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IMPORTANT // Please look after your loved ones, yourself and be kind to others. If you are feeling that the world is too hard to handle there is always help - I implore you not to hesitate in contacting one of these wonderful organisations Lifeline and Beyond Blue ... and I'm sure reaching out to our PRE community we will find a way to help. T.
Shane Tuck
- Thread starter 5SKULL5
- Start date
This is an important article.
Gents if you're struggling mentally, especially during these trying times then please speak to someone.
Too many of us are conditioned to bottle up our emotions & say 'she'll' be right' but there is strength in sharing your thoughts & feelings.
It's ok to say you're not ok. You'll feel better by opening up to those that care. Please look after yourselves & each other.
www.abc.net.au
Gents if you're struggling mentally, especially during these trying times then please speak to someone.
Too many of us are conditioned to bottle up our emotions & say 'she'll' be right' but there is strength in sharing your thoughts & feelings.
It's ok to say you're not ok. You'll feel better by opening up to those that care. Please look after yourselves & each other.
'Don't try to cover things up': Shane Tuck's father's mental health plea in wake of son's death
Former Richmond mainstay Shane Tuck, who died aged 38, "had a few issues and he couldn't get rid of them", his grieving father says.
www.abc.net.au
Shane Tuck's name is enough to make old Tigers smile
Shane Tuck was genuine. He was vulnerable before it was fashionable. He was an open book and had time for everyone.
Whenever the Richmond boys of my era get together, like most groups of old mates, inevitably it's based around funny stories and people. Whenever the name Shane Tuck came up, the immediate response from most of the group would be to smile. Some would chuckle at some of the strange idiosyncrasies that he displayed, or frown with admiration at the sheer toughness of the man, but most of us would just smile.
The past few days have given me pause to think about what caused that innate reaction.
Footballers love blokes who are tough. Tucky was that. They also love blokes who have done it the hard way. That was Tucky, too. Being born the son of the original Tucky would have had its benefits, but there must have been some sense of pressure that any player of a well-known VFL/AFL player feels, let alone being the son of the games record-holder and seven-time premiership player Michael.
Being drafted into his dad's club and that not quite working out maybe added to that.
But as was Shane's way, he just got on with it. In his words "If you work hard, and do the right things, it just seems to work out".
He took himself off to West Adelaide and played good enough footy to be drafted by the Tigers at the end of 2003.
Initial impressions were that he needed to work on his running but he could win the footy. He was a footballer's footballer.
As a person he was genuine. He was vulnerable before it was fashionable. He was an open book and had time for everyone. Often you'd walk out of training and there was Tucky, in earnest conversation with a supporter.
He battled away for Coburg and quickly became a fan favourite. He was made to earn his spot in Danny Frawley's last season as coach of the Tigers but finally made his debut in round 14 as a 22-year-old. He had 13 possessions in 49 per cent game time. Rotations were a thing of the future at that stage.
You love teammates who turn up every week. Tucky was unbelievably consistent and that came from a consistent training approach and lead-in to the game. He was an early arriver to the ground and knew what he needed to get his mind and body ready for the battle. The most you got out of him pre-game was a nod and a couple of loud expletives but you always knew he was ready.
He was a footballer's footballer.
Under Terry Wallace, Tucky was the epitome of consistency and to have five top-five finishes in the best and fairest from his 10-year career illustrates this brilliantly.
Coaches sometimes fell out of love with him because of what he couldn't do and when I became his midfield coach, I was guilty of that too. He and I had many discussions around some areas where it was thought he needed improvement.
It's fair to say Damien Hardwick's defensive system was more complex than what had previously been coached and this caused some angst for Shane. We spent hours pouring over video because he wanted to get it. Quite often he'd swivel in the chair, look you right in the eye and say "F--- man, it looks easy on the screen!" He was right.
Teasing distance, handovers and sliding defence were hard for him to grasp but it wasn't through lack of effort.
But all of his coaches recognised what he could do. Leading into the round 10 game of 2010 in Dimma's first season as coach, we were 0 and 9, Tucky had been out of the centre square to allow the likes of Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin to learn their craft. He'd been playing as a forward but when we got to the ground to find it under water, and rain still bucketing down, Dimma grabbed his number 21 magnet and put it to the centre square. Tucky had 31 possessions and a club-record 14 tackles to get us our first win for the year.
You got a sense that in an era only maybe 20 or so years prior, when the game was a bit simpler, a Brownlow Medal wouldn't have been completely out of the question.
Shane's father Michael said during the week: "He didn't realise how much people at Richmond loved him."
Perhaps the story that best sums up why that love was real is the time he promised a teammate he would help him move house on a Sunday after a Saturday game. Tucky busted his collarbone during the game. At 9am the next day he turned up with his arm in a sling apologising for being late and asking what needed to be done.
It's funny the things you remember of people. After my last game we were having a beer and he came up to me a bit awkwardly. He wanted to say well done and wish me all the best for the future. He had a way of looking you in the eye and then shifting his gaze downward. I could tell he had made a special effort to do it. It was so simple but I was chuffed. I have a sense he did those types of things for lots of people.
Shane was a unique person. And maybe that's why we smile when we think of him. He's hard to put a label on because he's just "Tucky". He'll leave many a legacy but making people smile might just be the best one.
Deepest sympathies to Kat, Will and Ava, and to Michael, Fay and family.
Rest In Peace, Tucky.
What a lovely article.
Shane Tuck's name is enough to make old Tigers smile
Shane Tuck was genuine. He was vulnerable before it was fashionable. He was an open book and had time for everyone.www.theage.com.au
Whenever the Richmond boys of my era get together, like most groups of old mates, inevitably it's based around funny stories and people. Whenever the name Shane Tuck came up, the immediate response from most of the group would be to smile. Some would chuckle at some of the strange idiosyncrasies that he displayed, or frown with admiration at the sheer toughness of the man, but most of us would just smile.
The past few days have given me pause to think about what caused that innate reaction.
Footballers love blokes who are tough. Tucky was that. They also love blokes who have done it the hard way. That was Tucky, too. Being born the son of the original Tucky would have had its benefits, but there must have been some sense of pressure that any player of a well-known VFL/AFL player feels, let alone being the son of the games record-holder and seven-time premiership player Michael.
Being drafted into his dad's club and that not quite working out maybe added to that.
But as was Shane's way, he just got on with it. In his words "If you work hard, and do the right things, it just seems to work out".
He took himself off to West Adelaide and played good enough footy to be drafted by the Tigers at the end of 2003.
Initial impressions were that he needed to work on his running but he could win the footy. He was a footballer's footballer.
As a person he was genuine. He was vulnerable before it was fashionable. He was an open book and had time for everyone. Often you'd walk out of training and there was Tucky, in earnest conversation with a supporter.
He battled away for Coburg and quickly became a fan favourite. He was made to earn his spot in Danny Frawley's last season as coach of the Tigers but finally made his debut in round 14 as a 22-year-old. He had 13 possessions in 49 per cent game time. Rotations were a thing of the future at that stage.
You love teammates who turn up every week. Tucky was unbelievably consistent and that came from a consistent training approach and lead-in to the game. He was an early arriver to the ground and knew what he needed to get his mind and body ready for the battle. The most you got out of him pre-game was a nod and a couple of loud expletives but you always knew he was ready.
He was a footballer's footballer.
Under Terry Wallace, Tucky was the epitome of consistency and to have five top-five finishes in the best and fairest from his 10-year career illustrates this brilliantly.
Coaches sometimes fell out of love with him because of what he couldn't do and when I became his midfield coach, I was guilty of that too. He and I had many discussions around some areas where it was thought he needed improvement.
It's fair to say Damien Hardwick's defensive system was more complex than what had previously been coached and this caused some angst for Shane. We spent hours pouring over video because he wanted to get it. Quite often he'd swivel in the chair, look you right in the eye and say "F--- man, it looks easy on the screen!" He was right.
Teasing distance, handovers and sliding defence were hard for him to grasp but it wasn't through lack of effort.
But all of his coaches recognised what he could do. Leading into the round 10 game of 2010 in Dimma's first season as coach, we were 0 and 9, Tucky had been out of the centre square to allow the likes of Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin to learn their craft. He'd been playing as a forward but when we got to the ground to find it under water, and rain still bucketing down, Dimma grabbed his number 21 magnet and put it to the centre square. Tucky had 31 possessions and a club-record 14 tackles to get us our first win for the year.
You got a sense that in an era only maybe 20 or so years prior, when the game was a bit simpler, a Brownlow Medal wouldn't have been completely out of the question.
Shane's father Michael said during the week: "He didn't realise how much people at Richmond loved him."
Perhaps the story that best sums up why that love was real is the time he promised a teammate he would help him move house on a Sunday after a Saturday game. Tucky busted his collarbone during the game. At 9am the next day he turned up with his arm in a sling apologising for being late and asking what needed to be done.
It's funny the things you remember of people. After my last game we were having a beer and he came up to me a bit awkwardly. He wanted to say well done and wish me all the best for the future. He had a way of looking you in the eye and then shifting his gaze downward. I could tell he had made a special effort to do it. It was so simple but I was chuffed. I have a sense he did those types of things for lots of people.
Shane was a unique person. And maybe that's why we smile when we think of him. He's hard to put a label on because he's just "Tucky". He'll leave many a legacy but making people smile might just be the best one.
Deepest sympathies to Kat, Will and Ava, and to Michael, Fay and family.
Rest In Peace, Tucky.
I just had a look at Tucky's stats. In 2012, his 2nd last season, Tucky had 576 disposals, with 298 of them contested, he also got 10 Brownlow votes.
They're bloody good numbers, 99% of players would be proud of those stats.
What makes Shanes sad passing more difficult is that the RFC and the Tiger Army who all had a soft spot for Tucky will not have the chance to show their grattitude, love appreciation and support for Shane and his family.
I truly hope the club and the fans get the chance to do so at the very first most appropriate time en masse.
I truly hope the club and the fans get the chance to do so at the very first most appropriate time en masse.
Agree Craig. This one has absolutely gutted me. I cried in my wife's arms like a baby last night. I have dealt with the black dog myself and if Tucky only could have known it was blokes like him that could put a smile on an average Joe like me's face going to the footy and feeling so proud to be a richmond supporter even if the team was *smile*. He made his team makes walk taller, but he also made supporters walk taller.
He was my age and maybe that's why its hit me so hard. I just loved him. He was the every man that made you realise that anything is possible if you put your'e mind to it. You'll be forever missed Tucky. To quote the great man, Theres nothing more tigerish than a tiger, and you my friend were that in spades. RIP.
We were as soft as butter in those days. Tuck wasn't. True ruck rover - the number of times he ended up being skittled out of a contest and bouncing to his feet. He lent a hardness to our midfield that meant he couldn't be dropped even when his form dipped.
Deep respect for him. Wish his family all the very best at this time.
Deep respect for him. Wish his family all the very best at this time.
This is just so true and may I add something that I risk being criticised for...getting drunk does not solve any emotional issues or problems with depression, it only makes the situation worse. Have a couple of drinks sure, but you can't think and talk clearly if you are plastered and you also can't understand any advice that might be offered to you. Be strong and get professional help and understand that it will take time, so be patient as well. All your family and friends want to see you get well again.This is an important article.
Gents if you're struggling mentally, especially during these trying times then please speak to someone.
Too many of us are conditioned to bottle up our emotions & say 'she'll' be right' but there is strength in sharing your thoughts & feelings.
It's ok to say you're not ok. You'll feel better by opening up to those that care. Please look after yourselves & each other.
'Don't try to cover things up': Shane Tuck's father's mental health plea in wake of son's death
Former Richmond mainstay Shane Tuck, who died aged 38, "had a few issues and he couldn't get rid of them", his grieving father says.
Apologies if this has already been shared, but a terrific piece has been written by some of his former teammates here.
http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/our-mate-tucky/
OUR MATE TUCKY
Former Richmond players Nathan Foley, Dan Jackson, Brett Deledio, Ty Vickery, Jake King and Andrew Collins have put together a series of short stories as they remember their teammate, Shane Tuck, following his tragic passing this week.
INTRODUCTION WRITTEN BY DAN JACKSON
Everyone grieves in their own way.
For many guys, it involves sitting around, sharing stories, and having a laugh over a few beers.
Unfortunately, with where the world is currently at, we aren’t able to get together to celebrate the life of our mate, Tucky.
So instead, in a small way to honour a great man, we’d like to share some personal stories about what Tucky meant to each of us.
Hopefully by reading these you’ll get some insight into one of the most unique humans you’ll likely ever come across.
Tucky was tough – he was a warrior – but he was also loyal, caring, and genuine. Tucky was our brother – he always had our backs, no matter what…
Before you read our stories, if we could ask you to do one thing to help us remember and honour our mate Tucky.
If you can think of someone in your life who may be doing it tough at the moment, please check in with them to see how they’re going. You don’t have to solve their problems – just do what Tucky did for each of us – just show them you’re there for them, because everyone needs a mate like Tucky.
TUCKY – BY NATHAN FOLEY
In round seven, 2013, in the game against Port Adelaide, Tucky fractured his scapula in the third quarter.
He bravely played out that game.
Tucky was grimacing as he ran around with his elbow tucked into his stomach to provide some stability to shield him from the pain he was feeling. We ended up winning that game.
Tucky required surgery for his fractured scapula.
Less than a week after his surgery, I was moving into a new house and had organised Tucky’s removalist business to help out.
Tucky had started this business with an old mate, who was very much in a similar mould to himself.
Much to my surprise, Tucky turned up that day to help unpack the truck.
With his arm in a sling he started picking things up one handed and taking them into the house. I suggested he probably shouldn’t be doing that -he just said, ‘It’ll be right’ and continued on helping.
Tucky was tough on and off the field.
He didn’t try to be tough; he didn’t seek praise for being tough. Tucky was just tough and he knew no different.
We will never forget you Tucky and when we all catch up for a beer, we will always have plenty of great Tucky stories.
Rest in peace mate.
TUCKY – BY DAN JACKSON
Tucky was a unique human.
On one side he was the toughest guy I ever met – I played on some big-bodied midfielders throughout my career, but the only person I ever feared lining up against was Shane Tuck.
Tucky was fearless and uncompromising when it came to winning the footy and if you found yourself in his way, you’d feel it – the man was made of iron.
But Tucky also had a softer side.
He was hugely empathetic to his mates, especially when he thought they may be doing it tough – perhaps because he’d had his own battles to fight throughout his journey.
One day, in 2012, when I was having a bad run of form and copping it from some of the media, on a recovery walk around the MCG parklands, Tucky, mid-conversation (about who knows what!) suddenly put his arm on my shoulder, lowered his eyes and said, “Hey mate, don’t listen to those idiots, you’re a great player, you’ll prove them wrong.” End of convo – no more said.
Until 12 months later, when one morning I opened my locker to find an article about my career turnround stuck to the inside of the door.
Having no idea where it came from, Tucky, who I’d shared the locker next to for 10 years appeared, once again put his hand on my shoulder, lowered his eyes (the way he did when you knew he was going to say something meaningful) and said,
“I knew you’d prove them wrong Jacko; I thought you should leave that there as a reminder.” And off he strolled…
Whilst I’d prefer not to have to ever face you in another one-to-one contest at training Tucky, I’d give anything to sit next to you at our lockers again. This time I’d put my arm on your shoulder to tell you that I love ya… Rest in peace Great Man – we’ll miss you.
TUCKY – BY BRETT DELEDIO
A great memory I have of Tucky was at my Bucks party up in Echuca.
We were at the Shamrock Hotel for the night and I was standing there with my Dad, Uncle Ron and Dad’s best mate and, close family friend, Shane Vick.
Talking absolute rubbish no doubt, this bloke kept elbowing me in the back, he was a Buck as well it turned out and had tipped a few too many in.
I let him know I wasn’t rapt with the treatment, but he continued on his elbowing ways when Dad stepped in and warned him that he needed to cut it out.
Now I don’t know if Tucky was watching or not, but personally I think he smelt something brewing and before I knew it he was standing right beside Dad, as he was lecturing this other Buck, saying “Right we going Block (Dad’s Nickname) or what?”
Tucky was ready to take on the whole pub if one of his mates needed him to.
He was as loyal as they come, ran straight, shot straight and was a downright funny bugger, even though he didn’t always know he was. I’ll miss the honesty, the quirkiness, but most of all I’ll just miss the bloody top bloke you were.
Rest Easy, Tucky.
TUCKY – BY TYRONE VICKERY
What I remember most about Tucky was just how genuine he was.
I remember at a point I was not playing well and Tucky pulled me aside and told me, ‘Mate I was labelled a “list clogger”, “not good enough” and a “waste of a spot”. Believe in yourself and don’t listen to the outside world.’
It stuck with me because he wasn’t naturally a super vocal leader, but he was naturally a really genuine caring person.
He wasn’t naturally someone to speak up, but he took the time for the conversation. He did this not for other people to see, but purely because he cared about how I was going and wanted to help.
RIP to a great man.
TUCKY – BY JAKE KING
A story to sum up ‘Tucky’ happened around my first interstate game and my first real introduction into the world of Shane Tuck.
I remember when being told I’d be rooming with him, all the boys’ were looking at me with a strange look that said, ‘Thank God it’s not me!’
The night before the game everything seemed all normal and was running smoothly until ‘Tucky mode’ kicked in.
We were watching TV when Tucky decided it was late and that it was time for bed.
It wasn’t even 9.30pm.
So I said good night as did he, but what I didn’t realise was that meant ‘lights out’ – so he turned the TV off and that was it.
I’m not a good sleeper and it was about three hours earlier than when I would normally go to sleep, but respecting the older guy and being a rookie I did my best.
I ended up watching a movie in the hallway of the hotel, on my computer until 1am.
Eventually I went to sleep only to wake up at 3.00am to the sound of Tucky eating an apple – apparently a regular Tucky past time!
Thinking that’d be it, and that I’d be finally able to get some sleep, I was unpleasantly woken again at 6am to the sound of someone running and breathing heavily. I looked over half-asleep to see Tucky running on the spot.
Tucky, noticing I’d stirred, went over, turned the light on and asked, “Are you awake?”
“What do you reckon mate,” I said sarcastically.
He replied, “Yeah, grouse, me too brother, would you mind holding the (boxing) pads for me?”
I was so confused.
Once Tucky finished hitting the pads he put on his shoes, and just like Tucky did throughout his career, he left the room and when I looked out the window he was doing strides on the grass area in front of our hotel room.
I remember going to breakfast, after no sleep and with blood shot eyes, and as I walked in I remember the boys looking at me.
First it was silent, then they looked at each other and then they pissed themselves laughing and all together said, “Tucky!”
I was the last player to room with Tucky before he got his own room and thank God for that!
I love ya brother, you are and always will be a warrior and a brother to me.
Till we meet again, rest in peace.
http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/our-mate-tucky/
OUR MATE TUCKY
Former Richmond players Nathan Foley, Dan Jackson, Brett Deledio, Ty Vickery, Jake King and Andrew Collins have put together a series of short stories as they remember their teammate, Shane Tuck, following his tragic passing this week.
INTRODUCTION WRITTEN BY DAN JACKSON
Everyone grieves in their own way.
For many guys, it involves sitting around, sharing stories, and having a laugh over a few beers.
Unfortunately, with where the world is currently at, we aren’t able to get together to celebrate the life of our mate, Tucky.
So instead, in a small way to honour a great man, we’d like to share some personal stories about what Tucky meant to each of us.
Hopefully by reading these you’ll get some insight into one of the most unique humans you’ll likely ever come across.
Tucky was tough – he was a warrior – but he was also loyal, caring, and genuine. Tucky was our brother – he always had our backs, no matter what…
Before you read our stories, if we could ask you to do one thing to help us remember and honour our mate Tucky.
If you can think of someone in your life who may be doing it tough at the moment, please check in with them to see how they’re going. You don’t have to solve their problems – just do what Tucky did for each of us – just show them you’re there for them, because everyone needs a mate like Tucky.
TUCKY – BY NATHAN FOLEY
In round seven, 2013, in the game against Port Adelaide, Tucky fractured his scapula in the third quarter.
He bravely played out that game.
Tucky was grimacing as he ran around with his elbow tucked into his stomach to provide some stability to shield him from the pain he was feeling. We ended up winning that game.
Tucky required surgery for his fractured scapula.
Less than a week after his surgery, I was moving into a new house and had organised Tucky’s removalist business to help out.
Tucky had started this business with an old mate, who was very much in a similar mould to himself.
Much to my surprise, Tucky turned up that day to help unpack the truck.
With his arm in a sling he started picking things up one handed and taking them into the house. I suggested he probably shouldn’t be doing that -he just said, ‘It’ll be right’ and continued on helping.
Tucky was tough on and off the field.
He didn’t try to be tough; he didn’t seek praise for being tough. Tucky was just tough and he knew no different.
We will never forget you Tucky and when we all catch up for a beer, we will always have plenty of great Tucky stories.
Rest in peace mate.
TUCKY – BY DAN JACKSON
Tucky was a unique human.
On one side he was the toughest guy I ever met – I played on some big-bodied midfielders throughout my career, but the only person I ever feared lining up against was Shane Tuck.
Tucky was fearless and uncompromising when it came to winning the footy and if you found yourself in his way, you’d feel it – the man was made of iron.
But Tucky also had a softer side.
He was hugely empathetic to his mates, especially when he thought they may be doing it tough – perhaps because he’d had his own battles to fight throughout his journey.
One day, in 2012, when I was having a bad run of form and copping it from some of the media, on a recovery walk around the MCG parklands, Tucky, mid-conversation (about who knows what!) suddenly put his arm on my shoulder, lowered his eyes and said, “Hey mate, don’t listen to those idiots, you’re a great player, you’ll prove them wrong.” End of convo – no more said.
Until 12 months later, when one morning I opened my locker to find an article about my career turnround stuck to the inside of the door.
Having no idea where it came from, Tucky, who I’d shared the locker next to for 10 years appeared, once again put his hand on my shoulder, lowered his eyes (the way he did when you knew he was going to say something meaningful) and said,
“I knew you’d prove them wrong Jacko; I thought you should leave that there as a reminder.” And off he strolled…
Whilst I’d prefer not to have to ever face you in another one-to-one contest at training Tucky, I’d give anything to sit next to you at our lockers again. This time I’d put my arm on your shoulder to tell you that I love ya… Rest in peace Great Man – we’ll miss you.
TUCKY – BY BRETT DELEDIO
A great memory I have of Tucky was at my Bucks party up in Echuca.
We were at the Shamrock Hotel for the night and I was standing there with my Dad, Uncle Ron and Dad’s best mate and, close family friend, Shane Vick.
Talking absolute rubbish no doubt, this bloke kept elbowing me in the back, he was a Buck as well it turned out and had tipped a few too many in.
I let him know I wasn’t rapt with the treatment, but he continued on his elbowing ways when Dad stepped in and warned him that he needed to cut it out.
Now I don’t know if Tucky was watching or not, but personally I think he smelt something brewing and before I knew it he was standing right beside Dad, as he was lecturing this other Buck, saying “Right we going Block (Dad’s Nickname) or what?”
Tucky was ready to take on the whole pub if one of his mates needed him to.
He was as loyal as they come, ran straight, shot straight and was a downright funny bugger, even though he didn’t always know he was. I’ll miss the honesty, the quirkiness, but most of all I’ll just miss the bloody top bloke you were.
Rest Easy, Tucky.
TUCKY – BY TYRONE VICKERY
What I remember most about Tucky was just how genuine he was.
I remember at a point I was not playing well and Tucky pulled me aside and told me, ‘Mate I was labelled a “list clogger”, “not good enough” and a “waste of a spot”. Believe in yourself and don’t listen to the outside world.’
It stuck with me because he wasn’t naturally a super vocal leader, but he was naturally a really genuine caring person.
He wasn’t naturally someone to speak up, but he took the time for the conversation. He did this not for other people to see, but purely because he cared about how I was going and wanted to help.
RIP to a great man.
TUCKY – BY JAKE KING
A story to sum up ‘Tucky’ happened around my first interstate game and my first real introduction into the world of Shane Tuck.
I remember when being told I’d be rooming with him, all the boys’ were looking at me with a strange look that said, ‘Thank God it’s not me!’
The night before the game everything seemed all normal and was running smoothly until ‘Tucky mode’ kicked in.
We were watching TV when Tucky decided it was late and that it was time for bed.
It wasn’t even 9.30pm.
So I said good night as did he, but what I didn’t realise was that meant ‘lights out’ – so he turned the TV off and that was it.
I’m not a good sleeper and it was about three hours earlier than when I would normally go to sleep, but respecting the older guy and being a rookie I did my best.
I ended up watching a movie in the hallway of the hotel, on my computer until 1am.
Eventually I went to sleep only to wake up at 3.00am to the sound of Tucky eating an apple – apparently a regular Tucky past time!
Thinking that’d be it, and that I’d be finally able to get some sleep, I was unpleasantly woken again at 6am to the sound of someone running and breathing heavily. I looked over half-asleep to see Tucky running on the spot.
Tucky, noticing I’d stirred, went over, turned the light on and asked, “Are you awake?”
“What do you reckon mate,” I said sarcastically.
He replied, “Yeah, grouse, me too brother, would you mind holding the (boxing) pads for me?”
I was so confused.
Once Tucky finished hitting the pads he put on his shoes, and just like Tucky did throughout his career, he left the room and when I looked out the window he was doing strides on the grass area in front of our hotel room.
I remember going to breakfast, after no sleep and with blood shot eyes, and as I walked in I remember the boys looking at me.
First it was silent, then they looked at each other and then they pissed themselves laughing and all together said, “Tucky!”
I was the last player to room with Tucky before he got his own room and thank God for that!
I love ya brother, you are and always will be a warrior and a brother to me.
Till we meet again, rest in peace.
TUCKY – BY ANDREW COLLINS
At the end of 2006, Jack Riewoldt, Shane Edwards, Daniel Connors, Carl Peterson and myself were all drafted to the Richmond Football Club in the National Draft.
Daniel and I were lucky enough to be billeted with Shane and Katherine Tuck as part of our settling in process.
From the moment we lobbed at Tucky’s place, we felt as though we were part of the family.
We met Fay (Shane’s Mum) and (Shane’s Dad) Michael (Tuck) along with sister Renee at a family dinner at a pub in Abbottsford.
It was obvious from the start that the Tucks were warm, down to earth people.
When you look back on your sporting career you never forget the people that truly try to help you succeed, especially when you’re at your most vulnerable at the start of your career.
In the heat of battle, in the middle of the MCG, it’s easy enough and not uncommon to just think of yourself, but that wasn’t Tucky.
I can vividly remember Tucky saying to ‘get past him’ in games in an attempt to get me an early touch and get my confidence up. Tucky wouldn’t just say it, he’d be looking for you.
Tucky was a big brother for so many young Tigers.
At the end of 2006, Jack Riewoldt, Shane Edwards, Daniel Connors, Carl Peterson and myself were all drafted to the Richmond Football Club in the National Draft.
Daniel and I were lucky enough to be billeted with Shane and Katherine Tuck as part of our settling in process.
From the moment we lobbed at Tucky’s place, we felt as though we were part of the family.
We met Fay (Shane’s Mum) and (Shane’s Dad) Michael (Tuck) along with sister Renee at a family dinner at a pub in Abbottsford.
It was obvious from the start that the Tucks were warm, down to earth people.
When you look back on your sporting career you never forget the people that truly try to help you succeed, especially when you’re at your most vulnerable at the start of your career.
In the heat of battle, in the middle of the MCG, it’s easy enough and not uncommon to just think of yourself, but that wasn’t Tucky.
I can vividly remember Tucky saying to ‘get past him’ in games in an attempt to get me an early touch and get my confidence up. Tucky wouldn’t just say it, he’d be looking for you.
Tucky was a big brother for so many young Tigers.
Some very nice words form the lads re Tucky.
Still surreal still sad.
Geez I hope the memory and legacy of Shane Tuck wont be lost on the boys against Gee Whiz and they muster up 4 points for him with grit and dogged determination .............................the TUCKY WAY !!!
Still surreal still sad.
Geez I hope the memory and legacy of Shane Tuck wont be lost on the boys against Gee Whiz and they muster up 4 points for him with grit and dogged determination .............................the TUCKY WAY !!!
I met Tucky once. I flew from Perth with my 9 year old son to watch the Elimination Final against Carlscum. Being a tightarse we flew across early in the week on the cheapest red eye flight and crashed on the floor of a mates place in Richmond. We gorged on all things Richmond that week. We hung around Tigerland like bad smells. Everyday Backpocket Jnr, dressed in full Tigers playing kit even footy boots, would kick the footy with me morning, lunch and night, just beyond the players carpark at Punt Rd.
On dusk the Fri night before the game a bloke comes walking from the carpark out to where we are kicking the footy. He looks flint hard and a bit angry. "Hey you guys!" he yells out. *smile* I'm thinking......Jnrs wayward kicking has damaged this guys car. He keeps striding over towards us and I realise it's Tucky. A grin starts to appear on his melon "Are you guys living in this park? All week I've been watching you two kick the football back and forward!" Several minutes of chit chat, a bit of a kick with boy (Dimma love's left footers young fella!), lots more laughing and a signature on Jnrs jumper (with Lids number 3) - "Lids has struggled a bit with the fan attention this week" he chuckles as he signs next to Lids fresh signature. He wishes us well, expects the Tigers to win and heads back to his car.
My kids have seen me cry three times - twice its involved the RFC - the 2017 GF and at the news of Tucky this week. RIP Shane.
On dusk the Fri night before the game a bloke comes walking from the carpark out to where we are kicking the footy. He looks flint hard and a bit angry. "Hey you guys!" he yells out. *smile* I'm thinking......Jnrs wayward kicking has damaged this guys car. He keeps striding over towards us and I realise it's Tucky. A grin starts to appear on his melon "Are you guys living in this park? All week I've been watching you two kick the football back and forward!" Several minutes of chit chat, a bit of a kick with boy (Dimma love's left footers young fella!), lots more laughing and a signature on Jnrs jumper (with Lids number 3) - "Lids has struggled a bit with the fan attention this week" he chuckles as he signs next to Lids fresh signature. He wishes us well, expects the Tigers to win and heads back to his car.
My kids have seen me cry three times - twice its involved the RFC - the 2017 GF and at the news of Tucky this week. RIP Shane.
What a great memory.
Thank you for sharing, BPP.
Brought tears to my eyes (again).
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