CTV> Murray Weidemen, Shane Wakelin and Nick Maxwell speak about the new Past Players' welfare foundationThe Collingwood Past Players’ Association has taken the first bold step in taking care of their own.
On Tuesday 27 January "The Murray Weideman Foundation” was launched, a fund designed to generate aid to former past players in need of medical assistance due to injuries sustained during their playing career.
The fund is the brainchild of the secretary of the association, Ron O’Dweyer and former premiership captain, Weidemen.
“It came about after the 1958 premiership reunion, I went there and I was talking to a few of the players and they said a few of our players are in trouble,” Weidemen told CTV at the launch.
Weidemen stressed the seriousness of past players currently coping with lingering injuries who have no medical insurance.
“What we are doing with this foundation is we are going to raise the money, it might take us one year or two...and as the money comes in we will put them in Medibank private.”
Recently retired defender, Shane Wakelin, was on hand to help raise awareness of the foundation’s cause.
“It’s really exciting. It’s probably been long overdue across a lot of AFL clubs. I am just appreciative that we have taken the opportunity to be proactive and to get some support mechanisms in place for our past players.”
New Magpie skipper, Nick Maxwell, was also in attendance and believed this foundation was a breakthrough to help a cause glossed over by many in the League.
“They have done a really good job to come up with it and I think what it means for the players, past and current, is going to help them out."
Weidemen, a two time premiership player (1953, 1958) and three time Copeland Trophy recipient (1957, 1961, 1962), was quick to point out the injuries he has suffered during his playing days.
“I have got two new knees in there. Broken noses were common. In my days to go to the dance on the Saturday night, (I would) get a toothbrush, put it up there and put it back into place.”
The money to be raised will derive from auctioned memorabilia donated by past players. Supporters will also have the opportunity to purchase a membership to the Murray Weidemen Foundation.
"I hope the Collingwood supporters get behind it and help raise the money."
For any additional information regarding "The Murray Weideman Foundation” please visit http://www.theheartofcollingwood.com.au/.
