Dermott Brereton Backs Wayne Carey After Exclusion from North Melbourne Celebration Video
Dermott Brereton defended Wayne Carey after the AFL legend was excluded from a North Melbourne centenary celebration video. Carey's omission sparked backlash, particularly from former teammate Corey McKernan. Brereton expressed surprise, stating that Carey, the club's highest-rated player, deserved recognition. Despite his past controversies, which include issues of domestic violence, Brereton described Carey as a "good guy" who made mistakes but is overall enjoyable to be around.
Hawthorn champion Dermott Brereton has publicly defended AFL legend Wayne Carey following his exclusion from a North Melbourne centenary celebration video. The video, released to commemorate the club's 100 years in the VFL/AFL, sparked significant controversy due to Carey's omission, igniting backlash from former players and fans alike.
Brereton Expresses Surprise Over Carey's Omission
Dermott Brereton, a notable player from the 1990s and a goalkicking rival of Wayne Carey, has expressed his astonishment regarding Carey's exclusion from a video highlighting North Melbourne's top players. In an interview with SEN, Brereton emphasized that Carey, the captain of the club's team of the century, should have been included, stating that he is undoubtedly among the best players to represent the Kangaroos. Brereton remarked that the club may have faced a challenging decision regarding Carey's inclusion, as they would need to defend such an action.
Content of the Centenary Celebration Video
The video released by North Melbourne showcased various legendary players, including modern-day stars such as Brent Harvey and Ben Cunnington, as well as 1990s favorites like David King and Glenn Archer. However, Carey's minimal representation of less than one second, appearing alongside his teammates on the premiership dais in 1999, has raised eyebrows. Fans and analysts alike have criticized the decision to exclude one of the club's most significant figures in a celebration honoring its history.
Controversy Surrounding Carey's Legacy
Carey, regarded as North Melbourne's greatest player, is a polarizing figure in the Australian football community, particularly due to personal issues that have overshadowed his career. His controversial departure from the Kangaroos, following a highly publicized affair, remains a talking point. Additionally, while he was recently inducted into the NSW Australian Football Hall of Fame, he was denied the prestigious Legend status due to his troubled past, which includes allegations of domestic violence and an assault conviction.
Carey’s Decision to Miss the Gala Night
In light of controversies surrounding his reputation, Carey opted not to attend a recent gala night after discussions with AFL CEO Andrew Dillon. Previously a prominent media figure, Carey faced termination in 2022 following an incident at Crown Perth involving a substance that he claimed was merely an anti-inflammatory. He was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing related to the incident.
Reactions from Former Teammates and Analysts
The decision to exclude Carey from the centenary video prompted significant backlash from former teammates, notably Corey McKernan, who called out the club for overlooking such a key historical figure. McKernan, along with other commentators, expressed confusion over the omission, demanding clarity on why Carey and other notable figures like Denis Pagan were absent from the tribute. Collingwood great Mick McGuane echoed similar sentiments, asserting that any true celebration should have prominently featured the club’s greatest player.
