What happened 26 nights ago against Essendon at the Adelaide Oval was, says Jeremy Finlayson, a moment in time he cannot fully explain and which still keeps him awake at night.
Jeremy Finlayson has wished too many times over the past two-and-a-half years that he could change things.
There were the two occasions he broke down constructing statements with his media executive Daniel Norton – the second time was, a frustration he insists now was aimed squarely at himself. Finlayson says his education will continue beyond his mandated penalty. He said he has no idea why no AFL player has declared his homosexuality, but remains determined to become an influencer for change.
He said he knew his explanation would sound lame, but that his performances were better when his senses were heightened.Lethargy, said Finlayson, could be his enemy. “When I’m up and going, I play my best footy,” he said, adding, “I still run out every week with things written on my arm like ‘stay calm’ or ‘good teammate’.”He not only used the homophobic slur, but made reference to the player’s lack of impact in the game and, specifically, his possession count.
“He’s made his mistake, he’s admitted his fault, and he knows he has a lot of work to do to get better,” said Hinkley. “I’m not talking about for the team, or on behalf of the team, but for himself.Finlayson in action against the Bombers earlier this season.It was an emotional Finlayson who spoke at length to this masthead about his worst football act on a sunny Adelaide Tuesday shortly after Port’s last full training session before the round-eight Showdown.
“I’m not a great speaker, but I’d like to get to the point of being able to speak to people and try to help them learn from my mistake,” Finlayson said. “I was thinking after speaking with Hayley – imagining if we could create a pride round for the entire competition.” Of the future, he says only: “I don’t let myself think about it.” But he will not forget in a hurry breaking the news to his wife on the Friday night during round four that he might be “in deep trouble”.
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