2009: He's brash, but boy can Aka play
Being a Brisbane-based player was good for him. Time in different states and the mixing with a variety of people helped develop a broader outlook on life. I remember walking around the Adelaide Oval with young players, explaining the history of the ground. We got to the Don Bradman stand and Jason looked up and said: 'I've heard about that dude.'
When I left Brisbane to coach Richmond, he turned up unannounced at my office just to say g'day. I was glad to see him, but it confirmed my belief that here was a young man who needed to be loved.
As a footballer, Aka has been outstanding. His ability to read the play and his skills on both sides have no match. He loved the big occasion and delivered. He passed the truest test, grand final day.
That he left Brisbane after three premierships is a bit sad. He fell out with his coach and some senior players, because they felt he put himself above the team and disclosed in house football matters.
I thought a move to Melbourne would be good for him. Being in a football-mad city, where there were dozens of other stars would help him keep perspective. But I wondered about the wisdom of the Western Bulldogs taking a battle-scarred 30-year-old who could be divisive.
After finishing sixth in 2006, the Bulldogs believed that their window of opportunity was about to open. So Aka got a three-year contract.
The thinking was that his exquisite finishing skills would help get the Bulldogs over the line in two or three close encounters a season.
Not much happened in 2007. The team slipped to 13th and the star recruit struggled to have any impact out wide on a wing. Things improved in 2008. The team finished third and, closer to goal, Aka gave terrific value.
But there were issues that upset some. The end-of-game handstand was not appreciated, nor were some of his newspaper columns.
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This year Aka has met the challenges. After losing three on the trot, question marks were being put on the Dogs. In the past two weeks, he has singlehandedly dragged his team over the line against Adelaide and Melbourne.
A few months back, the Brownlow medallist said this would be his last season. Now he says that if the coach asked him to play on, he would decide at season's end. It's a tough call for Rodney Eade and his match committee. In many ways they won't want to rely on a 33-year-old who can cause problems.
Would Aka play on if asked? You bet he would. In many ways he's still a big kid who craves attention. But he's also a bloody good footballer. Aka, I salute you.
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