9
Jun 09
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Leadership Locker - Daniel Gilmore
Fremantle's alternate delegate Daniel Gilmore shares his thoughts on playing in Perth and the public perception of players.
A grandson of 1954 Footscray premiership player Brian Gilmore, Daniel is a versatile tall that has played 42 games in six injury ruined seasons after elevation from the rookie list in 2003. This is his third year as Alternate Delegate for the Fremantle Dockers.
On the public perception of players: My feel is the public genuinely feel quite positive towards players and what we provide for them across the community. My concern is with the sensationalism amongst media and people who are paid to have very strong views on players. Unfortunately the public’s ears tend to prick up when they hear negative news which then becomes a discussion point and an attention grabber. However my experience suggests that the community at large believe that the vast majority of players lead very level and well adjusted lives considering the pressures within the industry.
A grandson of 1954 Footscray premiership player Brian Gilmore, Daniel is a versatile tall that has played 42 games in six injury ruined seasons after elevation from the rookie list in 2003. This is his third year as Alternate Delegate for the Fremantle Dockers.
On the public perception of players: My feel is the public genuinely feel quite positive towards players and what we provide for them across the community. My concern is with the sensationalism amongst media and people who are paid to have very strong views on players. Unfortunately the public’s ears tend to prick up when they hear negative news which then becomes a discussion point and an attention grabber. However my experience suggests that the community at large believe that the vast majority of players lead very level and well adjusted lives considering the pressures within the industry.
Living with teammates: I live with my best mate and teammate Josh Head. We actually grew up together on the outskirts of Perth, catching frogs in creeks and kicking the footy between nectarine trees. It’s quite incredible that we have ended up at an AFL club together despite our very different career paths. In terms of living together, he is a clean freak and thinks he can make a mean spaghetti bolognaise! I try to be as enthusiastic about it as him, despite it only being edible after the mountain of salt and pepper I need to apply!
On playing in a two team town: Playing in a two team town is very interesting. The people of Perth adore their footy and as such have a real thirst for it. The media definately do their best to quench this and normally it’s a huge positive for the clubs and players. The downside is nothing is really glossed over and if things aren’t going so well then its news and therefore it can feel as though everyone knows about it and has an opinion on it. The derbies are obviously huge and playing in them is the highlight of my career to date. The Eagles supporters are fine. They are nearly as passionate about their football as our fans and I’m happy that both supporters can have such a rivalry.
On the biggest lesson I have learnt in football: The great thing about playing at the top level is that it’s quite tough and you learn about the power of resilience and determination pretty quick. Sometimes I feel my career has taught me the majority of life’s lessons all in 6 short years. At the end of the day though it’s about learning and believing in yourself no matter what.
On music: My music tastes are fairly stock standard. I’m definately not an avid Rhianna listener but I enjoy anything from Kings of Leon to Xavier Rudd. Triple j gets a fair run!
On playing in a two team town: Playing in a two team town is very interesting. The people of Perth adore their footy and as such have a real thirst for it. The media definately do their best to quench this and normally it’s a huge positive for the clubs and players. The downside is nothing is really glossed over and if things aren’t going so well then its news and therefore it can feel as though everyone knows about it and has an opinion on it. The derbies are obviously huge and playing in them is the highlight of my career to date. The Eagles supporters are fine. They are nearly as passionate about their football as our fans and I’m happy that both supporters can have such a rivalry.
On the biggest lesson I have learnt in football: The great thing about playing at the top level is that it’s quite tough and you learn about the power of resilience and determination pretty quick. Sometimes I feel my career has taught me the majority of life’s lessons all in 6 short years. At the end of the day though it’s about learning and believing in yourself no matter what.
On music: My music tastes are fairly stock standard. I’m definately not an avid Rhianna listener but I enjoy anything from Kings of Leon to Xavier Rudd. Triple j gets a fair run!
