Fremantlebiz - Paul's Letter from Australia

A footballer's nightmare

The Western Australian football world was rocked yesterday morning by the news that a former champion Eagles footballer named Chris Mainwaring had died in bizarre circumstances on Sunday night. He was aged 41.

After his retirement as an Eagles player in 1999, Mr Mainwaring took up a career with the local Channel Seven as a popular sports commentator and news reader. Therefore his face was still well known to the Western Australian televiewing public. Many people generally referred to him as 'Mainy.'

Over the past 24 hours the accolades have gained momentum, with all the TV networks paying tribute to his prowess as a player and screen personality. He was also a popular social identity, and with his TV work had become involved with childrens' charities.

But these sort of tributes are probably not going to last. It seems that there was a murky side to his life which involved narcotics. Neighbours had called an ambulance late on the Sunday evening to the leafy Cottesloe street where he lived because he had for some time wandering disorientatedly back and forth yelling loudly for help. He was apparently alone. His wife and young children were away somewhere in the country, presumably for the school holidays.

Some devoted fans pulled on their Eagles clobber yesterday and handed flowers to police to lay near what has become a cordoned off coronal investigation scene. It's a trend these days for strangers to involve themselves in sensational tragedies by offering such tributes.

Various TV Media last night, and The West Australian this morning have reported that on the Sunday night he had then sent the first ambulance crew away because he was feeling better by the time they arrived. The newspaper added that he allegedly told them he had taken marijuana and ecstasy during the evening. Based on his assurances, they'd left him in the care of a neighbour. A second ambulance was called an hour or so later after he had collapsed into unconsciousness. He died not long after.

There are already other tragic factors involving his life appearing in the press reports. It's been claimed that he had two convictions for drunk driving was believed to be battling bouts of depression. In addition there was some sort of tension with family members who were concerned for his well being.

There are also other negative issues which are getting some initial reportage. These are sure to have more intensive scrutiny by the media over the next few days.

We've just had a long weekend to celebrate the Queen's birthday. Unfortunately there were also eight people killed in road accidents over the three days. None of them were famous footballers. Public holidays often translate as public mayhem on the roads, but that's a lot in one weekend for a small place like this.

© MMVII Paul R. Weaver.

About the writer

Check out each month's subject index on the Calendar Page for my "common-man" monologues about survival in 21st century Australia – plus a little history occasionally. An original essay is added most days as part of an undertaking to write a couple of million words.

Advertisement

Advertisement