did not think it was in Polak's best interests and wanted to give him the incentive to play again, if doctors allow him to return.

"One of the things we wanted to do first up was to leave Graham on the list," Wallace said this week. "We could have tried to get compensation from the AFL. But we thought from Graham's point of view that we wanted to keep the door open and the light shining there.

"At the end of the day, he knows his position is there and he has something to strive for."

Wallace said Polak, who suffered a severe head injury after being hit by a tram in June, had come a long way in his recovery, but it remained unclear whether he would play again.

"Clearly it is going to be a long process, but the pleasing factor is that we are seeing improvement on a regular basis," he said.

"What line of improvement that is, we will have to wait and see. If he is living his life as a happy, healthy 70-year-old, that's the most important thing. The rest will look after itself."

Wallace said it was a very different story when he visited Polak in the Alfred Hospital less than 48 hours after the accident.

"Graham was basically in the fetal position and I didn't think there was going to be quality of life at that stage," he said.

Less than five months on, Polak is back at training, doing a modified program under the eyes of Richmond's fitness and medical staff. He is keen to play AFL football again.

He still has short-term memory loss and has a few balance issues, but he has been told to expect further improvement over the next year.

Wallace said the fact Polak was back training and mixing with his teammates had been a key part of his recovery.

"The whole thing has always been about the welfare of Graham as a bloke," he said.

"I think he has enjoyed being around the club again. Physically, he is doing up to the limits but not over the limits. We have got the right people to guide him as far as training goes. Medically, we have got the people on board.

"He is always around his mates, so that's good, too.

"I think from a footy aspect we are getting him to do some work now. The fact he is doing those things on a daily basis helps. All those things packaged together makes the club a good place for Graham to be."

Wallace said he did not know what sort of impact having Polak back would have on the playing group, but he could see only positives.

"I do know it will be a daily reminder of what football, and life, can present," he said.

"If any person was feeling a bit sorry for themselves they would only have to have a look at him running on the treadmill to realise what the last few months have presented for him.

"Players sometimes lead a sheltered life, so that adds a bit of a reality check for us all."

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24657130-19742,00.html
Title: Re: Polly chats to Ch 7 news / Sunday-Herald Sun interview
Post by: bushranger on November 16, 2008, 09:50:44 AM
I'm just wondering if he will make it back as how long will we keep him on the long term injury list.
I would love to see him come back as he showed he has got what it takes, but this just might be too big of a hurdle to jump over in the time needed.
I would hate to see him go but we can run on emotions to get the job done as hard as that sounds.
Just lets hope he makes it back, I would love to see him out there again. But I don't know if he will.
Title: Re: Polly chats to Ch 7 news / Sunday-Herald Sun interview
Post by: Moi on November 16, 2008, 10:44:32 AM
A bit hard to know who to believe
Some say he's coming along well but reporters say Richmond officials don't expect him to play next season
And others say early next season
What is it?
Title: Re: Polly chats to Ch 7 news / Sunday-Herald Sun interview
Post by: WilliamPowell on November 16, 2008, 02:20:12 PM
A bit hard to know who to believe
Some say he's coming along well but reporters say Richmond officials don't expect him to play next season
And others say early next season
What is it?

I dont think it really matters. With brain injuries it can fluctuate so much, the specialist is the one who is best to judge and he is non-committal - no problems there.   

Personally, I reckon he has made remarkable progress and that it is just great to see him up and about, training (even if it is a modified program), setting himself goals and most of all just simply enjoying his life. That's all that matters.

Title: Re: Polly chats to Ch 7 news / Sunday-Herald Sun interview
Post by: bushranger on November 16, 2008, 02:30:09 PM
A bit hard to know who to believe
Some say he's coming along well but reporters say Richmond officials don't expect him to play next season
And others say early next season
What is it?

I dont think it really matters. With brain injuries it can fluctuate so much, the specialist is the one who is best to judge and he is non-committal - no problems there.   

Personally, I reckon he has made remarkable progress and that it is just great to see him up and about, training (even if it is a modified program), setting himself goals and most of all just simply enjoying his life. That's all that matters.


I don't think that was the point, as we all are really happy to see him back at it. It is just the unknown when or if he will make a return.
Well to me this is what I thought Moi was saying as I know this is what I'm thinking and saying.
Title: Re: Polly chats to Ch 7 news / Sunday-Herald Sun interview
Post by: WilliamPowell on November 16, 2008, 02:41:06 PM
A bit hard to know who to believe
Some say he's coming along well but reporters say Richmond officials don't expect him to play next season
And others say early next season
What is it?

I dont think it really matters. With brain injuries it can fluctuate so much, the specialist is the one who is best to judge and he is non-committal - no problems there.   

Personally, I reckon he has made remarkable progress and that it is just great to see him up and about, training (even if it is a modified program), setting himself goals and most of all just simply enjoying his life. That's all that matters.


I don't think that was the point, as we all are really happy to see him back at it. It is just the unknown when or if he will make a return.
Well to me this is what I thought Moi was saying as I know this is what I'm thinking and saying.

bushranger, I understand what you are saying and I wasn't having a go a Moi.

I appreciate that there is this unknown about a "return".

All I was expressing is that at the moment to me it doesn't really matter one way or another. It's just great to see him being able to do what he is doing at the moment... nothing more nothing less
Title: Re: Polly chats to Ch 7 news / Sunday-Herald Sun interview
Post by: bushranger on November 16, 2008, 02:56:14 PM
Sorry about that I wasn't having a go at you. Its just the unknown that we all would like to know more about.
So if it came over too strong I'm sorry mate, wasn't my intention at all.
Title: Re: Polly chats to Ch 7 news / Sunday-Herald Sun interview
Post by: mightytiges on November 17, 2008, 04:29:26 AM
I guess the final determination on whether Polly can resume playing footy again or not is the risk to him if he copped another collision to the head on the field. Right now he thankfully looks like he's got his everyday quality of life back which is great news  :thumbsup. Playing a collision sport is a whole different matter.

I know this is different circumstances and medical treatment has greatly improved since 1974 but didn't John Greening kick our backsides in his first game back 2 years after being kinghit behind play and put into a coma, only to then play just 8 more games in the next 3 years before retiring. The chances of Polly playing again must be slim.
Title: Re: Listing an incentive for tram crash victim Graham Polak (Herald-Sun)
Post by: mightytiges on November 17, 2008, 05:01:02 AM
Listing an incentive for tram crash victim Graham Polak
Glenn McFarlane | November 16, 2008 12:00am

RICHMOND never considered asking the AFL for a special concession over Graham Polak's tram accident, because the club wanted to give him something to strive for.

Coach Terry Wallace said the Tigers could have sought assistance in a manner similar to Essendon rookie listing of Adam Ramanauskas in 2006 after his second battle with cancer.

But Wallace did not think it was in Polak's best interests and wanted to give him the incentive to play again, if doctors allow him to return.

"One of the things we wanted to do first up was to leave Graham on the list," Wallace said this week. "We could have tried to get compensation from the AFL. But we thought from Graham's point of view that we wanted to keep the door open and the light shining there.

"At the end of the day, he knows his position is there and he has something to strive for."
I still would've thought you could achieve the same incentive for Polly on the rookie list. He would still be training with his teammates and it would also allow him as much time as he needs to recover without the pressure of taking up a spot on our senior list with just one year left on his contract.
Title: Re: Polly chats to Ch 7 news / Sunday-Herald Sun interview
Post by: Chuck17 on November 17, 2008, 09:09:57 AM
I think the chances are very slim to MT,  I don't expect to see him back playing.

I am just very glad to see him appearing well and happy.
Title: Re: Polly chats to Ch 7 news / Sunday-Herald Sun interview
Post by: bushranger on November 17, 2008, 09:48:45 AM
I think the chances are very slim to MT,  I don't expect to see him back playing.

I am just very glad to see him appearing well and happy.
This is so sad that we may never see him on the feild again.
But like you I'm happy to see him up and about again.
I'd rather know that he will be okay, than make a comeback only to be injured all over again.
I send my best to him.
Title: The importance of mates (RFC)
Post by: one-eyed on November 17, 2008, 06:44:57 PM
The importance of mates
By Mic Cullen
Mon 17 November, 2008

GRAHAM Polak's first post-tram-accident memory is waking up in the Alfred Hospital and seeing good mates Trent Croad and Murray Silver sitting at his bedside.

"There's no point in really talking about the accident, or the night of the accident, because I don't remember any of it," Polak told richmondfc.com.au.

"I remember a little bit of the game that day, we played Carlton, and I remember the function after the game nearly as clear as day. That's surprising, that I can't remember the game but I remember the function after the game.

Full story:
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/tabid/6301/Default.aspx?newsid=69843
Title: Re: Listing an incentive for tram crash victim Graham Polak (Herald-Sun)
Post by: Infamy on November 18, 2008, 09:15:41 AM
I still would've thought you could achieve the same incentive for Polly on the rookie list. He would still be training with his teammates and it would also allow him as much time as he needs to recover without the pressure of taking up a spot on our senior list with just one year left on his contract.
I think you'll find that it had more to do with the fact that on the rookie list he would get a fixed salary of around $35k per year, he couldn't get put on the rookie list at the same pay as the last year of his contract. Rama agreed to the minimum wage which is why he was allowed on the rookie list.
Title: Re: Listing an incentive for tram crash victim Graham Polak (Herald-Sun)
Post by: mightytiges on November 18, 2008, 08:11:28 PM
I still would've thought you could achieve the same incentive for Polly on the rookie list. He would still be training with his teammates and it would also allow him as much time as he needs to recover without the pressure of taking up a spot on our senior list with just one year left on his contract.
I think you'll find that it had more to do with the fact that on the rookie list he would get a fixed salary of around $35k per year, he couldn't get put on the rookie list at the same pay as the last year of his contract. Rama agreed to the minimum wage which is why he was allowed on the rookie list.
Ta infamy for the explanation  :cheers.

That puts us at a disadvantage though being one down on our senior list. I would have still tried to seek special dispensation to rookie Polly yet pay him according to the final year of his contract (we are under the salary cap). It is special circumstances that are no fault of the club or Polly. Anyway I guess with Polly remaining on the senior list it will mean we'll put him onto the long-term injury list the week before the season starts and promote a rookie. Although until we see who our 6 rookie choices are there's no known replacement.
Title: Polak’s frustrating recovery (RFC)
Post by: one-eyed on November 20, 2008, 06:09:48 PM
Polak’s frustrating recovery
By Mic Cullen
4:34 PM Thu 20 November, 2008

"GREASE" might have been the word that Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta were concerned about, but it's "frustration" for Tiger Graham Polak.

Balancing the frustration is the knowledge that his clash with the tram could easily have killed him, but such is human nature that it's the frustration of now that's stronger than the relief of simply being alive.

And while his progress has been terrific, it's a long way back from being in an induced coma with brain bruising to being an elite-level footballer.

Polak found himself having to relearn things he'd done all his life.....

Full article at:
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/News/NewsArticle/tabid/6301/Default.aspx?newsId=69960
Title: Who gets hit by a tram, Mr Polak? (Age)
Post by: one-eyed on November 22, 2008, 04:38:45 AM
Who gets hit by a tram, Mr Polak?
Michael Gleeson | November 22, 2008

GRAHAM Polak remembers the after-match function but not the match. He remembers the water he drank at the MCG that night, but not the quick glass of wine he shared with Cleve Hughes before stepping out the door of his flat. He saw the first tram but not the second. But he remembers neither.

His next memory is of Trent Croad and another mate, Murray Silver, standing before him in Epworth hospital. It was weeks later. He had had dozens of conversations before that with teammates, family, and doctors in the hospital but he recollected little even immediately afterwards. This post-traumatic amnesia is to be expected when you get hit by a tram.

It was late on June 28 when Polak and Hughes jogged across the four lanes of Dandenong Road to the avenue of trees that divides the arterial road, planning to get to a taxi on the other side, where Jordan McMahon and his girlfriend were waiting. He didn't make it.

"Jordy reckons I was nearly across and I saw the one tram coming but by the time I saw the other one coming it was probably a bit too late and I started to run for it, apparently, and nearly got past it and it just clipped me on the side and smashed me. They think it was the rear-view mirror that hit me," Polak said this week.

He was spun like a top. In an odd coincidence, walking past was a friend of his manager who was also trained in emergency first aid. He put Polak into the correct position and called an ambulance, which arrived within minutes, quickly followed by a MICA (intensive care) unit.

Polak was quickly given oxygen and put on a spine board and loaded into the back of the ambulance. But there was a hold up in leaving the scene when a piece of machinery in the ambulance failed. En route to the Alfred, Polak was upset and agitated, kicking and tugging at his face-mask.

Fortunately, an intensive care ambulance with two trained staff was available that night, for they were able to do what a regular-staffed ambulance could not and induce a coma there.

"We induced the coma in the ambulance because we wanted to protect his airway and by paralysing and sedating him with drugs it stops further movement and that protects the brain from further swelling," MICA paramedic Mark Eddey said.

Moments earlier, driving in the opposite direction, was neurosurgeon John McMahon, who had finished work at the Alfred and saw Polak being treated on the tracks. He did not stop. Despite being a brain surgeon he figures unless he has a scalpel and an operating theatre he is of no more use than any other bystander. But it would not take long for him to become involved. He was phoned by the hospital's registrar to consult soon after arriving home.

Tests confirmed Polak had sustained a severe brain injury. On a clinical scale of three to 15, in which 15 is normal and three is dead, Polak was a seven.

Within 15 minutes of arrival at hospital he had been given a CAT scan that revealed tiny petechial haemorrhages around the brain. Effectively, surgeon McMahon felt, Polak had been hit and violently spun so that the brain had sloshed in his skull so aggressively that many of the neurones connecting the inner and outer parts of the brain had sheared. He did not have a skull fracture or a single large haemorrhage, so it was doubtful his head hit the tram or the ground.

"This is a global, very severe brain injury that people take months to years to recover from, and some do not recover and may end up in a nursing home," McMahon said.

It was decided to put Polak in intensive care and closely observe him for brain swelling, but not to insert a monitor to the brain to test for swelling. Inserting this monitor would have seriously affected Polak's ability to play football again, but the decision not to insert it was a clinical one, not a footballing one.

The brain scan also revealed another haemorrhage in the right thalamus and internal capsule that McMahon feared could have caused weakness in his left side. He has since not experienced this.

"He did far better than we would ever have expected of someone with petechial haemorrhages," McMahon said. "He is on the lucky end of the scale when we take into account his initial neurological condition. The initial thing was this guy is probably not going to die because he is moving his arms at the scene - that is a good sign - but with him he still had a severe head injury, he still had these petechial haemorrhages which could represent something quite bad for prognosis."

Less than a week after the accident, Polak was transferred to the Epworth Hospital. For weeks more he swam in a fog of post-traumatic amnesia. He was up and out of bed within days of his accident and had some awareness but was not cognisant of all around him. Richmond coach Terry Wallace came to visit and Polak began doing sit-ups in his hospital bed; others came and he knew to tell jokes to some and not others, but could not recall afterwards any who had been there.

"He was gradually waking from his coma. It's not like Hollywood where you wake up and you are pleasantly confused but you cannot remember your wife. It's a gradual process and not a very nice process," Epworth physio Gavin Williams said.

Polak presumed he had been in a car accident. He asked about the other car, about his own car and would point to the gravel marks and bruising on his legs and say, "Look at the exhaust burns", his girlfriend Alyce said. On another occasion he turned to Alyce and asked determinedly, "How long was I trapped in the car?" as though pleading with her to break a secret.

He was told it was a tram, not a car. His mind was muddy but he could barely believe it. Even now he finds it difficult to consider.

"Who gets hit by a tram? I just thought it was silly getting hit by a tram - things that don't swerve or don't do anything, just go on straight lines, and I still got cleaned up by one. How stupid am I getting hit by one of those?" he laughed ruefully this week.

The process of rehabilitation under associate professor John Olver at the Epworth has been painstaking, slowly seeking to return Polak's balance and short-term memory, which remain the worst affected.

"They reckon it is going to get better in time, the memory is going to get better, the balance is going to get better, but, myself, I can't see it getting better. Because I can't feel it getting better so I don't know if it is. It probably is, but I can't tell. It is frustrating the poo out of me." he said.

His proudest moment came when he was allowed to run again. Having been held back by Williams until he was certain his balance would cope, it was a tangible sign to Polak that he was advancing.

"Running was the most satisfying thing. To know that I am actually able to run again and didn't have disabilities or anything that would stop me from running was pleasing," he said.

Measuring these baby steps of change, Polak was satisfied this week to be allowed to drive. Having sustained such a serious injury, including some impairment of vision in his left eye, he was finally recovered sufficiently to be re-tested and cleared by the TAC and doctors to resume driving. It was a moment to celebrate.

"Driving again was great because well you know you must be getting better but I had been sitting at home all day and you can't go anywhere, you can't do anything, you can't drive anywhere. It was very frustrating," he said.

He has not drunk alcohol since the incident and is banned by doctors from doing so until he hits the 12-month anniversary of the accident. It will be a moment deserving of a celebratory drink.

He harbours a desire to play senior football again, which is a worthy goal and one the doctors believe is achievable, even if it will take time. He still tires easily, especially later in the day and week, and has troubles with his short-term memory, even needing teammates at times to remind him of drills they have just been instructed to perform.

"I reckon footy is what drove me the most, seeing the boys coming in. Because it was boring, I would come back home here and sit by myself and I couldn't drive and I was bored to death, so I just wanted to get back to the club and be around them and involved," he said.

"I have come a long way from where I was but I have a long way to go. I definitely want to get back to playing. When that is, I'm not sure . . . I will work my way back through. I wouldn't want to go back into the senior team until I am physically well enough to play or jeopardise someone else's spot in the side and I don't want to be in and do stuff-all - I don't want them to lose because of me."

Polak believes the injury has flipped his skills. Renowned for his ability to mark strongly, he is dropping easy chest marks, while his kicking has improved.

"My hands are still hopeless, my left side is a bit shaky, a bit more 'unco' than usual. I was never that good on my left anyway, but my hands are the main thing that annoy me. I have been dropping sitters but they reckon that is nothing, it will improve. But it gets you down," he said.

The plan now is to recommence full-contact training early next year. There is little concern that he would be at risk of a worse brain injury from another knock, rather, more concern that he not be put in that position until such time as his balance and judgement has returned to normal.

Said professor Olver: "There has got to be a certain amount of protection but at the same time people have to live life, and you don't wrap them up in cotton wool."

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/who-gets-hit-by-a-tram-mr-polak/2008/11/21/1226770742893.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
Title: Rookie rules to help Polly (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on December 12, 2008, 04:50:44 AM
Rookie rules to help Polly
Jon Ralph | December 12, 2008

GRAHAM Polak will be eligible to play from Round 11 next year even if he is on Richmond's rookie list.

And the key defender is optimistic of a return to the AFL. While those close to Polak still believe a return to senior football is some way off, new AFL rules give him hope of a quick return.

Although Polak is likely to be rookie-listed, rules introduced in October allow the Tigers to elevate a player mid-season even if no teammates are on the long-term injury list.

That means even if he is considered a rookie, he can play football for Coburg from the start of the year, and AFL football from Round 11.

While that would seem an optimistic prognosis, some in the Polak camp were yesterday speculating he could be back playing for Coburg by Round 4.

Richmond's mature-aged rookie is Jarrod Silvester, but Polak's case is unique and not in any way related to any of the other Tiger rookies.

Polak is happy to be put on the rookie list if it is in the best interests of Richmond, although the Tigers have told him they may not take up that option even if it approved by the AFL.

If the club decided not to draft Ben Cousins, Polak could be retained as a senior-listed player.

It seems increasingly likely Richmond will be given approval to rookie-list Polak, allowing it to take a young player as well as Cousins.

Polak yesterday received support from Essendon defender Adam Ramanauskas, who was granted a rookie list spot from the AFL in 2007.

Ramanauskas said being put on the rookie list might be the perfect solution for Polak.

"He should be on the rookie list if that is the best thing for his recovery, and for him to be able to come back and play football," Ramanauskas said.

"Also I think it will take some pressure off him. He is on the senior list, but it might make him realise he doesn't have to hurry back.

"His health is paramount in this whole situation. With a head injury you would hate to see him rush back too early. This way it will give him time to get back to football.

"The main thing is what's best for Graham and his recovery."

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24788588-19742,00.html
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Infamy on December 12, 2008, 08:37:12 AM
I'd be very surprised if the RFC played this card
The whole point of going to the AFL over this is that 2009 is effectively a write off for Polak
To elevate him immediately so he can play senior football would be pretty arrogant and would make it unlikely that the AFL would allow another player to be moved onto the rookie list on compassionate grounds again, definitely not if we ever needed to again
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Smokey on December 12, 2008, 09:11:41 AM
I'd be very surprised if the RFC played this card
The whole point of going to the AFL over this is that 2009 is effectively a write off for Polak
To elevate him immediately so he can play senior football would be pretty arrogant and would make it unlikely that the AFL would allow another player to be moved onto the rookie list on compassionate grounds again, definitely not if we ever needed to again

Yep.  We would lose a lot of support from rival clubs if we played it like that.  I imagine the medical evidence (the only 'real' facts in this whole media circus) presented to the commission will paint a bleaker picture than Round 11.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mightytiges on December 12, 2008, 11:01:54 PM
I agree we would put a lot noses out of joint if Polly was to play next year if we get approval for this. However, the sad fact is I don't think Polly will get close to playing in 2009 if ever :(. Didn't Rama make his comeback in the same year he was placed on the rookie list?


I was having a look over a BB on what they saying about Polak and after a page and a half of crap  ::) there was actually one Bombers fan with a brain  :o who summed up the situation well about why we should get approval to have Polly made a rookie :clapping.

Quote
i didnt know we had so many neurosurgeons amongst us, that have extensive knowledge of what it takes to recover from severe brain trauma. DP's personal experience excluded.

listen up

without knowing the full extent of the injuries sustained, and assuming his injuries are the result of intraparenchymal hematoma and recovery from coma whilst in this state, 90% of recovery for this type of injury is about reprogramming neural pathways that are either dormant due to coma or damaged due to hemorrhage. This process quite literally can take years, for Polak as massive part of his recovery is repetition. Him kicking a football is not only going to aid his recovery when it comes to playing the game but its going to assist in other areas of his life as well as they are all interlinked. Richmond is doing there part to assist the recovery of a young man who sustained a massive injury.

If this was an Essendon player and we didn’t go above the idea of list management to help that player recover, i would be ashamed of the club.

you one-eyed-mc-stuff-holes calling foul need to get a clue

Richmond are really doing the right thing by him.

http://www.bomberblitz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=46342&st=15
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Rodgerramjet on December 12, 2008, 11:22:54 PM
Hmmm, a bomber with a brain, how novel is that :lol

Well said though buddy :clapping
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Chuck17 on December 13, 2008, 11:08:16 PM
Well spotted MT, I honestly couldn't have picked out one poster on BB with a shred of intelligence.

I found it amusing that after such a considered and unbiased post he then finishes off with an insult at his fellow BB posters.
Title: Polak takes another step forward (RFC)
Post by: one-eyed on January 14, 2009, 05:49:57 PM
Polak takes another step forward
richmondfc.com.au
By Mic Cullen
4:25 PM Wed 14 January, 2009

JANUARY, a training session on a baking Melbourne morning. A player takes a looping handball over the top of a defender in a blue vest, sizes up the goals, then slots it from 30 metres on a 60-degree angle.

It would be standard summer fare, if the player kicking truly wasn’t Graham Polak.

Polak is coming back from a serious brain injury after being hit by a tram mid-season last year, and the fact that he is able to take to the training track is amazing enough.

Late last year, when he granted an exclusive interview to richmondfc.com.au, his skills were poor and he was just glad to be back as part of the group.

Now, he’s back slotting them from the forward pocket.

http://afl.com.au/AFL2008/News/Article/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=71275
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mightytiges on January 21, 2009, 03:51:22 PM
Now I'm not sure if the Club is putting on a positive spin for the fans but we were told today that Polly is going really well. He was given a rest from training today but he apparently participated in a scratch match they had on Monday and everybody we asked thinks he'll play again. One even said he reckons Polly (of course wearing headgear) will play 6-8 VFL games with Coburg this year and then into the seniors  :o. Anyway that's what we were told.
Title: Polak cleared for comeback (Age)
Post by: one-eyed on February 05, 2009, 12:49:55 AM
Polak cleared for comeback
Jake Niall | February 5, 2009

IN A remarkable measure of his progress in recovering from brain injuries, Richmond key-position player Graham Polak will today play his first competitive game of football since being hit by a tram in late June last year.

Polak is expected to play for only a short period of today's intra-club game at Gosch's Paddock and is likely to wear a helmet. Richmond's medical staff will closely monitor him for signs of fatigue.

"He'll have a run around," Richmond football operations manager Ross Monaghan said yesterday. "We've just got to monitor very closely his fatigue levels."

Polak, who is excited about his return, has not played since he sustained brain injuries from being hit by a tram on the evening of June 28 last year, after he played in Richmond's round 14 loss to Carlton.

Polak, who was in an induced coma for two days, resumed training in November, but Richmond has been careful not to make any predictions about when he might return.

The Tigers have been entirely guided by advice from the Epworth Hospital, where Polak has been completing his rehabilitation.

"Fatigue levels are the major issue with him," said Monaghan. "Mentally and physically, he just gets fatigued at times. So we've just got to be careful the way we look after him."

Monaghan said Polak had made faster progress than the club anticipated, but remained cautious about his prospects in coming weeks.

"He won't play the whole game. He'll play a small part of it. But just how much he does play will purely depend on the medical fitness staff and how they see it," Monaghan said.

"I guess it's just an opportunity for him to have a run around and if he feels good and he recovers well, well we might look at taking a step forward in upcoming weeks.

"But it's very much a wait-and-see situation.

"Yes, he's come up much better than we expected. But again … everyone's still precautionary in any sort of predictions they have. The medical staff at Epworth will always say, 'We just can't put a timeline on him, how he responds, what his fatigue levels are, how he recovers.' "

The Tigers made a contentious application to have Polak placed on their rookie list just days before the pre-season draft last December, on the grounds that, as a result of his injuries, he might not play for an indefinite period.

Richmond had hoped the Polak application — which was rejected by the AFL — would create an extra draft pick to facilitate the drafting of Ben Cousins, but the Tigers ultimately drafted Cousins anyway.

Monaghan said fatigue was more of an issue for Polak than collisions.

"He's been wearing a helmet in training. We expect him to (wear one), but that'll be a decision between him and the medical staff I think tomorrow," Monaghan said.

"From his (Polak's) point of view, it's a really positive step forward and that's why we're keen to give him that opportunity, which he's keen to take.

"I think the Epworth people are quite comfortable that it's in the hands of (club doctor) Dr Greg Hickey, who's been all over the situation from day one.

"Our fitness staff are fantastic in that area. They know what to look for, and I think 'Polly' himself is pretty aware of his situation. He knows, he's very clear about when he's tired and when he needs a break."

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/polak-cleared-for-comeback/2009/02/04/1233423312971.html
Title: Polak to stay on senior list (RFC)
Post by: one-eyed on March 04, 2009, 07:21:24 PM
Polak to stay on senior list
richmondfc.com.au
By Luke Holmesby 3:43 PM Wed 04 March, 2009

RICHMOND has shelved plans to move defender Graham Polak to its long-term injury list after naming him to play against St Kilda in Friday night's NAB Challenge match in Shepparton.

It was in December that the Tigers sought to rookie-list Polak, who was nearing six months' recovery from a tram accident that left him with serious head injuries.

Club officials were unsure whether he would ever return to elite-level football.

When the AFL rejected Richmond's request, Polak was expected to see out 2009 on the long-term injury list.

But after an impressive couple of weeks on the track, football operations manager Ross Monaghan said the club was likely to keep him on the senior list and available for selection.

"We would think that unless he regresses pretty dramatically we would not be going down that line because his recovery has staggered us," Monaghan said.

"We would expect now that given the run he’s had in recent weeks that it is most likely he will play some footy. At what level will be determined in weeks to come but Friday night will give us some indication."

Polak will only play part of the match in Shepparton and Monaghan said the Tigers would carefully monitor his time on the field.

"There will be no hard and fast rule for him," Monaghan said. "It depends on how he feels during the course of the game.

"Our medical staff are terrific at monitoring that and Graham knows himself really well now."

Though Polak’s recovery has exceeded expectations, Monaghan would not reveal when fans could expect his permanent return to the line-up.

"No one is interested in putting a timeline on him because it is a week to week situation," Monaghan said.

"We will just see how he feels next week and what he does the following week will be determined by how he gets through this weekend’s game."

http://richmondfc.com.au/AFL2008/News/Article/tabid/6301/default.aspx?newsid=72846
Title: Re: Polak to stay on senior list (RFC)
Post by: WA Tiger on March 04, 2009, 08:14:40 PM
Thats really good for Polak, good luck mate lets hope you come through it all.
Title: Re: Polak to stay on senior list (RFC)
Post by: F0551L on March 04, 2009, 08:24:08 PM
onya poleaxe  :clapping
Title: St Kilda will do Graham Polak no favours (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on March 05, 2009, 02:20:12 AM
St Kilda will do Graham Polak no favours
Mark Stevens | March 05, 2009

ST KILDA will treat Richmond's Graham Polak like any other opponent when he makes his comeback tomorrow night.

Although the Saints are thrilled to see the Tiger back in senior football 252 days after his brush with death, he'll receive no favours.

"The opposition are the opposition, no matter who it is," St Kilda football manager Greg Hutchison said yesterday.

"I don't know what goes through players' minds once they get on the field, but I'd imagine our blokes would be concentrating on what they need to do."

Polak was yesterday selected in a 27-man squad to take on the Saints in a 7pm practice match at Shepparton's Deakin Reserve.

He is likely to play forward and the club plans to give him 50 to 60 per cent of game time.

It won't be the first time Polak has played against "real" opposition since suffering a severe brain injury when hit by a tram on June 28.

The 24-year-old played for Coburg against Collingwood in a VFL practice match at the weekend.

It followed a low-key performance in a Richmond intraclub match at Gosch's Paddock last month.

Polak has continued to stun the Tigers with his progress.

"If you had said to him a couple of months ago this is where he would be at, he and others would have been surprised," Richmond football manager Ross Monaghan said.

"He is well ahead of schedule. He just keeps surprising us."

Monaghan said Polak showed some positive signs in his VFL hitout.

"He took a few marks and is getting more involved in the play," Monaghan said.

"He's really enjoying being out there at the moment.

"He is starting to put it together piece by piece."

But the Tigers won't be driven to predict when Polak could resume playing at non-practice senior level.

"We'll see how he progresses. We're not putting any pressure on him," Monaghan said.

"He's happy to be out there. Where it goes from here is anyone's guess.

"We'll keep playing him in bits and pieces."

Polak was placed in an induced coma after the accident and was in hospital for more than a month.

Richmond sought, but was refused, special permission from the AFL Commission to rookie-list Polak in December as his playing future remained uncertain.

The application followed similar lines to what Essendon did with Adam Ramanauskas when the former Bomber was recovering from cancer.

Polak played 40 minutes of an intraclub practice match on February 5, but was overshadowed by Ben Cousins' first appearance in yellow and black.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25140364-19742,00.html
Title: Injured Graham Polak returns for Richmond Tigers (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on March 05, 2009, 02:21:59 AM
Injured Graham Polak returns for Richmond Tigers
Michael Warner and Grant McArthur | March 05, 2009

GRAHAM Polak will take a giant step in his miraculous comeback when he plays in his first AFL practice match tomorrow night.

Polak will be in the Richmond team that takes on St Kilda in Shepparton - 252 days after suffering severe brain injuries when hit by a tram.

He will wear a helmet and play about 60 per cent of the match.

Polak's proud mum Judy last night said she was nervous but thrilled.

"I think it's wonderful," she said.

"His health is far more important to me than playing football. That comes first, but if he can play again I'm rapt."

Alfred hospital neurosurgeon John McMahon said Polak had been one of his most determined patients.

"I've never seen anyone more motivated to get back into things," he said.

"He was really working hard on his co-ordination, so if there is anyone that is going to get back to it he will.

"If you are going for the ball and someone is going to take your head off you have to have good judgment.

"He's far enough down the track now that if he took a collision it wouldn't be any worse than it would be for any other guy."

Polak, 24, was thrown several metres after being hit while crossing Dandenong Rd in Armadale on June 28 last year. He was put in an induced coma and spent four weeks in hospital.

Despite the former No. 4 draft pick still suffering short-term memory loss and occasional balance problems, medicos cleared him to play after solid hitouts for Richmond's VFL affiliate side, Coburg, in recent weeks.

It promises to be football's most emotional night since the triumphant 2003 return of Jason McCartney from horrific burns suffered in the Bali bombing.

Polak's brother, Troy, said Graham had emerged as a better man from the near-fatal accident.

"Football is not the be-all and end-all (for him) now," Troy said.

"He just seems far more appreciative of everything that is going on around him.

"It's great that he's back playing, but I'm more relieved that he's upbeat and happy about his life."

It's not clear if Polak will be moved on to Richmond's long-term injury list or push for senior selection when the 2009 AFL season starts on March 26.

"It's much sooner than expected. He's not entirely back to being 100 per cent by any means," Richmond football operations manager Ross Monaghan said yesterday.

"(But) he's at the stage where everyone is quite comfortable for him to have a run around against quality opposition."

Richmond cheer squad president David Norman said Polak's recovery had been remarkable.

"It's a wonderful thing. The bloke is an absolute inspiration," Mr Norman said.

"I'm just rapt to see him up and about and getting back to a normal life."

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25140089-2862,00.html
Title: Re: Polak to stay on senior list (RFC)
Post by: tiogar on March 05, 2009, 10:19:47 AM
Good luck to the bloke. Great to see a fighter get going.
Title: Re: Polak to stay on senior list (RFC)
Post by: the_boy_jake on March 05, 2009, 11:07:01 AM
Great news.

No idea whats going on though... a few weeks back there was something saying that Polak would be put on the LTI list as there was only hope for him to play under "highly controlled conditions" whatever that means.

Title: Re: Polak to stay on senior list (RFC)
Post by: mightytiges on March 05, 2009, 08:42:54 PM
If Polly was on the LTIL he couldn't play at any level except in an intraclub scratch match. Our medical staff must now think he'll be okay to try out in a uncontrolled AFL practice match after getting through the Coburg practice game last week. Fingers crossed his goes alright and gets through unscathed  :pray.

Nahas or any of our other rookies will have to wait now to round 11 to get a shot at promotion provided touchwood no one cops a long-term injury.
Title: Re: Polak to stay on senior list (RFC)
Post by: Smokey on March 05, 2009, 10:33:58 PM

Nahas or any of our other rookies will have to wait now to round 11 to get a shot at promotion provided touchwood no one cops a long-term injury.
Any chance they might put Pettifer on the LTI list to promote one of these guys?
Title: ‘Amazing’ Polak still far from AFL (RFC)
Post by: one-eyed on March 24, 2009, 02:35:24 PM
‘Amazing’ Polak still far from AFL
richmondfc.com.au
By Mic Cullen
Tue 24 March, 2009

EVERYTHING is relative. For Graham Polak, even more so.

Polak’s recovery after being hit by a tram in the middle of last year has been amazing, but that’s not the same thing as being able to walk straight back into the Tigers’ best 22.

The 24-year-old was held in an induced coma after the accident, but has recovered to the extent that he has played for the Coburg seniors in recent weeks.

However Richmond director of coaching Brian Royal said Polak was still a long way from adding to his 106 AFL games.

“We’ve been absolutely amazed at how well Graham’s come back,” he told richmondfc.com.au.

“His training form is slowly getting better, and we’ve just got to be very careful here with Graham, because everyone’s hopeful of where he can get back to, but we’ve still got to be very, very cautious about how we manage that.

“On the weekend (before last) he played against Williamstown for our VFL side Coburg, and has probably played his best footy since the accident.

“We were really pleased – he kicked a couple of goals, missed a couple as well, and took some really strong marks.”

Despite the hit-out, Royal said a return to top-flight football was a different matter and would proceed very slowly.

“We’ve just got to be careful on how quickly we push him, because he does get tired very, very easily ... and he’s quite forgetful.

“They’re little things that hopefully over time will sort themselves out – his memory is going to get better, but there’s still a long way to go ... As much as we’re pushing him up, people have got to believe that this is part of the rehabilitation.”

“We were actually surprised that he played VFL seniors on the weekend.

“Obviously we want to give him the best opportunity – he was keen, and he stood up.”

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/73610/default.aspx
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: one-eyed on May 30, 2009, 03:59:27 PM
Wallace also indicated Graham Polak was moving closer to senior VFL football as he recovered from being hit by a tram last year. Polak has played five VFL reserves games this year.

“It’s a long road back from a major injury … he really needs to lift his rating up a little bit so we can get him back into trying to play VFL senior level,” Wallace said. “Until he can take that step on a regular basis, it’s still another huge step to the AFL.”

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=12&ContentID=144931
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Moi on May 30, 2009, 04:41:52 PM
Good luck, Graham :-)
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mightytiges on May 30, 2009, 05:14:40 PM
Hard to see him remaining on our list beyond this year but the main thing is he's okay and able to live a normal life again after the accident. Ditto Moi. Best of luck Polly.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Infamy on May 30, 2009, 07:41:41 PM
Hopefully we can try to apply to the AFL for another exception to have him on the rookie list next year
It will mean his career is over otherwise so they may be more lenient this time round
Title: Polak appears certain to retire this year (Australian)
Post by: one-eyed on June 08, 2009, 06:47:36 AM
However, the playing future of Graham Polak, who was close to death last year after being struck by a tram, appears bleak. Polak, who has spent most of this season playing for the VFL reserves in between the odd game for Coburg, appears certain to retire this year due to his struggle to regain form.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25602159-5012432,00.html
Title: Re: Polak appears certain to retire this year (Australian)
Post by: F0551L on June 08, 2009, 07:00:10 AM
not good to read that  for a while there i thought Polaxe was making steady progress  just hope the future is better for him
Title: Re: Polak appears certain to retire this year (Australian)
Post by: WilliamPowell on June 08, 2009, 07:16:41 PM
However, the playing future of Graham Polak, who was close to death last year after being struck by a tram, appears bleak. Polak, who has spent most of this season playing for the VFL reserves in between the odd game for Coburg, appears certain to retire this year due to his struggle to regain form.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25602159-5012432,00.html

I would hope that we give one last AFL game, perhaps in his home town of Perth in round 22
Title: Re: Polak appears certain to retire this year (Australian)
Post by: tigersalive on June 08, 2009, 08:09:55 PM
However, the playing future of Graham Polak, who was close to death last year after being struck by a tram, appears bleak. Polak, who has spent most of this season playing for the VFL reserves in between the odd game for Coburg, appears certain to retire this year due to his struggle to regain form.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25602159-5012432,00.html

I would hope that we give one last AFL game, perhaps in his home town of Perth in round 22

I'd love that but I also want to give due diligence to Polak's condition and that AFL might not be a safe level for him.

Sad to read though, wsa always going to be tough to make it back.   :-[
Title: Re: Polak appears certain to retire this year (Australian)
Post by: WilliamPowell on June 08, 2009, 09:07:20 PM
I'd love that but I also want to give due diligence to Polak's condition and that AFL might not be a safe level for him.

Sad to read though, wsa always going to be tough to make it back.   :-[

Certainly would depend on the medical OK but if it is possible, I'd like to see it happen  :thumbsup
Title: Re: Polak appears certain to retire this year (Australian)
Post by: WA Tiger on June 08, 2009, 10:08:14 PM
A real shame this is a true case of someone being struck down in the prime of their career, if it is true then all the best Polly........ what could have been.. :(
Title: Re: Polak appears certain to retire this year (Australian)
Post by: Tigermonk on June 09, 2009, 06:19:07 AM
However, the playing future of Graham Polak, who was close to death last year after being struck by a tram, appears bleak. Polak, who has spent most of this season playing for the VFL reserves in between the odd game for Coburg, appears certain to retire this year due to his struggle to regain form.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25602159-5012432,00.html

I would hope that we give one last AFL game, perhaps in his home town of Perth in round 22

Oh please you cant be serious
he caused his own accident. We owe him nothing. It was not a workplace accident. It happened outside the club.
Only thing he is getting is a free tram ride away from Punt road & be happy his still alive & healthy enough to enjoy it with his wife & family

Best Wishes Polly
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: one-eyed on June 14, 2009, 09:26:58 PM
SEN just said Polak may play Coburg seniors next week. Whether he does or not will depend on whether he is medically okay to do so.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: WA Tiger on June 14, 2009, 09:33:54 PM
SEN just said Polak may play Coburg seniors next week. Whether he does or not will depend on whether he is medically okay to do so.

Good to hear, lets hope he makes it.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mightytiges on June 14, 2009, 11:59:17 PM
SEN just said Polak may play Coburg seniors next week. Whether he does or not will depend on whether he is medically okay to do so.

Good to hear, lets hope he makes it.
Good news for Polly  :). They'll have to drop a tall to do it so I'm guessing Goo will make way.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: WilliamPowell on June 15, 2009, 07:20:25 AM
SEN just said Polak may play Coburg seniors next week. Whether he does or not will depend on whether he is medically okay to do so.

Good to hear, lets hope he makes it.
Good news for Polly  :). They'll have to drop a tall to do it so I'm guessing Goo will make way.

May have to drop more that Goo

12/10 this week they are playing Port Melbourne  ;)
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: tigersalive on June 15, 2009, 09:32:09 AM
SEN just said Polak may play Coburg seniors next week. Whether he does or not will depend on whether he is medically okay to do so.

Good to hear, lets hope he makes it.
Good news for Polly  :). They'll have to drop a tall to do it so I'm guessing Goo will make way.

May have to drop more that Goo

12/10 this week they are playing Port Melbourne  ;)

Lol, so it was SEN at it again.  :rollin

They probably didn't even know Polak had been playing Coburg reserves.  :lol
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: one-eyed on June 29, 2009, 04:58:35 AM
It's one year ago today (late last night to be exact) that Polly had his accident with the tram and he was put in an induced coma. A remarkable recovery that only a year later he is close to a promotion to the Coburg seniors after being named in the bests for the ressies the last few games  :clapping. All the best Polly  :thumbsup.
Title: Polak a step closer to a senior return for Tigers (Age)
Post by: one-eyed on July 14, 2009, 06:06:38 AM
Polak a step closer to a senior return for Tigers
Samantha Lane | July 14, 2009

GRAHAM Polak needs to prove he can still hold down a key position if he is to win a senior berth with Richmond after recovering from brain injuries, but a best afield performance in the VFL was another step towards that milestone.

Polak, who was put in a medically induced coma for two days after being hit by a tram just over a year ago, received glowing praise from Coburg coach Craig McRae after his outstanding weekend performance playing in the ruck and on a wing.

"He was sensational," McRae said of the 25-year-old after Sunday's match.

"Just the way he's gone about it over the last couple of weeks, he looks like the 'Polly' of old … I'm not on the match committee at Richmond but if you just talk solely on Polly's form, his last couple of weeks have been terrific."

Richmond's match committee meets today and Polak's performance will be noted, but while the player will be anxious to win a senior berth before his contract expires at the end of this season, the club will tread cautiously. "There's no line through his name in terms of selection," the Tigers' head of football, Craig Cameron, said yesterday.

"Clearly this is the best game he has played since the incident. Whether that materialises into senior selection this week is up to match committee and that call hasn't been made at this point.

"What I would say is that we would be looking for him to hold that sort of form and performances. We have to make sure that he can hold that form, and there's no reason why he can't. He has improved obviously as this season's unfolded."

Polak's only lingering physical after-effect of the accident is that he is more prone to feeling fatigued. He is also playing in a helmet.

The No. 4 pick of the 2001 national draft, Polak played 73 matches for Fremantle before joining Richmond in 2007. He finished seventh in the Tigers' best and fairest and, after being used in attack, defence and in the ruck, was arguably the most improved player in the competition that season.

Richmond's current view is that if he is to add to the senior side, it will be in a key position and the likely scenario is that Polak will be given the opportunity to prove himself in that role before he is seriously considered a chance to play seniors.

After leaving hospital at the end of July last year Polak resumed training with the Tigers in November.

He played an intraclub match in February and a NAB Challenge match against St Kilda in March, but the Tigers have been mindful of managing his expectations throughout his recovery.

Meanwhile, Cameron remained optimistic about the prospects of seemingly vanquished veteran Tigers Nathan Brown, Mark Coughlan and Joel Bowden returning to the seniors at some point this year.

Brown booted two goals for Coburg in his return from a groin injury on Sunday and Coughlan and Bowden were among the team's best players.

"We're not publicly retiring any of our players at the moment. Obviously Kane (Johnson) retired himself but we're not retiring any of the others, we've still got a fair chunk of the season to go," Cameron said.

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/rfnews/polak-a-step-closer-to-return/2009/07/13/1247337075179.html
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: TigerLand on July 14, 2009, 10:43:13 AM
A magnificent story.

Have no hesitation seeing Polly on the list next year.

Happy to give him more time. He's worked his butt off and wants to play AFL again, he's in front of at least 10 others for mine.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: WA Tiger on July 14, 2009, 11:44:29 AM
A magnificent story.

Have no hesitation seeing Polly on the list next year.

Happy to give him more time. He's worked his butt off and wants to play AFL again, he's in front of at least 10 others for mine.

Would love to see him in this week, may as well give him a run, nothing to lose really if he is medicaly fit.
Title: Polak progressing well (Sportal)
Post by: one-eyed on July 17, 2009, 10:59:34 AM
Polak progressing well
17/07/2009
Paul Gough
Sportal

Acting Richmond coach Jade Rawlings says Graham Polak is progressing well in his comeback from a life-threatening tram accident a year ago but remains uncertain when or if the former Fremantle star will return to the AFL.

Polak, who has not played at the highest level since almost being killed when struck by a tram after the Tigers' Round 14 loss to Carlton last year, took the biggest step yet in his comeback last week when he was named best player for VFL affiliate Coburg.

However Rawlings said that despite that performance Polak still faced a long road to return to the AFL.

Full story here:
http://sportal.com.au/afl-news-display/polak-progressing-well-74130
Title: Richmond play safe with Polak (West Australian)
Post by: one-eyed on July 23, 2009, 03:35:40 PM
Richmond play safe with Polak
23rd July 2009, 7:45 WST

Richmond are poised to put WA recruit Graham Polak through a new on-field test to assess whether his remarkable fight-back from lifethreatening head injuries will be rewarded with a return to the AFL.

Tigers football general manager Craig Cameron said last night that Polak, who has impressed in recent VFL matches for Coburg as a defender and ruckman, was likely to be given a less familiar role in the forward line to measure his rehabilitation.

The 25-year-old, who joined the Tigers from Fremantle in 2006, was put in an induced coma with bruising to the brain after being hit by a tram in Melbourne in an incident in 2007. A return to football initially seemed highly unlikely, but as Polak’s condition improved late last year Richmond unsuccessfully applied to the AFL to transfer him to the rookie list before allowing him to play in pre-season matches this season.

Out of contract at the end of the year, Cameron said the Tigers had not ruled out an AFL return for Polak in 2009, but would act with caution considering his injuries were so severe.

He will play for Coburg against the Casey Scorpions on Saturday.

“We’re really pleased with his progress,” Cameron said. “He’s come a long way from the start of the season where we thought he had no chance (of an AFL return) to now where he’s playing good footy at VFL level. But we probably need to see him do another couple of things before he gets seriously considered for AFL level.

“We want to make sure his reaction time is right, which is one of the main issues we had earlier in the year.

“He’s gone to VFL level and played in positions that suit him, so the match committee just wants to see him play forward to find out what those reaction times are as a forward.

“From here, it’s just a matter of playing in enough positions for us to be confident of putting him up to AFL level. There’s no line through him in terms of playing (AFL), but he’s no automatic at the moment.”

Cameron believed a heavy knock to the head that Polak suffered for Coburg earlier this year had given him confidence in physically being able to deal with that type of blow following his medical ordeal.

He praised the club’s doctors and fitness staff for getting Polak to a stage where he could again challenge for a senior berth and said that would become a significant achievement if it played out that way.

“From where he was when the accident happened, obviously it’s almost remarkable we’re talking about him potentially playing AFL footy again,” Cameron said.

“His life has come back from a situation where no one knew what he was going to be like, to talking about that. It’s a remarkable story.”

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=4&ContentID=157310
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: wayne on July 23, 2009, 04:14:38 PM
I wonder if we'll have a Jason McCartney type situation.

Plays a match and retires straight afterwards.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: bojangles17 on July 23, 2009, 04:26:59 PM
sounds like a couple more weeks at least but getting warm which is encouraging...Good luck Poll, cant wait to see him out their :thumbsup
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: one-eyed on July 23, 2009, 10:44:56 PM
Hutchy said Polak is unlikely to play AFL this year.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Infamy on July 23, 2009, 10:48:21 PM
Hutchy said Polak is unlikely to play AFL this year.

I hope that at least means that we'll keep him on for next year
If he's improved this much in 12 months, imagine another 7-8 before the start of the 2010 season
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mightytiges on July 23, 2009, 11:36:53 PM
Hutchy said Polak is unlikely to play AFL this year.

I hope that at least means that we'll keep him on for next year
If he's improved this much in 12 months, imagine another 7-8 before the start of the 2010 season
Polly's out of contract though. I would've thought he would've needed to have got back to playing AFL even if it was just one game for him to get another contract to go on. Speaking to those who watch Coburg it's heart in the mouth stuff when he gets cleaned up. He's too brave for his own good sometimes. It's a miracle that he is able to function normally again let alone play a full-on collision sport like footy.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Infamy on July 24, 2009, 02:06:24 AM
Polly's out of contract though. I would've thought he would've needed to have got back to playing AFL even if it was just one game for him to get another contract to go on. Speaking to those who watch Coburg it's heart in the mouth stuff when he gets cleaned up. He's too brave for his own good sometimes. It's a miracle that he is able to function normally again let alone play a full-on collision sport like footy.
How is it Polak's fault that spectators are scared he'll hurt himself again? Clearly Graeme isn't.
If there was any further chance of him getting further brain damage he wouldn't be allowed to play by the doctors.
Every player is a chance of getting their head injured, just ask Chris Hyde.
If he's playing good football then give him a chance to prove he still has it.
Title: Polak's miracle return to form after tram accident (Australian)
Post by: one-eyed on July 24, 2009, 02:45:10 AM
Polak's miracle return to form after tram accident
Greg Denham | July 24, 2009 | The Australian

RICHMOND'S Graham Polak may not play at the elite level again, but continues to make amazing progress from his near-fatal accident in June last year.

Even if he fails to again rise to the top grade, he is certainly the feelgood story of the year.

The form of Polak, 25, in the VFL over the past fortnight has been nothing short of a miracle, according to Richmond officials.

Just on 12 months since being hit by a tram in the Melbourne suburb of Armadale and being close to death, the Tigers believe Polak is giving himself every chance to prove he is capable of playing senior football again and adding to his 106 games.

Richmond general manager of football operations Craig Cameron yesterday described Polak's improved condition as being "further than what we expected", given the severity of his accident.

"He's come a long way," Cameron said.

"His recovery has been quite a remarkable achievement".

Polak comes out of contract at the end of the season, and while he is unlikely to be re-contracted, Richmond has yet to rule him out of its future plans.

He was in a critical but stable condition at the Alfred Hospital after being put in an induced coma following his freak accident, which left him with severe bruising to his brain but fortunately no extra swelling.

Club doctor Greg Hickey said at the time he was concerned for Polak's intellectual recovery because of the bruising.

Surgeons were unclear whether or not he would suffer permanent brain damage.

Polak's accident was so grim, teammates Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon, who were in his company at the time following a match against Carlton, needed trauma counselling.

Just days after coming out of his coma, Polak was able to walk a few steps, and though quite confused, was aware he was in hospital.

After being transferred to the Epworth rehabilitation unit, Polak again responded positively to treatment, this time for his post-traumatic amnesia.

There were signs of his rapid progress early this year during the pre-season, but the initial media interest in Polak, in conjunction with the arrival of Ben Cousins, did not include some of Polak's impediments.

The Tigers noted that his timing was out, his reaction and coordination were well down on what was required of AFL players, and he struggled with his sight, especially when playing under lights.

But after spending most of the early part of the season playing moderately in the VFL reserves, his awareness and coordination has improved enormously in recent weeks.

Cameron believes that a recent knock on the head, which concussed the former Fremantle player, actually worked in his favour.

"He probably got a lot of his confidence back, knowing that he made a quick and full recovery from the whack," Cameron said.

Polak has been back in the seniors at VFL level for a few weeks and two games ago was excellent in the ruck, then followed it up equally well at centre half-back the following weekend.

His next biggest test will be to hold down a key forward position for Coburg in consecutive weeks.

"His marking's back, his timing is back and there is no doubt he's playing with more confidence," Cameron said.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25826844-2722,00.html
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mightytiges on July 24, 2009, 09:26:27 PM
Polly's out of contract though. I would've thought he would've needed to have got back to playing AFL even if it was just one game for him to get another contract to go on. Speaking to those who watch Coburg it's heart in the mouth stuff when he gets cleaned up. He's too brave for his own good sometimes. It's a miracle that he is able to function normally again let alone play a full-on collision sport like footy.
How is it Polak's fault that spectators are scared he'll hurt himself again? Clearly Graeme isn't.
If there was any further chance of him getting further brain damage he wouldn't be allowed to play by the doctors.
Every player is a chance of getting their head injured, just ask Chris Hyde.
If he's playing good football then give him a chance to prove he still has it.
That's true about fans Infamy but I don't think Polly is in the same bracket as any other player as far copping another head injury. He is wearing a helmet for a reason. Great to hear he's gained heaps of confidence from that heavy whack he copped at Coburg because I was told he was quite shook up at the moment it happened while he was lying on the ground. I still think though it'll be hard to see him get another contract without playing an AFL game in the next 6 weeks unless of course we get special dispensation from the AFL to place him on the rookie list. With 7 rookie spots available next year it's a option the club should consider again if we want to keep him. That way we don't sacrifice a spot on our senior list if he never plays AFL again.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Infamy on July 24, 2009, 09:44:37 PM
The helmet is there for his confidence, not for medical reasons. If he needs a helmet to be ok medically to play then there is no way possible he'd be allowed on the field. No doctor in their right mind would allow that.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mightytiges on July 24, 2009, 10:03:22 PM
The helmet is there for his confidence, not for medical reasons. If he needs a helmet to be ok medically to play then there is no way possible he'd be allowed on the field. No doctor in their right mind would allow that.
The helmet would also be for partly medical reasons surely as well as confidence. I'm not saying he shouldn't be playing at all but I would've thought no way the doctors would've let him play again without a helmet. Suffering multiple concussions is dangerous let alone copping a concussion after coming back from a brain injury. The helmet would help protect him from copping severe concussion if he gets whacked in the head.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Infamy on July 24, 2009, 10:46:13 PM
If he still has bruising of/damage to the brain then he shouldn't be playing at all
If he doesn't have any then I don't see what the difference is
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mightytiges on July 24, 2009, 11:09:38 PM
If he still has bruising of/damage to the brain then he shouldn't be playing at all
If he doesn't have any then I don't see what the difference is
Fair enough Infamy. I just thought it was used as a preventive measure against him copping severe concussion if he gets whacked in the head.
Title: Polak may return to seniors (Age)
Post by: one-eyed on August 05, 2009, 11:46:15 PM
Polak may return to seniors
Jesse Hogan | August 6, 2009

RICHMOND’S biggest gun, Matthew Richardson, will be watching from the sidelines for the rest of the year — and its youngest gun, Trent Cotchin, is about to join him. But their absence should be softened by the triumphant return of Graham Polak to senior football before the end of the season.

The former Fremantle defender has not played senior football since he was struck by a tram 13 months ago, after which he was put into an induced coma due to swelling on his brain. Yet it is believed his sustained good form with Coburg will almost certainly translate into a return to the seniors — and not simply as a sentimental ‘‘farewell’’ game.

Coburg general manager Ryan O’Connor did not speculate on the chances of Polak getting an AFL recall but said the club ‘‘couldn’t be happier with his progress’’.

‘‘He’s obviously a big bloke who can go back with the flight of the ball and take some terrific marks, and everything else like that is going to be very well-sought-after at VFL level,’’ O’Connor said.

‘‘The boys have really loved having him around. He’s a really good young fella and he’s really added to our playing list in the time he’s been here.’’

Polak’s likely return is timely for him, as he is out of contract with Richmond at the end of the season.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/rfnews/richo-cotchin-gone-polak-may-return/2009/08/05/1249350592707.html
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: gtig on August 06, 2009, 09:44:03 AM
would be great to see him get a game but the reputation risk the club takes in playing him if he's injured again - even if it's completely unrelated - would be huge. with the scrutiy the club medicos have been under this year would be a very brave decision.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: TigerTimeII on August 06, 2009, 09:53:16 AM
would be great to see him get a game but the reputation risk the club takes in playing him if he's injured again - even if it's completely unrelated - would be huge. with the scrutiy the club medicos have been under this year would be a very brave decision.

he has played footy all yr, sure its vfl, but its still footy, if he is in form and fit, he should be selected. the fact he is playing and has all yr suggests he is recovered and has had the go ahead by all concerned, if something does happen , its not the rfc fault, he was the one who was too stuffing stupid to look left and right and left and right again. thats life , poo happens and then u move on
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Chuck17 on August 06, 2009, 10:09:16 AM
he was the one who was too effing stupid to look left and right and left and right again. thats life , poo happens and then u move on

I hope you dont wonder why you receive abusive mail otherwise it would be your intellectual capacity that should be in question.  Actually now that I think about it your intellectual capacity isnt in question at all, it is known or as someone else would say a FACT.

I don't know the actual facts of the situation bit I am not sure if his intellectual capacity was the reason for the accident, he may have been distracted at the time of crossing or some other explanation.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Stripes on August 06, 2009, 11:48:06 AM
While I like the romantic notion of Polak returning from a life threatening injury to become a 'crucial part of our future success' I just can't see it happening. Firstly where would you play him and who would he replace? IS he playing better than McGuane, Thursfield or Moore? Should he claim the spot of Riewoldt, Post or Vickery? I just believe, even if he was at full fitness, that he would struggle to fight his way back into the side at the moment.

I'm sorry to say but if we retain him it would be more through sympathetic reasons than professional ones.

Wish I thought differently but its hard to see it from any other way

Stripes
Title: Re: Polak may return to seniors (Age)
Post by: 2JD on August 06, 2009, 12:05:12 PM
Polak may return to seniors
Jesse Hogan | August 6, 2009

RICHMOND’S biggest gun, Matthew Richardson, will be watching from the sidelines for the rest of the year — and its youngest gun, Trent Cotchin, is about to join him. But their absence should be softened by the triumphant return of Graham Polak to senior football before the end of the season.

The former Fremantle defender has not played senior football since he was struck by a tram 13 months ago, after which he was put into an induced coma due to swelling on his brain. Yet it is believed his sustained good form with Coburg will almost certainly translate into a return to the seniors — and not simply as a sentimental ‘‘farewell’’ game.

Coburg general manager Ryan O’Connor did not speculate on the chances of Polak getting an AFL recall but said the club ‘‘couldn’t be happier with his progress’’.

‘‘He’s obviously a big bloke who can go back with the flight of the ball and take some terrific marks, and everything else like that is going to be very well-sought-after at VFL level,’’ O’Connor said.

‘‘The boys have really loved having hHe’s a really good young fella and he’s really added to our playing list in the time he’s been here.’’im around.  
Polak’s likely return is timely for him, as he is out of contract with Richmond at the end of the season.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/rfnews/richo-cotchin-gone-polak-may-return/2009/08/05/1249350592707.html

This sentence sounds to me like they may be giving him a farewell game, as they should.

Oh to be as clever as TTII  :wallywink you're a friggin goose!


Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Damo on August 06, 2009, 12:21:21 PM
he was the one who was too effing stupid to look left and right and left and right again. thats life , poo happens and then u move on

TT2, you really are a idiot of a human being. effwit of the highest order. You make comment after comment that shows what a fool you are, but the above comment is a new low.
Title: Polak returns to seniors
Post by: one-eyed on August 06, 2009, 01:38:11 PM
This sentence sounds to me like they may be giving him a farewell game, as they should.
Polak will be named in the squad  :thumbsup
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: MikeetIGER on August 06, 2009, 01:58:23 PM
While I like the romantic notion of Polak returning from a life threatening injury to become a 'crucial part of our future success' I just can't see it happening. Firstly where would you play him and who would he replace? IS he playing better than McGuane, Thursfield or Moore? Should he claim the spot of Riewoldt, Post or Vickery? I just believe, even if he was at full fitness, that he would struggle to fight his way back into the side at the moment.

I'm sorry to say but if we retain him it would be more through sympathetic reasons than professional ones.

Wish I thought differently but its hard to see it from any other way

Stripes

Much better option than Moore who is severely overrated.  Had one decent year last year but has done sweet FA since.  Moore doesn't really offer much.  Polly a better player IMO.

GO TIGES!!!
Title: Re: Polak returns to seniors
Post by: one-eyed on August 06, 2009, 02:17:24 PM
This sentence sounds to me like they may be giving him a farewell game, as they should.
Polak will be named in the squad  :thumbsup
Here's confirmation...

Key position player Graham Polak is also a step closer to returning to senior football, joining the extended squad for this Sunday's game against Sydney.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25891399-19742,00.html
Title: Re: Polak returns to seniors
Post by: one-eyed on August 06, 2009, 02:19:52 PM
Polak set for AFL return
abc.net.au
August 6, 2009 12:20:00


Richmond defender Graham Polak is set to play his first AFL match in more than a year when the Tigers meet Sydney this weekend.

Polak has not played for Richmond since suffering severe head injuries when he was hit by a tram in June last year.

He returned to preseason training in the summer before playing much of this season in the Tigers' reserve side.

Richmond coach Jade Rawlings says Polak's form is now good enough for a return to the senior side.

"Everyone's been rapt with his progress," Rawlings said.

"He wants to be treated like a senior footballer, which is our expectation that he should be able to now that he's got through the significance of the injury.

"And he's performing at a level now where he can be considered.

"We wouldn't have put him in the squad if he wasn't now playing at a sustainable brand that could stand up in the AFL."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/08/06/2647759.htm?site=sport&section=all
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Tigermonk on August 06, 2009, 02:26:45 PM
Bad decision by the medical staff & the club if this was to happen. His brain would not have fully recovered & would be far too slow moving up a level at this stage & if he is good enough now to play AFL senior football, then he should be put in cotten wool & retained for next pre-season matches.
Why do Richmond never fail to do stupid things
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Go Richo 12 on August 06, 2009, 02:59:45 PM
Bad decision by the medical staff & the club if this was to happen. His brain would not have fully recovered & would be far too slow moving up a level at this stage & if he is good enough now to play AFL senior football, then he should be put in cotten wool & retained for next pre-season matches.
Why do Richmond never fail to do stupid things

Well, i dont wish to make any assumptions but i would ve thought that the medical staff would know a little more about Polly's condition than say, yourself or me!Polly would know what he is capable of and i dare say that the lawyers acting for RFC wouldve suggested an independant evaluation of Polly before being cleared to play!
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Go Richo 12 on August 06, 2009, 03:11:26 PM
he was the one who was too effing stupid to look left and right and left and right again. thats life , poo happens and then u move on

TT2, you really are a idiot of a human being. effwit of the highest order. You make comment after comment that shows what a fool you are, but the above comment is a new low.
The tram stop that where Polly was nailed is, ive been told, a black spot with plenty of near misses in the past! Maybe Polly wasnt so effing stupid as TTII so delicately put it!
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Infamy on August 06, 2009, 04:23:05 PM
Bad decision by the medical staff & the club if this was to happen. His brain would not have fully recovered & would be far too slow moving up a level at this stage & if he is good enough now to play AFL senior football, then he should be put in cotten wool & retained for next pre-season matches.
Why do Richmond never fail to do stupid things
I apologise, I never knew you were a brain surgeon.
I thought you were a rocket scientist
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Ox on August 06, 2009, 04:42:40 PM

Why do Richmond never fail to do stupid things


to stay in theme with idiot supporters.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: the_boy_jake on August 06, 2009, 04:51:43 PM
What is his form @ Coburg like?

Is this a 'goodbye Polly' gesture?
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: TigerLand on August 06, 2009, 08:42:21 PM
Bad decision by the medical staff & the club if this was to happen. His brain would not have fully recovered & would be far too slow moving up a level at this stage & if he is good enough now to play AFL senior football, then he should be put in cotten wool & retained for next pre-season matches.
Why do Richmond never fail to do stupid things


I can't remember an insightful thing you have ever posted.

Pollys form warrants a call up.. You can't put the whole list in cotton wool mate...
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: WilliamPowell on August 06, 2009, 09:53:16 PM
The medical call regarding Polak is made by his specialists  from the accident not the RFC medicos - so if they say he right to go he is right to go
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mightytiges on August 06, 2009, 11:16:47 PM
Just amazing that Polly is back playing AFL  :clapping.
Title: Polak says AFL return would be a dream (Age)
Post by: one-eyed on August 06, 2009, 11:58:44 PM
Polak says AFL return would be a dream
Sam Lienert
August 6, 2009 - 11:04PM

Richmond's Graham Polak says it will be a "dream come true" if he can return to the AFL side before the end of the season.

The 25-year-old key position player, who has not represented the senior side since being hit by a tram in June last year, has been named in a 25-man squad for Sunday's match against Sydney at the MCG.

While it is unlikely he will make the final 22 this week, it is the closest he has been so far to returning to the AFL team.

The incident resulted in brain bruising and required Polak to spend several days in an induced coma.

He said at the start of this season he was given little hope of playing football this year, but after some good form with Richmond's VFL affiliate Coburg now feels he is capable of playing at the top level.

"Over the last few weeks it's been really good, the skill level has been growing and growing and I feel I'm on the way up," Polak told the Nine Network's AFL Footy Show on Thursday night.

"To get a chance is obviously not my call at the moment, but if I get a chance I'll take it with both hands and relish it.

"I never knew when I got out of hospital that this year especially I'd be playing AFL football.

"I knew I wanted to strive for that, it was a goal of mine to get back this year, but for it to actually happen would be a dream come true.

"At the start of the year I sat down with a doctor from the Epworth (Hospital) and asked him 'Honestly, do you think I'll be able to get back this year'?

"He said 'Honestly mate, I don't think you could'.

"To be back straight away playing some good footy now, I've hopefully proven them wrong, the critics wrong and everyone else wrong.

"I'm feeling great at the moment and I look forward to the opportunity to come."

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/polak-says-afl-return-would-be-a-dream-20090806-ebm0.html
Title: Polak close to miracle comeback (Australian)
Post by: one-eyed on August 07, 2009, 04:21:38 AM
Polak close to miracle comeback
Courtney Walsh | August 07, 2009 | The Australian

ABOUT a year after Graham Polak almost lost his life when struck by a tram, the Tiger is on the brink of an extraordinary return to senior football.

The 25-year-old, whose career seemed over when he suffered severe head injuries in Armadale last June, was last night named in Richmond's squad of 25 for Sunday's match against Sydney at the MCG, although The Australian understands his return will be delayed for another week.

Regardless of the match committee decision today, Polak's naming is a boost in what has been a troubled year at Richmond. It follows Ben Cousins' declaration yesterday that there "would be blood on the streets" if the Tigers decided against retaining club legend Matthew Richardson next season.

It was reported yesterday that Richmond had already offered a contract for next year to Richardson, who signalled his intent to continue in 2010 before an arthroscopy on his knee yesterday.

Tigers caretaker coach Jade Rawlings said negotiations were on hold until the club's next coach was signed.

The pending of return of Polak had buoyed Tigerland, Rawlings said yesterday.

"He has been a good story. I didn't know if he would be able to get back, I thought he would be unlikely, but he has kept improving every week," Rawlings said. When the former Docker, who was taken with the fourth pick in a stellar 2001 draft behind Chris Judd, Luke Hodge and Luke Ball, was placed in an induced coma after the accident, with surgeons fearing long-term brain damage, his chances of playing seemed distant.

Polak was able to resume training with the Tigers at the beginning of the year, but officials noted his co-ordination and reflexes had been affected.

As well, he was unable to see the ball at the other end of the ground during a pre-season game against St Kilda in Shepparton.

In recent weeks Polak has shown improvement and versatility, with good performances in the ruck, at centre-half back and in attack for Coburg.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25893213-2722,00.html
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: 1965 on August 07, 2009, 06:14:04 AM
The medical call regarding Polak is made by his specialists  from the accident not the RFC medicos - so if they say he right to go he is right to go

I wish I had your confidence in "specialists".

Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Tigermonk on August 07, 2009, 06:29:28 AM
Bad decision by the medical staff & the club if this was to happen. His brain would not have fully recovered & would be far too slow moving up a level at this stage & if he is good enough now to play AFL senior football, then he should be put in cotten wool & retained for next pre-season matches.
Why do Richmond never fail to do stupid things
I apologise, I never knew you were a brain surgeon.
I thought you were a rocket scientist

snipeing again
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Tigermonk on August 07, 2009, 06:31:02 AM

Why do Richmond never fail to do stupid things


to stay in theme with idiot supporters.

snipeing again
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Tigermonk on August 07, 2009, 06:31:35 AM
Bad decision by the medical staff & the club if this was to happen. His brain would not have fully recovered & would be far too slow moving up a level at this stage & if he is good enough now to play AFL senior football, then he should be put in cotten wool & retained for next pre-season matches.
Why do Richmond never fail to do stupid things


I can't remember an insightful thing you have ever posted.

Pollys form warrants a call up.. You can't put the whole list in cotton wool mate...

snipeing again
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Infamy on August 07, 2009, 08:32:06 AM
I think you have a stutter
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Tigermonk on August 07, 2009, 08:34:48 AM
 ;D
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Chuck17 on August 07, 2009, 11:03:46 AM
Either that or there is an echo in here
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: WilliamPowell on August 07, 2009, 01:07:07 PM
The medical call regarding Polak is made by his specialists  from the accident not the RFC medicos - so if they say he right to go he is right to go

I wish I had your confidence in "specialists".



Great hospital Epworth and yeah I have great faith in the Doctors at the Epworth  :thumbsup
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Ox on August 07, 2009, 01:48:27 PM
Just amazing that Polly is back playing AFL  :clapping.


hear,here! :clapping
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: bojangles17 on August 07, 2009, 02:00:40 PM
Bad decision by the medical staff & the club if this was to happen. His brain would not have fully recovered & would be far too slow moving up a level at this stage & if he is good enough now to play AFL senior football, then he should be put in cotten wool & retained for next pre-season matches.
Why do Richmond never fail to do stupid things


are you a neurologist, specialising in occupational therapy or just and armchair critic singing straight from the clacker coz for all it's worth, that's probably where it should remain :shh
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Francois Jackson on August 07, 2009, 02:05:07 PM
man i hope he makes a successful return.

we all forget how good a mark he is. How important would it be for a guy like him that can play back or forward.

Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Tigermonk on August 07, 2009, 06:02:24 PM



are you a neurologist, specialising in occupational therapy or just and armchair critic singing straight from the clacker coz for all it's worth, that's probably where it should remain :shh
[/quote]

if he makes the team, lets see how confused & slow he is. can tell you from his interview that he dont talk the same as before the accident. dont need to be a neurologist, specialising in occupational therapy just open your eyes. Polak needs to be kept out of the AFL till next year if they going to keep him.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: bojangles17 on August 07, 2009, 09:40:27 PM



are you a neurologist, specialising in occupational therapy or just and armchair critic singing straight from the clacker coz for all it's worth, that's probably where it should remain :shh

if he makes the team, lets see how confused & slow he is. can tell you from his interview that he dont talk the same as before the accident. dont need to be a neurologist, specialising in occupational therapy just open your eyes. Polak needs to be kept out of the AFL till next year if they going to keep him.
[/quote]

Listen partner, I can recall Polly prior to the accident and I can tell you he was NEVER a linguist of any note...Nice try but leave the specialist opinion to the experts :o
Title: Polak's close, but only in an emergency for tomorrow's match (Age)
Post by: one-eyed on August 08, 2009, 02:51:20 AM
Polak's close, but only in an emergency for tomorrow's match
Andrea Petrie | August 8, 2009

RICHMOND'S Graham Polak will have to wait at least another week before returning to senior football.

The 25-year-old key position player, who has not played senior football since he was hit by a tram in June last year, has been named an emergency in the Tigers' team to play Sydney at the MCG tomorrow.

It is the closest he has been so far to returning to the AFL after he sustained brain bruising and spent several days in an induced coma after the accident.

Richmond football operations manager Ross Monaghan said last night Polak was ''not far away'' from a return.

''He's really close to selection and has got to the stage where he's strongly being considered but we just haven't got a spot for him at this stage,'' Monaghan said. ''He's an emergency so could come in because circumstances change, but as it stands now he's not playing.''

Polak was told by doctors it was unlikely he would play again this year but he has put in a several strong performances with Richmond's VFL affiliate, Coburg.

''The expectation surrounding his progress was something no one could really estimate and it everyone had to wait and see,'' Monaghan said.

''We've just found his progress each step of the way extraordinary and to get where he is - pressing for selection in the senior side - is something that no one really expected, so it's fantastic.

''We haven't wanted to put any pressure on him and if he plays between now and the end of the year it will be fantastic.''

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/rfnews/polak-close-but-only-an-emergency/2009/08/07/1249350686008.html
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Tigermonk on August 08, 2009, 09:02:04 AM


Listen partner, I can recall Polly prior to the accident and I can tell you he was NEVER a linguist of any note...Nice try but leave the specialist opinion to the experts :o

why did they not include him in the side are they worried his not ready or just messing with his mind  ;D you know l will fall over if they delist him.
Title: Earning their stripes (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on September 07, 2009, 04:10:43 AM
Earning their stripes
Alan Howe | September 07, 2009

RICHMOND footballer Graham Polak has come face to face with the two men who saved his life.

Polak suffered a potentially deadly brain injury last year when he was hit by a tram near his house on Dandenong Rd.

The Tigers defender was with teammates and heading towards a taxi when the tram's mirror struck him on the left side of his head.

A passerby called for help.

When mobile intensive care ambulance (MICA) paramedics Mark Eddey and his colleague, Paul, arrived Polak was bleeding profusely, barely conscious and in deep trouble.

"He had a lot of blood around his head," said Mark. "My assessment of him was that he had a traumatic brain injury."

Mark and Paul went to work quickly. They needed to sedate and paralyse Polak with powerful drugs usually reserved for anaesthetists in the controlled environment of a hospital surgery.

The pair had to estimate dosages based on Polak's weight.

"He looked a pretty big bloke, well-muscled," Mark explained.

"We felt his weight would be relatively close to 100kg (Polak is 93kg) and we calculated the drugs from there.

"I inserted a tube into Graham's airway, while Paul administered the drugs intravenously."

Mark and Paul, who were unaware of the identity of their perilously ill patient, were confident they could save him, but expected he would have a poor quality of life afterwards.

Polak has amazed doctors and everybody at his club by making a full recovery. He played the last two rounds of the season, kicking a goal in the final match.

"They did a great job," said Polak of the paramedics. "It's unbelievable. I couldn't have survived without them.

"I owe everything in my life to them," says Polak, set to marry Alyce Oksuz next year.

Polak never thought about giving football away. "Not one bit. A lot of people doubted me. I never doubted me.

"I've always been confident I could get back to that level. I was determined to come back and play and, thankfully, this second half of the year has worked out for me and I've been playing some good footy."

Polak admits he didn't understand the role of MICA paramedics until his accident.

"They've explained to me what they had to do, and the difference between the MICA guys and someone else coming," he said.

"It's really got through to me that they saved my life."

Most MICA paramedics across the state, including Mark and Paul, have resigned in an ongoing dispute with the State Government over pay and conditions.

The resignations take effect on Wednesday morning, at which point the state will effectively be without its MICA service.

Like many people, Polak was surprised to hear the pay rates for these lifesavers.

"They are that important in life, it's a wonder how it got to this stage," he said.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,26035009-11088,00.html
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: TigerLand on September 07, 2009, 11:09:13 AM
For mine Graham deserves 1 more year.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: TigerTimeII on September 07, 2009, 11:13:59 AM
For mine Graham deserves 1 more year.

i agree , he is a big body and will be better next yr
Title: Polak's future decided next week (Australian)
Post by: one-eyed on September 11, 2009, 06:39:57 AM
Graham Polak, who almost lost his life last year after being hit by a tram in suburban Melbourne, is another player who is out of contract and unlikely to be offered an extension.

Polak made a miraculous return to the elite level in the final two home-and-away games of the season where he made little impact, gathering a combined 13 possessions. A decision on his future will be made by the Tigers next week following consultation with the club's medical staff.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26055343-5013406,00.html
Title: Re: Polak's future decided next week (Australian)
Post by: WilliamPowell on September 11, 2009, 07:16:34 AM
Polak made a miraculous return to the elite level in the final two home-and-away games of the season where he made little impact, gathering a combined 13 possessions. A decision on his future will be made by the Tigers next week following consultation with the club's medical staff.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26055343-5013406,00.html

Why on earth anyone want the advice of our medical staff after their stuff ups in 2009 beggars belief  :banghead :banghead

The only consultation we should be having with our head doctor is which door he should use to exit the building permanantly  :wallywink

Will be very sad if Polly's future deteremined by our head doctor  :banghead :banghead
Title: Re: Polak's future decided next week (Australian)
Post by: tigersalive on September 11, 2009, 08:02:46 AM
Polak made a miraculous return to the elite level in the final two home-and-away games of the season where he made little impact, gathering a combined 13 possessions. A decision on his future will be made by the Tigers next week following consultation with the club's medical staff.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26055343-5013406,00.html

Why on earth anyone want the advice of our medical staff after their stuff ups in 2009 beggars belief  :banghead :banghead

The only consultation we should be having with our head doctor is which door he should use to exit the building permanantly  :wallywink

Will be very sad if Polly's future deteremined by out head doctor  :banghead :banghead

Who is our head doctor?

Is he a douche?

If so why is he NOT being shown the door?
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Gracie on September 11, 2009, 09:58:37 AM
witch doctor????
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Stripes on September 11, 2009, 11:16:13 AM
Can we afford a development player in their mid 20's? Sounds like a Cogs scenario to me. Players like Polak would be a huge gamble to retain and given our track record of 'fairy tale' improvements from players in similar situations I believe it is best to move Polak on so he can focus on the rest of his life.

We need a healthy list with no passengers and everyone competing for spots in the side and list.

Sorry Graham  :'(

Stripes
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Jackstar is back on September 11, 2009, 11:42:22 AM
Can we afford a development player in their mid 20's? Sounds like a Cogs scenario to me. Players like Polak would be a huge gamble to retain and given our track record of 'fairy tale' improvements from players in similar situations I believe it is best to move Polak on so he can focus on the rest of his life.

We need a healthy list with no passengers and everyone competing for spots in the side and list.

Sorry Graham  :'(

Stripes

mail about is that he wont be offered a contract in 2010
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mat073 on September 11, 2009, 11:45:21 AM
I agree Stripes...time for Richmond to learn from their mistakes.

N Brown never really made it back after a serious injury.
Cogs ditto

No point having a list that only looks good on paper.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: cub on September 11, 2009, 12:33:43 PM
If we are biting the bullet, no use being 1/2 rrrrs about it. Polak gone.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: WilliamPowell on September 11, 2009, 01:44:51 PM
Can we afford a development player in their mid 20's? Sounds like a Cogs scenario to me. Players like Polak would be a huge gamble to retain and given our track record of 'fairy tale' improvements from players in similar situations I believe it is best to move Polak on so he can focus on the rest of his life.

We need a healthy list with no passengers and everyone competing for spots in the side and list.

Sorry Graham  :'(

Stripes

mail about is that he wont be offered a contract in 2010

I hope your right Jack - my mail is no decision as yet

But regarding him being a "development type player" and can we afford to have him on the list at 25 y.o.?

I actually think we can. If he stays it would be at a much lesser contract than he originally had. At 25 and a KPP he is actually important to our spine. I thought he showed enough in the 2 games back in the AFL to suggest it is worth the gamble.

To be honest I saw nearly all his games this year for either Coburg or Richmond and I will admit that go back to say early June I would have said NO WAY should we even consider keeping him but his last 6 weeks were very very good and I changed my view

Would argue he has more upside than say Jay Schulz going into 2010
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: torch on September 11, 2009, 02:59:50 PM
Polak - Delist

 :)
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Tigermonk on September 11, 2009, 03:01:32 PM
Axe him  ;D
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: TigerLand on September 11, 2009, 04:44:36 PM
I absolutly agree with the people regarding not having another Coghlan situation but Polak showed he's capable of improvement From mid year to Round 22 he's moved mountains.

Brown and Coughlan during 3 years of coming back from injuries showed only slight glimpses at best. Polak has showed signed in 6 months that he can continue to improve.

It can't hurt giving him a 1 year extension and at worse have him playing in the 2's. We've already got 8 spots on the list free including the Raines trade (With Schultz, McMahon trade rumoured) I think to delist him would be a loss for the list. For both long term and short term.

Also have to take into consideration the groups mentality. I don't think 12 months is enough to turn around his condition 100% and shouldn't be judged that way. I think 12 months is more than fine.

Nahas/Brown elevated to Senior list and 6 draft selections.

This is not including a Schultz, McMahon or Tuck trade. That is plenty of teenagers in one year. Save him delist till net year and see what he's made of.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Infamy on September 11, 2009, 04:56:46 PM
Can we afford a development player in their mid 20's? Sounds like a Cogs scenario to me. Players like Polak would be a huge gamble to retain and given our track record of 'fairy tale' improvements from players in similar situations I believe it is best to move Polak on so he can focus on the rest of his life.

We need a healthy list with no passengers and everyone competing for spots in the side and list.

Sorry Graham  :'(

Stripes
We're not talking about keeping him for another 3 years, just 12 months
At the same time we are cutting 10 other players
I'd even rather keep him as a ruck option instead of Simmonds
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mat073 on September 11, 2009, 05:07:09 PM
Just wondering where you guys thought Polly was at before his horrible accident.

I thought he was still struggling to hold down CHB or CHF

Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Judge Roughneck on September 11, 2009, 05:36:05 PM
Just wondering where you guys thought Polly was at before his horrible accident.

I thought he was still struggling to hold down CHB or CHF



Polak, pre-tram, was rubbish as forwards.

He was not much chop as a key back.

Lose in the backline he was decent, but only cause he is tall and a good mark.

Patty Bowden was good in this role ...

Hope Polak gets delisted (if he is not already?). Would of rather given Coughlan a pre-season.

Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Mr Magic on September 11, 2009, 05:45:51 PM
I thought he was still struggling to hold down CHB or CHF

Exactly and I certainly don't expect any miracle improvements.

I would have thought this was an easy decision but indicates how poor our list is that the thought of retention is even suggested.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Jackstar is back on September 11, 2009, 08:24:51 PM
Just wondering where you guys thought Polly was at before his horrible accident.

I thought he was still struggling to hold down CHB or CHF



He was really struggling
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Gigantor on September 11, 2009, 09:17:12 PM
was never a  fan of polly,just thought he had poor kicking skills,and would pick wrong options.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: WilliamPowell on September 12, 2009, 11:06:54 AM
Just wondering where you guys thought Polly was at before his horrible accident.

I thought he was still struggling to hold down CHB or CHF



I wnated to know why he wasn't being playedin one position and left there

One minute he was forward next he was back. I would have liked to have seen him play as a CFH for 5-7 weeks

His form at the time of the accident I thought was OK but not great, but as is the norm at the RFC he wasn't alone  ;D
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Go Richo 12 on September 12, 2009, 11:37:21 AM
Just wondering where you guys thought Polly was at before his horrible accident.

I thought he was still struggling to hold down CHB or CHF



I wnated to know why he wasn't being playedin one position and left there

One minute he was forward next he was back. I would have liked to have seen him play as a CFH for 5-7 weeks

His form at the time of the accident I thought was OK but not great, but as is the norm at the RFC he wasn't alone  ;D
WP, echoes my thoughts, hang on, i echo wp's thoughts! Keep Polly as he was thrown around everywhere without a chance to settle! He frustrated me as he was a terrible shot on goal but he never got a chance to stay forward and improve  on his goal kicking! Polly has heaps of under achieving friends that desserve the chop before he gets it.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mightytiges on September 12, 2009, 07:21:25 PM
Just wondering where you guys thought Polly was at before his horrible accident.

I thought he was still struggling to hold down CHB or CHF
Polly wasn't really playing CHB when he played in the backline. He was recruited to play KP but he played more as a loose man/sweeper in defence. Up forward he played a more tradition KP role but his kicking for goal wasn't crash hot. He had good hands though.

I think sentiment aside he is gone. I just don't see us in our current predicament holding onto uncontracted guys in their mid-20s who are maybes (will he or won't he play).
Title: Polak's future uncertain despite brave comeback (RFC)
Post by: one-eyed on September 22, 2009, 03:33:03 PM
Polak's future uncertain despite brave comeback
richmondfc.com.au
By Matt Burgan | Tue 22 September, 2009

THE FUTURE of Richmond defender Graham Polak remains unclear, despite making a remarkable comeback from a life-threatening injury to play the final two games of the home-and-away season.

Polak, speaking at Federation Square as part of the grand final festivities in Melbourne on Tuesday, said he is hopeful of gaining another contract with Richmond, after working his way back with Coburg Tigers reserves and then seniors.

Polak is currently out of contract and said he was determined to earn another contract and improve on what he was able to achieve this year.

"I felt like I exceeded what I was expected to do and I can only build on that from now," Polak said.

"If I get the chance to stay, I'll be taking that with both hands and look forward to playing more good footy."

Polak said he had already had met with new Richmond coach Damien Hardwick a couple of times.

The Western Australian said Hardwick has already made his intentions clear at Tigerland.

"He seems very focused and he wants to get across that there are no passengers in this team anymore," Polak said.

Despite his courageous achievement to play again at the highest level, Polak singled out the efforts of midfielder Mark Coughlan, who fought back this year from debilitating knee/hamstring injuries.

"Mark Coughlan coming back was a great buzz," he said. "He's a great player around the club and a great guy, which everyone loves.

"To see him come back was good and hopefully he goes on to bigger and better years now."

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/85156/default.aspx
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mightytiges on September 22, 2009, 08:16:09 PM
There's really no room for sentiment in the position we are in but if we haven't decided on Polly's future yet then that says to me we are waiting to see what happens during trade week and who else goes first.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: torch on September 22, 2009, 11:52:59 PM
sorry Polak! you must move on!
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: WA Tiger on September 22, 2009, 11:57:34 PM
Still think he could get up again with a pre-season behind him, maybe we should carry an extra rookie and if he doesn't get up then we can elevate the next promising thing before the season proper??
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mightytiges on September 23, 2009, 02:32:27 AM
Still think he could get up again with a pre-season behind him, maybe we should carry an extra rookie and if he doesn't get up then we can elevate the next promising thing before the season proper??
It's a shame Polly wasn't allowed to be a rookie himself while he recovered thanks to Eddie and certain other clubs sooking  ::).
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: F0551L on September 23, 2009, 03:38:46 AM
still out of contract mmm doesnt look good for the Polaxe
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Infamy on September 23, 2009, 08:05:21 AM
I wouldn't expect any more decisions on our list to be made until after the trade period
If we can trade Tuck, Raines, Schulz & McMahon for picks then we will have cleared enough room for Polak to be kept
However if most of those trades can't be done, then given all except Raines are contracted then they need to be kept and it will probably mean Polak is in trouble
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mightytiges on September 23, 2009, 04:25:27 PM
Agree Infamy. The more we can move on the better Polly's chances are of staying. It'll also depend on what picks we receive in trades. If the club has too many late picks to use then keeping Polly may be seen as a better option. The odds are stacked up against him though.
Title: Polak's hoping (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on October 18, 2009, 04:01:58 AM
I couldn't find this on the web so I scanned it in....

Polak's hoping
By Catherine Lambert, Liam Houlihan and Jay Clark
Sunday Herald-Sun 18 OCT 2009, Page 14

AS they wait for news on his football future, Graham Polak's fiancee, Alyce Oksuz, has told of his desire to keep playing.

Richmond is expected to announce this week whether Polak will be retained by the club or delisted.

Ms Oksuz said yesterday they were desperately hoping Polak could continue with the club.

"To have the opportunity to play would be fantastic for him because it's all he wants to do,'' Ms Oksuz said.

"We both have our hearts set on staying in Melbourne, but it's hard to know exactly what will happen until it's clear that Graham's coming back to full-time football.''

Polak, 29, began his AFL comeback in August when he played at the MCG against Hawthorn for the first time in 14 months since being hit by a tram and suffering a life-threatening brain injury.

Ms Oksuz and Polak's family was at the game to witness his triumph.

"We were all very nervous, but it was a huge accomplishment for him to get to that level when no one ever expected him to get that far,'' she said.

The couple, who became closer during their ordeal, capped off celebrations with an engagement party in a friend's East Perth apartment.

"It looked out over the river and was the perfect setting, with famous Perth weather,'' Ms Oksuz said.

"But after 10 days in Perth we were definitely ready to come back to Melbourne.''
Title: Re: Polak's hoping (Herald-Sun)
Post by: wayne on October 18, 2009, 11:07:03 AM
Polak, 29, began his AFL comeback in August when he played at the MCG against Hawthorn for the first time in 14 months since being hit by a tram and suffering a life-threatening brain injury.


How can he be 29, when he was in the same draft as Judd, Hodge and Ball and they're all 26-27??
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: tdy on October 18, 2009, 11:14:44 AM
Polak, 29, began his AFL comeback in August when he played at the MCG against Hawthorn for the first time in 14 months since being hit by a tram and suffering a life-threatening brain injury.



How can he be 29, when he was in the same draft as Judd, Hodge and Ball and they're all 26-27??

He's not 29 he's 25.  Born 16.06.84 or so says the RFC site
Title: Polak set to be offered new Tiger contract (Age)
Post by: one-eyed on October 21, 2009, 03:46:19 AM
Polak set to be offered new Tiger contract
Caroline Wilson | October 21, 2009

GRAHAM Polak, the footballer almost killed after being hit by a tram 16 months ago and deemed finished as an AFL player, is now set to be offered a new contract with Richmond.

The 25-year-old has received a major, if indirect, fillip from the AFL Commission, which on Monday passed recommendation allowing two mature-age rookies to be included on every club's list regardless of how many games they had played.

Although it was unclear whether Polak's future was on the agenda at last night's board meeting at Tigerland, The Age understands that the defender was already a better-than-50/50 chance to receive a new one-year deal, whether or not the AFL approved the relaxed new rookie rules. A thorough medical examination and ongoing assessments undertaken by Richmond's doctors have resolved that Polak still has significant scope for improvement after the accident in June 2008 that left him suffering from brain damage.

Richmond football boss Craig Cameron returns to work tomorrow and is expected to make a decision on Polak before the end of the week.

The player's resurrection into elite football ranks remains one of the more remarkable success stories in a largely dismal year for the Tigers. Polak returned to senior football at the end of the 2009 season despite the club believing only months earlier he would never return to the game at the top level.

Polak, who has been holidaying in Western Australia, has made no secret of his desire to remain at the Tigers, who pushed late last year for a change in the rookie rules to grant Polak an exemption allowing him on to the rookie list. That push was seen as part of Richmond's attempt to draft Ben Cousins and was refused by the AFL in a scenario that left a bitter taste in Tiger mouths.

Under several changes approved by the commission on Monday, the rules have been relaxed to allow an extra two rookies on to every club's list, with mature-age rookies allowed not only to have played an infinite number of senior games but also paid over the odds in rookie terms. Any contract worth more than the minimum rookie payment would result in the additional money being included in the total player payments.

Rookies from 2010 will be allowed to remain on an AFL club's list for three years and the minimum required delistings of three players per club would result in a rookie being allowed to be included in one of the three footballers replaced on a senior list.

Polak's recovery is understood to be cumulative and ongoing, with his on-field awareness reportedly having improved significantly from the start of 2009 during a year largely spent playing for Coburg in the VFL.

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/rfnews/polak-to-be-offered-new-contract/2009/10/20/1255891820774.html
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: WilliamPowell on October 21, 2009, 07:19:40 AM
Good move

I actually thought he showed more attack on the footy in his couple of games back at the end of 2009 than some of team mates had shown all year

Also at 25 he is the right fit age wise, gives us some experience around the place and most of all gives us a big mature body

Well done Polly  :thumbsup
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Infamy on October 21, 2009, 09:52:38 AM
Great news, I always thought there was a place on the list for him next year.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: tiga on October 21, 2009, 10:37:34 AM
Excellent! I hope CC does the right thing and offers him a contract. I agree with you WP that Polak's attack on the footy when he returned was inspirational, in fact his whole progress back to health and playing senior footy again is inspirational. Lets hope it rubs off on some of our slackers.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Judge Roughneck on October 21, 2009, 11:36:07 AM
Great news, I always thought there was a place on the list for him next year.

Good news if he is on the list as a rookie, 'mature' rookie.

Not a senior spot.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Infamy on October 21, 2009, 01:55:42 PM
I don't see the difference personally. Even if he is kept on as a rookie he will be elevated to the senior list so we can evaluate him properly at AFL level. He finished this year at AFL level so you'd expect him to improve enough over the preseason that he'll keep his spot, especially after we cut a few kpps from our list, we need some depth in that area.

We've delisted enough players that we can hold on to Polak as a senior player for 2010.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: WA Tiger on October 21, 2009, 09:30:36 PM
Well done Polly and well done Richmond, lets hope he makes it and hey if he doesnt at least he will leave the game knowing he left nothing behind instead of wondering what could have been.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Hellenic Tiger on October 21, 2009, 11:01:18 PM
He is a tall and they don't grow on trees so I guess that worked in his favour.
Good luck to him if that is the case. :thumbsup
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: torch on October 22, 2009, 01:32:14 AM
does this mean The Cat will be delisted?

 :)
Title: Richmond yet to offer Polak a contract: manager Paul Connors (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on October 22, 2009, 02:49:19 AM
from today's Herald-Sun....

Richmond is yet to offer Graham Polak a contract or even sit down with him or his manager Paul Connors.

Polak, who fought back to play senior football this year after being hit by a tram, had served out the last year of his contract.

But the Tigers could still offer him a rookie-list position under mooted new rules which will allow mature-aged players to be eligible for positions outside the primary list.

Richmond concedes it has no idea if he can re-emerge as a regular senior player after his recovery from a severe brain injury.

But having already cleaned out a large number of players, it can afford to take the risk and hope he continues his mental and physical improvement.

List manager Craig Cameron will sit down with Connors later this week when both return from holidays.

"When Paul is back, Graham is back and I am back from holidays, we can all sit down and have a chat. Nothing has been presented to Graham yet. We haven't spoken to him formally on it," he said.

Herald-Sun link (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/shane-tuck-set-to-return-to-richmond-training-weeks-after-requesting-a-trade/story-e6frf9ix-1225789553341)
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mightytiges on October 22, 2009, 09:13:57 PM
Looks like Polly will survive because there were far more others ahead of him.

One question - Caro mentions the possibly of Polly becoming a mature rookie if I'm not misreading it. I thought you could only be a mature rookie if you hadn't been on an AFL club's list before?

does this mean The Cat will be delisted?

 :)
It'd be surprising if Silvester isn't.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Wildride on October 22, 2009, 09:45:57 PM
The afl are thinking of changing the rules to allow any player, regardless of the amount of games they've played, to be mature-age rookied.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mightytiges on October 22, 2009, 10:45:31 PM
The afl are thinking of changing the rules to allow any player, regardless of the amount of games they've played, to be mature-age rookied.
Cheers Wildride  :cheers
Title: Rookie plan puts Tiger Graham Polak at mercy of draft (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on October 22, 2009, 10:46:50 PM
Rookie plan puts Tiger Graham Polak at mercy of draft
Mark Stevens
October 22, 2009 11:30pm


GRAHAM Polak is still facing the likely prospect of being delisted by Richmond.

Even if the Tigers decide to retain the 29-year-old as a mature-age rookie, Polak must first be cut from the list.

Richmond does not have the option of automatically demoting Polak to rookie status and must redraft him if it decides he is not worthy of a place on the primary list.

Polak would be at the mercy of other clubs, with no guarantee that he would find his way back to Punt Rd.

Although it is unlikely, another club could select Polak in the rookie draft, bringing Richmond's plan undone.

The prospect of a one-year deal and a rookie berth are not regarded as ideal by the Polak camp.

It looms as a messy process and Polak and his manager Paul Connors are known to be intent on fighting for a spot on the list proper.

Polak's only focus at the moment is avoiding rookie demotion and the potential pitfalls of the draft.

Richmond football chief Craig Cameron said yesterday he had not spoken to Polak and his management about the "different machinations" of Polak being rookie-listed.

"The bottom line is, for that to happen we would have to expose him to the draft," Cameron said.

Discussions are set to start next week, with both Polak and Connors on holidays, but Cameron is adamant there has been no talk of a one-year deal.

"We haven't sat down and discussed it yet," Cameron said.

While the Tigers remain non-committal on Polak's future, a delisting is the most likely scenario as the club embarks on a mission of rebuilding based on youth.

If he is delisted, as expected, Polak would also have the option of nominating for the national draft rather than waiting for Richmond, and its promised selection, in the later rookie draft.

Polak suffered a life-threatening brain injury after being hit by a tram 16 months ago, but bravely returned to the playing field.

He began his AFL comeback in August when he played against Hawthorn in Round 21.

Polak is keen to remain in Melbourne despite family in Perth.

Richmond has the option of taking Polak into next season as a mature-age rookie after the AFL Commission on Monday approved an expansion of the rookie system.

The Tigers, supportive of Polak throughout his recovery, are keen to continue their association with the key-position player, who continues to improve despite initial fears he would never play again.

Richmond has performed regular medical tests on Polak and has been buoyed by his progress, but he still faces a challenge to again become a regular senior player.

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,26247269-5016212,00.html
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: TigerLand on October 22, 2009, 11:03:47 PM
Can someone in the media please get his flaming age right................... he's not 29! :banghead :banghead :banghead :banghead
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: one-eyed on October 23, 2009, 01:01:16 AM
Can someone in the media please get his flaming age right................... he's not 29! :banghead :banghead :banghead :banghead
Left a reminder in the comments part at the bottom of the article on the Herald-Sun site.

Polak's d.o.b. is 16/6/84 (25 y.o.)
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: WilliamPowell on October 23, 2009, 07:18:10 AM
The afl are thinking of changing the rules to allow any player, regardless of the amount of games they've played, to be mature-age rookied.

The rule has been officially changed, all CLubs can have 2 mature age rookies from 2010. the rule is only place until the end of 2012.

does this mean The Cat will be delisted?

 :)
It'd be surprising if Silvester isn't.

With this rule change I'd be surprised if he is  ;D actually wouldn't be at all surprised if he is promoted to the senior list  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: one-eyed on October 23, 2009, 12:00:24 PM
Can someone in the media please get his flaming age right................... he's not 29! :banghead :banghead :banghead :banghead
Left a reminder in the comments part at the bottom of the article on the Herald-Sun site.

Polak's d.o.b. is 16/6/84 (25 y.o.)
They've edited the online version of the article to 25   ;)
Title: Richmond to meet Polak's management this week (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on October 27, 2009, 04:19:32 AM
Richmond will this week meet with Graham Polak's management to begin talks over the key-position player's future with the Tigers.

Richmond are considering de-listing Polak, 25, so they can re-draft him as a mature-age rookie.

Polak suffered a brain injury when he was hit by a tram 16 months ago but he returned to play in the Tigers' last two games of 2009.

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/sport/afl/story/0,26547,26262410-5016212,00.html
Title: Rookie pick 62 - Graham Polak
Post by: one-eyed on December 15, 2009, 11:41:19 AM
Polly is back  :)
Title: Polak on SEN
Post by: one-eyed on December 16, 2009, 04:36:40 PM
Polak on SEN @ 4.20pm....

* Yesterday was nervewracking. Been so for a couple months. Club promised him they would pick him up but it's good and a relief to have it confirmed.

* It's been a big hurdle since the accident. Looked grim a year ago. Always had faith in himself to get back and to get back and play the last two games last year was a buzz and a relief for everyone.

* Learnt from the whole episide you can't take things for granted, you don't hold things back, live life to the fullest, leave no stone unturned.

* Thinks the sky's the limit from here on. Taking small steps day by day to continually improve. Still chats with Doctors at Epworth every six months. Docs can't believe it.

* He can't remember anything of the accident (doesn't want to either). Doctors say he will never remember it. Not to fazed anyway. A silly thing that happened to him and time to get on with life and all that is ahead of him.

* Family can see he has improved so much in the past year. He'll celebrate with them (family in WA) over the Christmas break.

* He never wanted to leave the club. It was great of the club to promise him that he would be picked up. The Club has done a lot for him (staff and docs). Supporters have been great with their support. He couldn't have done it without the support of the people around him.

* Great coaching staff. Things are definitely looking up. All the young players and everyone is enjoying being at the Club. All he can see is upside for the Tigers.

* Looking forward to seeing Patto and JON get a shot another club.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: one-eyed on January 29, 2010, 02:27:31 AM
From: WA Today
TIM CLARKE
January 28, 2010 - 11:27AM


With talisman forward Matthew Richardson retired, and 14 new players at the club, there is an air of revolution rather than evolution at the Tigers – which be added to by a new role for former Docker Graham Polak.

Polak was retained on the list as a mature rookie despite his slow recovery from the devastating injuries suffered when he was hit by a tram in June 2008. Hardwick said the 25 year-old's pre-season form had also been promising in his new role.

"He has been exceptional, he has had a really good pre-season," Hardwick told SEN radio in Melbourne.

"We did not quite know how Graham would respond after the accident. But the AFL to their credit has made that adjustment to the mature age rookie rule.

"From that point of view we were able to put Graham onto that list, and he has been outstanding .

"He has not missed a beat up forward for us and hopefully he can stand up in that role this year.

"From where he came from it is a big step every day – we hope this season he can step up and be a real key forward for us."

http://www.watoday.com.au/afl/afl-news/cousins-is-the-leader-of-a-new-tiger-pack-20100128-n0rw.html
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: WA Tiger on January 29, 2010, 04:27:32 PM
Well I can hold my head up here yet again... :lol :whistle, I never wanted him to go and lets just hope he can reward himself first and then the club this year.

Good on you Polly!!!
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: 1965 on January 29, 2010, 07:47:50 PM
Well I can hold my head up here yet again... :lol :whistle, I never wanted him to go and lets just hope he can reward himself first and then the club this year.

Good on you Polly!!!

Please
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: the claw on January 29, 2010, 07:48:37 PM
Well I can hold my head up here yet again... :lol :whistle, I never wanted him to go and lets just hope he can reward himself first and then the club this year.

Good on you Polly!!!
well i can hold my head up as well but i wanted him gone and still do.

but good luck to him after what happened i hope he can some how improve from what he was before the accident. i wont be holding my breath in expectation though.
Title: Graham Polak stakes claim (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on February 06, 2010, 11:23:44 PM
Graham Polak stakes claim
* Jay Clark
 * Sunday Herald Sun
 * February 07, 2010


GRAHAM Polak is poised to win back his place on Richmond's senior list after stunning improvement this summer.

Only three months after he was delisted and subsequently returned to the rookie list, the tram accident survivor is firming as the Tigers' most threatening forward option.

Richmond's comeback hero ditched his helmet and pressed his case for a promotion in the club's first pre-season practice match on Friday night.

Adding to the positive signs, top draft pick Dustin Martin is likely to start the season as a frontrunner to win this year's NAB Rising Star award after a midfield blitz in the same match.

The powerfully built midfielder ran rings around his on-ball counterparts, brushing opponents off with ease as he accelerated and continually broke lines.

The No.3 selection is certain to play Round 1 and add a dynamic on-ball edge to the Tigers. He showed exceptional depth in his kicking, setting up two goals in three quarters of play.

His 86kg frame and hard-nosed approach enabled Martin to compete comfortably in the clinches alongside his more experienced teammates.

Richmond chiefs have spoken glowingly of Polak's improvement through the pre-season and were made acutely aware of his critical importance to the forward structure last week.

The 25-year-old, who suffered brain damage and was told he was unlikely to play football again after the July 2008 accident, kicked one goal but would have nailed four or five had he kicked straight.

More encouraging was his authoritative presence deep forward and willingness to use his height and strength to provide a strong contest, splitting numerous packs against VFL side Coburg.

His courageous attack on the ball set up a constant flow of goals for teammates including clever work from Robin Nahas, Mitch Morton and three-goal wild-card Dean Polo.

Tigers football chief Craig Cameron confirmed the club had the option to promote two rookies to its senior list in the first week after the NAB Cup grand final.

"It was pretty pleasing, especially the way he (Polak) threw himself at the contest," Cameron said.

"It was difficult with the wind but had he kicked straight he would have had a bag.

"As we have no veterans, we can nominate two players (to join the senior list) and we have held that out as a real carrot to our rookie-listed players."

Cameron indicated the decision would be made later this month but acknowledged Polak, a favourite among teammates, was well-placed to get the nod.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/graham-polak-stakes-claim/story-e6frf9jf-1225827452605
Title: Improved Polak on fast track forward (Age)
Post by: one-eyed on February 11, 2010, 03:09:19 AM
Improved Polak on fast track forward
CAROLINE WILSON AND MICHAEL GLEESON
February 11, 2010



GRAHAM Polak's recovery on and off the field has allowed the accident victim, who was near death 20 months ago, to emerge from an astonishing pre-season as Richmond's best key forward. He will almost certainly be promoted from the Tigers' rookie list before round one.

Richmond football boss Craig Cameron said yesterday that Polak, who will line up without his helmet at full-forward against Hawthorn in the NAB Cup match on Saturday night, would not have remained at the club without the introduction late last year of the mature-age rookie rule.

''Graham realises he has come a long way and it's probably only now that he can see how much improvement he has made from last year,'' said Cameron, who promised Polak in October the club would re-draft him as a mature-aged rookie.

''Graham has trained very well. His fitness levels are good and it is fair to say he is well ahead of where he was this time last year.

''Given the effort and performance he has put in over the pre-season, he has well and truly earned his spot in the NAB Cup side.''

Club staffers have been astonished at Polak's improvement during the pre-season. He has worked closely with captain Chris Newman to improve his marking and is recording his best running times since joining the Tigers from Fremantle at the end of 2006.

While the medical team that worked on Polak after he was almost killed when hit by a tram in June 2008 regard him as completely rehabilitated, Richmond's doctors have been amazed by his improved physical and mental improvement over the past three months.

''Richmond should be very proud of the way they stuck with 'Polly','' his manager, Paul Connors, said yesterday. ''He was never in doubt that they would keep him.''

Polak's rookie contract is worth much less than his previous deal. But he now seems to have a genuine future at Richmond and, given the absence of any veterans on its list, he and one other rookie remain eligible for instant promotion.

Concern about Polak, who suffered severe brain damage in the accident, and his ability to play under lights, has led the club and coach Damien Hardwick to remain low key regarding his potential.

But the belief at the club is that his move to attack will allow Jayden Post to switch to defence, with Tyrone Vickery a second tall forward option.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said last night the Polak story vindicated its decision to introduce the mature-age rookie rule.

''The rule wasn't brought in for Polak, but the fact that he's playing as a result of the rule is very pleasing,'' Demetriou said.

''It was really upon the initiative of [AFL football boss] Adrian Anderson and the draft review committee about allowing for late-maturing players and giving people a second chance.

''My initial concerns surrounded depriving younger players coming through, but the introduction of more rookies has solved that.

''Quite apart from anything else, it's just very pleasing to see him having made such a sensational recovery.''

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/improved-polak-on-fast-track-forward-20100210-nsfh.html
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Judge Roughneck on February 14, 2010, 03:03:30 PM
delist
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: the claw on February 14, 2010, 05:32:27 PM
delist
yep. i still shake my head at the folly.
 and to think we kept polly so we could have a bit of experience and someone to take the heat of the young tall forwards.
the trouble being you have to be up to standard to achieve these things.
polak or bradshaw we went  polak. laughable.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: WA Tiger on February 14, 2010, 05:36:35 PM
Just watched the last 2 qtrs again on Fox, I think some might want to get off Polaks back a bit. He actually did more than a hell of a lot of others and the delivery to him was nothing short of crap.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Chuck17 on February 14, 2010, 05:41:20 PM
Just watched the last 2 qtrs again on Fox, I think some might want to get off Polaks back a bit. He actually did more than a hell of a lot of others and the delivery to him was nothing short of crap.

We will probably get shot down WAT but I tend to agree with you.  The ball hardly got down there and the delivery was crap.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: WA Tiger on February 14, 2010, 05:45:38 PM
Just watched the last 2 qtrs again on Fox, I think some might want to get off Polaks back a bit. He actually did more than a hell of a lot of others and the delivery to him was nothing short of crap.

We will probably get shot down WAT but I tend to agree with you.  The ball hardly got down there and the delivery was crap.

Yes we will Chuck.. :lol, he actually took a couple of good marks and put his head over the ball when needed.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: the claw on February 14, 2010, 05:54:42 PM
Just watched the last 2 qtrs again on Fox, I think some might want to get off Polaks back a bit. He actually did more than a hell of a lot of others and the delivery to him was nothing short of crap.
PPPFFFTTT Hes a senior player at the club one of only a handful with more than a hundred games to his name hes supposed to lead the way not wallow in mediocrity.
 what the hell did we keep him for if not to at least give guidance and experience and take some heat for the young blokes. hes never been up to standard and im sick to death of the same old same old.
give his spot to griffiths  at least we will be getting games into him and finding out if he can play  or not. 9 yrs of practically nothing from polak sort of says we have nothing to lose.what we got from him yesterday is about his level  hes no part of the future.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Penelope on February 14, 2010, 07:11:02 PM
If Polak averages only two or even one goal a game, but takes the buffeting of two and three defenders all the time, meaning you don't have to expose grithiths, or any one else, to it until they are physically ready then he has served a purpose. He actually performs and provides an option then that is a bonus.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Harro80 on February 14, 2010, 07:18:31 PM
Let just give the man a chance. He played ok last night, not to good in the first half but in the second half he stood up a bit and took a couple of great marks and kicked a dead eye idiot goal. Lets just see what happens. I dont think we have a choice but not to put him into the team this year.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Infamy on February 14, 2010, 09:26:52 PM
Just watched the last 2 qtrs again on Fox, I think some might want to get off Polaks back a bit. He actually did more than a hell of a lot of others and the delivery to him was nothing short of crap.
PPPFFFTTT Hes a senior player at the club one of only a handful with more than a hundred games to his name hes supposed to lead the way not wallow in mediocrity.
 what the hell did we keep him for if not to at least give guidance and experience and take some heat for the young blokes. hes never been up to standard and im sick to death of the same old same old.
give his spot to griffiths  at least we will be getting games into him and finding out if he can play  or not. 9 yrs of practically nothing from polak sort of says we have nothing to lose.what we got from him yesterday is about his level  hes no part of the future.
Not sure how you can expect to play Griffiths when he's recovering from shoulder surgery, hasn't had a preseason and wouldn't be expected to play in the early part of the season at all. In fact given his injury history I'd be happy if he didn't play at all this year and focussed on getting his body 100% right.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: the claw on February 14, 2010, 10:34:47 PM
Let just give the man a chance. He played ok last night, not to good in the first half but in the second half he stood up a bit and took a couple of great marks and kicked a dead eye idiot goal. Lets just see what happens. I dont think we have a choice but not to put him into the team this year.
give him a chance sheesh hes had 9 yrs of chance he is not up to it.

Just watched the last 2 qtrs again on Fox, I think some might want to get off Polaks back a bit. He actually did more than a hell of a lot of others and the delivery to him was nothing short of crap.
PPPFFFTTT Hes a senior player at the club one of only a handful with more than a hundred games to his name hes supposed to lead the way not wallow in mediocrity.
 what the hell did we keep him for if not to at least give guidance and experience and take some heat for the young blokes. hes never been up to standard and im sick to death of the same old same old.
give his spot to griffiths  at least we will be getting games into him and finding out if he can play  or not. 9 yrs of practically nothing from polak sort of says we have nothing to lose.what we got from him yesterday is about his level  hes no part of the future.
If Polak averages only two or even one goal a game, but takes the buffeting of two and three defenders all the time, meaning you don't have to expose grithiths, or any one else, to it until they are physically ready then he has served a purpose. He actually performs and provides an option then that is a bonus.
sheesh one could only wish.he doesnt compete he never has  this is the problem. he is never going to get two or three defenders  never. the thing is hes as soft as butter and if we get 20 goals out of him  it will be a miracle.

griffiths doesnt need exposure just like astbury doesnt need it not.  bloody hell if at 200cm and 105kg he is not ready he never will be.
if griffiths doesnt get a game play gourdis or rance or mcguane  or any tall who may be a part of thr future  bugger polak 9 yrs in the afl and still theres those who have the blinkers on.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Penelope on February 14, 2010, 10:55:20 PM
Quote
sheesh one could only wish.he doesnt compete he never has  this is the problem. he is never going to get two or three defenders  never. the thing is hes as soft as butter and if we get 20 goals out of him  it will be a miracle.

Have another look at last nights game and see how many times he had to compete against 2 or 3 defenders. This tactic has moved beyond a for some players only thing to a structural thing regardless of who the man being kicked to is.

Astbury hasnt had the shoulder problems Griffiths has. If Griffiths runs out in the next couple of months and effs a shoulder there will be lynch mobs down at punt road looking for the medical staff. I dont think he even played in the match against coburg did he?

Every one is different claw, some will be ready ,physically, quicker than others. Are we about to expect every recruit to mix it like martin does straight away?

Do too much damage now to a kid and you will shorten their career. Let their bodies mature and strengthen and make decisions on each and every one on their individual merits. If polak can just do enough to not have to play griffiths before he is ready, when ever that is, then that's a win. anything else is a bonus





Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: WA Tiger on February 14, 2010, 11:13:05 PM
He might have been in the system for 9 years claw but ffs mate he was nearly killed by a tram and it was his first real hit out since then, give him a break.

Like al said he was tripple teamed for most of the night, that wasn't his fault, we should have got someone back there to help him out.

Lets put him up against a wall and shoot him...... ::)
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: torch on February 14, 2010, 11:46:06 PM
the football did not get down there often.

he had 2-3 players around him in the first half when we went forward.

Hawthorn predicted our forward movement.

but ...

if he wants to play in the forward line he needs to take the mark and kick the goal!

not pass it off like he did in the final quarter which was a turnover!

Tom Hislop - is gone! can't kick, Hardwick will delist him! he better get his kicking right!

 :)
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: the claw on February 14, 2010, 11:59:19 PM
He might have been in the system for 9 years claw but ffs mate he was nearly killed by a tram and it was his first real hit out since then, give him a break.

Like al said he was tripple teamed for most of the night, that wasn't his fault, we should have got someone back there to help him out.

Lets put him up against a wall and shoot him...... ::)
good idea i will supply the bullet and the rifle  if need be.

his accident has nothing to do with it.  he was poo before the accident and hes poo after it.  and people everywhere had the temerity to bag me because i wanted someone like bradshaw who can actually play and may have something to teach the kids.
nothings changed with this bloke and after 9 yrs it wont. he has zero presence on a footy field  falling over  pushed out of contests  reactive  bloody hell you could knock him over with a feather.

no more  polak polo white  graham  and i could go on. no more, weather we have the players who can play the positions or not no more  no hopers just throw the kids in or change it around so these blokes are never seen again.if the senior players cant get a kick in a poxy nab cup game  they wont be requited in the real thing.
we didnt cop a shellacking because of our kids in fact it would have been worse without them we copped it where the sun dont shine because the seniors are total crap. play the kids.

atm i can count 12 minimum who have to go  and theres others you would not hesitate to trade. play the kids at all costs.no more chances for the long term underachievers skill less  mindless duds.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Penelope on February 15, 2010, 12:01:07 AM
There is an arc in the forward line that when a forward has the ball they just do not pass off. Normally when you see someone do such it is because they are lacking confidence in their goal kicking. If he cant get that right he will be the source of a lot of frustration.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Mr Magic on February 15, 2010, 06:16:30 AM
I agree with claw on this.

Good effort to get back playing but Polly is clearly not up to it as a key forward and never has been.

Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: jackstar is back again on February 15, 2010, 06:38:09 AM
I agree with claw on this.

Good effort to get back playing but Polly is clearly not up to it as a key forward and never has been.




Correct
Title: I was an idiot: Polak tells of near-fatal tram dash (Age)
Post by: one-eyed on September 22, 2010, 05:25:04 PM
I was an idiot: Polak tells of near-fatal tram dash
Adam Carey
September 22, 2010 - 2:52PM


Retired AFL star Graham Polak had only a few drinks before he tried to outrun a tram as he crossed Dandenong Road towards a waiting taxi.

Famously, it was a decision that almost killed him.

"I had alcohol in me but I put it more down to a misjudgment," Polak said today at the launch of Grogger, a downloadable game modelled on '80s pinball parlour classic Frogger.

To this day, the former Richmond tall remembers almost nothing about being hit — and he says he's happy to keep it that way — but understands that there were two trams running in opposite directions along the middle of the road, and that he only saw one of them.

"We were on the way out, it was night time, and I was standing with one of my teammates, Cleve Hughes, and we were about to walk across the road," Polak says.

"And instead of doing the appropriate thing and going where you're supposed to go at the pedestrian crossing, I thought I'd try and just run across the street and across the tram tracks.

"And looking at it now, I think I'm an idiot for doing it, I should've just followed the rules. From then I can't remember much, but obviously the tram came along too quick for me and got me."

Statistically, Melbourne's inner city is the most dangerous place in the state to walk, with the highest recorded number of collisions between pedestrians and vehicles.

Last year 243 people were hit, and of those 75 were seriously injured and two died. Young people and people who have been drinking are the most represented among those figures.

Among those seriously injured, 42 per cent were in their 20s, while more than 30 per cent of pedestrians killed in the past five years had a blood-alcohol reading higher than .05.

In an attempt to reduce the rate of injuries and death, the City of Melbourne today launched Grogger, a game that can be played online or on a mobile phone or iPad.

To win, players must successfully cross a bustling Flinders Street, dodging traffic and collecting bottles of water, which accrue points, or performance-reducing bottles of beer.

Dr Bruce Corben, senior research fellow at Monash University Accident Research Centre, could not say how significantly the game would influence the behaviour of its target market of young men, but said it was worth a try.

"Usually we try to propose an evidence-based approach to the measures that we use but there are certain things where you don't have a solution that's already proven so I think you have to start exploring new possibilities," Dr Corben said.

Polak offered a simple message to take more care.

"You're not invincible. I thought as I ran across the street that I was safe but one split second and, as I said, my life's changed."

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/i-was-an-idiot-polak-tells-of-nearfatal-tram-dash-20100922-15mg8.html
Title: Graham Polak to marry long-time girlfriend Alyce Oksuz (Sunday Times)
Post by: one-eyed on September 26, 2010, 02:56:22 AM
Last year he nearly died, now Graham Polak starts a new life
By Anthony Deceglie
The Sunday Times
September 25, 2010 7:00PM


IT has been a remarkable recovery from the hospital bed to the wedding aisle for former AFL star Graham Polak.

WA-born Polak will marry his long-time girlfriend, model Alyce Oksuz, on Friday at St Benedict's church in Ardross.

The former Richmond and Fremantle player suffered severe brain damage when he was struck by a tram while crossing a Melbourne street on June 28 in 2008. He was placed in an induced coma and doctors feared he would not survive.

"When he was first brought into hospital I just wanted to know that he was going to live," Ms Oksuz, 24, told The Sunday Times.

"I thought I was going to lose him for ever. The doctors couldn't tell me if he would survive. It was the scariest 48 hours of my life."

It took more than a month before Polak, 26, regained vital parts of his memory.

"There was a stage when he didn't know how old he was or what his name was," Ms Oksuz said.

"Everyone was so glad he was alive, but my thoughts were on how to deal with a boyfriend who couldn't remember who I was or how to drink and eat."

His comeback to football was gradual, with his return to the field delayed by bouts of short-term memory loss and difficulties with his balance.

But Polak overcame enormous odds to play AFL again 14 months after he suffered the life-threatening brain injury.

"His courage and determination is something I really look up to," Ms Oksuz said. "The accident definitely brought us closer together.

"It certainly made us realise that we are truly in love with each other. I wouldn't wish what happened upon anyone, but I think it's made us better people."

Polak said he wouldn't have been able to recover without the support of Ms Oksuz, who plans to wear a bridal dress made by local designers Rebecca Timson and Sam Elmslien, from BQ Design.

Polak, who started his career with the Fremantle Dockers where he played 73 games, announced his retirement from the AFL in August.

http://www.perthnow.com.au/entertainment/perth-confidential/last-year-he-nearly-died-now-graham-polak-starts-a-new-life/story-e6frg30l-1225929346049
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: one-eyed on June 12, 2011, 12:03:05 PM
Polak was knocked unconscious again yesterday playing for East Perth. Hope he is okay.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/wafl/9624391/polak-knocked-out-docker-mystery-in-lions-win/
Title: Polak considers retirement (SNF)
Post by: one-eyed on June 17, 2011, 03:18:23 PM
Polak considers retirement
By Kim Hagdorn
Sports News First
17 June 2011 02:45PM EST


FORMER Richmond utility Graham Polak could retire almost exactly three years on from a near-death experience when he was hit by a Melbourne tram.

The popular Tiger and original Fremantle Dockers key position big man suffered another serious concussion bout playing with East Perth in the WAFL last week and is considering his future this weekend.

Results of his scans and medical advice approaching the weekend will determine his fate.

Polak was originally plucked into the AFL as fourth pick of the famous 2001 draft behind current day superstars Luke Ball, Luke Hodge and Chris Judd.

The WAFL has a general bye as the west plays an interstate game against Queensland in Mandurah, 60km south of Perth, leaving Polak important additional time to consider his playing future.

He had a series of brain scans early this week and is understood to be still suffering from head-aches and dizziness which is prompting his family and close associates to call for his retirement.

He was knocked unconscious when his head hit the ground after a marking contest.

Polak was unconscious for almost three minutes as club medical staff attended him after the tumble when he also hit his head on the ground.

He spent his 27th birthday on Thursday considering his future and whether to attempt another comeback from his latest serious concussion when training resumes next week after the interstate game.

Polak was struck by a tram in the inner Melbourne suburb of Armadale on a Saturday evening in late June of 2008 just hours after playing in a Richmond loss to Carlton at the MCG.

He suffered serious bruising to his brain and lay in a coma for several days when his playing career was in jeopardy.

Two of his Tigers teammates Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon were with Polak when he was hit by the tram.

Polak recovered and made an emotional comeback to the Tigers senior side in Round 21 of the 2009 season and stayed on Richmond’s list as a mature-age rookie for 2010.

He battled for regular chances but returned to the highest level in Round 7 last season against Adelaide in Adelaide but played the bulk of the year with affiliate club Coburg in the VFL, he only made three senior appearances for 2010.

Polak played 111 AFL games overall with 73 of those at Fremantle where he debuted in 2002.

He returned to his native state Western Australia in time for this season and crossed from his original club East Fremantle to East Perth on a two-year commitment to play with his adopted outfit.

http://www.sportsnewsfirst.com.au/articles/2011/06/17/polak-considers-retirement/
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Coach on June 17, 2011, 03:23:15 PM
Good luck to him. Should hang 'em up
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Ox on June 17, 2011, 04:14:00 PM
I think even he sees that now.

Man,u gotta love him not only for his guts but that's almost fearless poo right there.

It's just not worth it.
I'd be home hitting that Mrs of his with alarming frequency.

How many times has he been KO'd since leaving us?

Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: The Big Richo on June 17, 2011, 04:37:01 PM
Yep, should be sitting back letting people remember him as being much better than he was.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: gerkin greg on June 17, 2011, 05:30:46 PM
I'd be home hitting that Mrs of his with alarming frequency.

yep, who cares if she's got a receding hairline, she's got rimmer's smile

(http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2009/08/22/1225765/162222-alyce-oksuz.jpg)
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Penelope on June 17, 2011, 05:55:56 PM
cant understand why polak wouldnt be playing with a helmet given his history.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Siberian on June 17, 2011, 06:25:22 PM
Those helmets are a placebo
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Penelope on June 17, 2011, 06:33:01 PM
Placebo? interesting choice of words.

they absorb enough impact to notice the difference.

can tell you that a knock to head without a helmet knocks you about a lot more than one with it.

it's simialr to the difference between getting kicked in the shins with or without shin guards on.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Ox on June 17, 2011, 06:40:15 PM
If i smashed a bloke with shin guards on in the shins ,with a baseball bat,the shinguards would make a difference.

If i smashed a guy in the head with the same force,with the same baseball bat and he was wearing head gear,I would nearly kill him.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Penelope on June 17, 2011, 06:43:29 PM
not true, the shin guards would not make a difference either, you would shatter his shin anyway.

not sure where you hide the baseball bat when on the footy field though.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: matrightyeh on June 17, 2011, 09:05:02 PM
lol thats for sure (https://imageshackau.com/sports/52/b/happy.gif)(https://imageshackau.com/sports/123/b/happy.gif)
(https://imageshackau.com/sports/131/b/happy.gif)(https://imageshackau.com/sports/133/b/happy.gif)
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Ox on June 17, 2011, 09:36:59 PM
not true, the shin guards would not make a difference either, you would shatter his shin anyway.

not sure where you hide the baseball bat when on the footy field though.

I dunno...it was just a thought.
Title: Re: Polak considers retirement (SNF)
Post by: mightytiges on June 18, 2011, 02:28:07 AM
Polak considers retirement
By Kim Hagdorn
Sports News First
17 June 2011 02:45PM EST


FORMER Richmond utility Graham Polak could retire almost exactly three years on from a near-death experience when he was hit by a Melbourne tram.

The popular Tiger and original Fremantle Dockers key position big man suffered another serious concussion bout playing with East Perth in the WAFL last week and is considering his future this weekend.

Results of his scans and medical advice approaching the weekend will determine his fate.

He had a series of brain scans early this week and is understood to be still suffering from head-aches and dizziness which is prompting his family and close associates to call for his retirement.

He was knocked unconscious when his head hit the ground after a marking contest.

Polak was unconscious for almost three minutes as club medical staff attended him after the tumble when he also hit his head on the ground.

He spent his 27th birthday on Thursday considering his future and whether to attempt another comeback from his latest serious concussion when training resumes next week after the interstate game.

http://www.sportsnewsfirst.com.au/articles/2011/06/17/polak-considers-retirement/
Quality of life is more important than 2-3 more years of playing footy. All the best to Polly. 
Title: Polak set to quit (West Australian)
Post by: one-eyed on June 24, 2011, 04:43:08 PM
Polak set to quit
By Russell Reid
The West Australian
June 24, 2011


A meeting with specialists in Melbourne next week is expected to signal the end of Graham Polak's courageous football career.

The high-profile East Perth recruit was unconscious for three minutes after hitting his head when landing heavily in the match against Subiaco at Medibank Stadium on June 11.

Concerned players from both sides immediately signalled for assistance.

It was the latest in a series of head knocks for Polak in a career spanning 111 AFL games for Fremantle and Richmond, and 28 WAFL matches with East Fremantle and the Royals.

East Perth football manager Mark Winnett said the club would support the 27-year-old whatever decision he made.

"Once Graham gets information and advice from his specialist, we will know a lot more about where he is at," Winnett said yesterday.

"I would say he is very unlikely to play footy but Graham wants to go and do what he needs to do before any decisions are made and we will support him through all of that.

"We want to make sure whatever decision he makes is 100 per cent right on all the advice he gets."

Read more at: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/afl/9700834/polak-set-to-quit/
Title: Graham Polak retires from football (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on July 17, 2011, 03:42:24 AM
Former Tiger and Docker Graham Polak retires from football

    Glenn McFarlane
    From: Sunday Herald Sun
    July 17, 2011


INJURY-plagued former Tiger and Docker Graham Polak has announced his retirement from football.

In an exclusive feature on Channel 7's Game Day, Polak said the fears of suffering further concussions and the anxiety of his family and friends had led him to make the decision.

"I just want to announce that I have had an eventful career, I can tell you that," Polak said.

"It has had its ups and downs, but for (my safety) and my health, and for the emotions of my friends and my family, I am deciding to hang my boots up once and for all and move on to the next phase of my life."

Polak was struck by a tram in mid-2008, suffering a serious head trauma that threatened his life and looked certain to end his career.

He managed to make an emotional return to play five AFL games for the Tigers in 2009 and last year, taking his career tally to 111 since his 2002 debut with the Dockers.

After leaving Richmond at the end of last year, he joined East Perth in the WAFL this year.

His wife, Alyce, said she was relieved with the decision, saying: "Every time he goes for the ball, you always think the worst because of his history and since the (tram) accident, he has been knocked out so many times."

Polak was knocked out in a match against Subiaco last month.

Game Day will air on Channel Seven from 10am today.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/former-tiger-and-docker-graham-polak-retires-from-football/story-e6frf9jf-1226096062396
Title: Baby joy with a capital 'L' for Graham Polak and wife Alyce (Herald-Sun)
Post by: one-eyed on January 15, 2012, 12:49:04 PM
Baby joy with a capital 'L' for Graham Polak and wife Alyce

    by: Anthony Decegilie
    From: Sunday Herald Sun
    January 15, 2012


(http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2012/01/14/1226244/516524-polak-baby.jpg)
Former AFL star Graham Polak and wife Alyce with newborn baby girl London Joy. Picture Theo Fakos Herald Sun

GRAHAM Polak's remarkable recovery has now come full circle with the birth of his first child.

Polak's wife, Alyce, gave birth to a healthy baby girl in Perth on Wednesday. The proud parents called their little girl London Joy Polak.

"We've both lost our dads, so we wanted both of them in the name," Alyce said.

"Graham's dad's name is Don and my dad grew up in London. Joy is my mum's middle name."

The former Richmond player suffered severe brain damage when he was struck by a tram on a Melbourne street in 2008.

It took more than a month for Graham, now 27, to regain vital parts of his memory.

There were moments when Alyce, who turned 26 on Friday, thought she had lost the love of her life.

In those dark days sitting beside Graham's hospital bed, she would never have imagined his remarkable recovery that would see them marry in 2010 and now be parents.

Graham overcame enormous odds to play AFL football again 14 months after the injury.

But he was forced to give the game away because of ongoing health concerns from the accident.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/baby-joy-with-a-capital-l/story-e6frf96x-1226244517275
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Eat_em_Alive on January 15, 2012, 12:55:56 PM
Good on em both  :cheers
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: mightytiges on January 15, 2012, 01:20:10 PM
Congrats to both and great news  :cheers
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: bojangles17 on January 15, 2012, 07:47:40 PM
great news, future father son, heres hoping :cheers
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Mr Magic on January 15, 2012, 10:43:34 PM
Didn't rate him highly as a footballer but very happy to see him doing well after the traumatic experience he had. Congrats Graham.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: JVT on January 16, 2012, 08:32:47 AM
great news, future father son, heres hoping :cheers
Congrats to them both.

He only played 38 games with us so no FS.
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: bojangles17 on January 16, 2012, 07:32:49 PM
great news, future father son, heres hoping :cheers
Congrats to them both.

He only played 38 games with us so no FS.

well not by virtue of a free selection so to soeak but we could draft him :shh
Title: Re: Polak thread [merged]
Post by: Ox on January 16, 2012, 07:37:32 PM
Good girl i reckon. :thumbsup