The fact that I got to kick the footy with Jason when he came to my local primary school in the mid-2000’s, when no other classmate would partner up with me, is so amazing to me, and I can look back 20 years later, and be proud of something so fantastic, and have it locked deep in my memory for this long. Jason, if you see this, thank you for making my childhood so incredible. I can’t believe I remember all this after such a long time. The things I would give to meet you again and thank you for everything and maybe even kick the footy again, like we did that day. ❤️🙏 You are seriously one of the best, mate.

The media bemoan the lack of personalities in the game and as soon as someone like Aker comes along, they line up to rip him down. Absolute flogs.

One of the few AFL players who actually spoke his mind and wasn't robotic

Aker has more personality in his bootlace than Robert Murphy will have in a lifetime.

Jason Akermanis walks out of a meeting like a boss.

jason, if you ever read this comment, you are such a great and honest fella. a straight shooter, brave, with a big heart and much grey matter. i hope you get to return to the media proper and/or become an afl coach someday. love ya mate. from a kangas supporter.

22:15 to 23:50 talking about his mum is just great. Rolls through something very tough. Good on this fella.

Insightful, courageous and honest. I regard Jason very Highly.

Have tremendous respect for acker as a player and man says it as it is

What a great guy! Super athlete and wears his heart on his sleeve.

Great man, who isn't afraid to say it like it is.. We need more people like him! Also, one of the most exquisite users of the football in history.

Funny how a couple years after this interview it turned out he was right about the west coast players

....it has taken many years to hear you, and then, to again really appreciate you Jason... one of the truly greats...thank you ...you weren't bad either Mike....🙂

After kicking that late goal and seeing Matthews celebrating. Leigh was never a big show of emotion guy so there was definitely a connection there.

His two best moments as a Brisbane player are both individual. Brownlow medal and his performance in a single game. Enough said

Aker is right about the fans - even now in 2023, if you go to an AFL game or even local game, you’ll hear “fans” say things to players that I would never even say to a dog. Toxic, nasty “fans” are still alive and kicking today.

Aker used to kick “goal of the year” nearly every week. A Champion.

Open mike was an excellent show. Documenting the history of our game. So many amazing interviews and crazy personas.

Love Aker, was a star at Brisbane in a team of them. His media work in Brisbane was also great fun when the Lions were at their best. The man obviously has a talent for the media, it is a pity that the things that made him such a success, outspoken contrarian opinions, have ultimately caused his downfall, it appears from the cheap seats in fan land that the AFL has blackballed him, a great pity. There are without doubt current media talking heads that could not hold his jock strap but still get a gig.

Even Leigh Matthews knew that once Jason Akermanis stepped onto a football field he was all about the team and football. The outside distractions really mean't nothing. I'd love to see Western Bulldogs game footage of him not trying or doing his role, because it doesn't exist. His mistake in the media was that he told the truth, and the AFL Mafia didn't like it.

Great respect for Aker. We need more people like him in our world. Keep speaking your mind and stop following the crowd who are too gutless to speak their minds

A lesson for anyone in any industry. Attitude is key. This guy was ridiculous in his prime

what an amazing story from a very courageous man.

One of the best players i have ever seen, but he is in denial on a lot of troubles that have plagued him, i still love him though

Jason was the only player who could back his mouth up on the field.

I was Akers caddy, at a Golf tournament at Sorrento, in the early 2000s, absolute honour, Aker, many blessings to you Brother. My regret was he landed a good flag shot, the crowd went wild, I should have told him to do a Hand Stand, then I would have run in to the crowd with a hat. Hahaha

Bomber supporter here lol he created a lot of pain on the field for his opposition and opposition supporters, though this interview and his ability to be humble, honest, admittance of learn from life’s mistakes as far as my 50 year life has shown are the hallmarks of at least a meaningful life what ever field or vocation you work or live in, well Akker well done mate role model in a very true sense in accordance with the proverb quote from a previous commenter take care never change .......as if you need to be told that

A media columnist during his playing career, Aker was ahead of his time.

Legend of the game. Brownlow medallist and was robbed of a Norm Smith in 2003. Awesome personality. We need more of him in the media.

Akermanis was an absolute champion

Jason is a good bloke and he is telling it honestly and honestly admitting stuff was his fault and holds no grudges so i reckon he is a good bloke Im a mad hawks supporter GO HAWKS

Whatta legend!

I heard DIPPA say once, within an AFL team there are not a lot of close friends

I hated Aka all his career, until 5 minutes ago.

This was a really great interview. I think Akermanis is a very intelligent person, far more than people understand. He also has a great attitude towards life, and he was a brilliant and very entertaining footballer. If anyone has seen the Kenneth Branagh version of Hamlet, he also looked a bit like that here which made me laugh.

Great interview. It’s clear that Aker sometimes engaged his brain before his mouth. At least he’s big enough to face up to his mistakes. That he’s denied of media opportunities in retirement seems ridiculous, considering the transgressions of some other former players and where they sit post career. And to think Aker was running around at Brisbane for $350-380k. I know it was years ago but that was way unders for a player of his ability - especially considering Brisbane had an extra $600,000 p/a in their cap back then. The bloke sacrificed plenty for team success.

AKA you're a legend. Turns out you were right about west coast hey? Anyone apologized to you? I bet they haven't!

Always a fan here, even if you didn’t like him you have to say he is more likeable than a lot of the guys around now

Shame all his off field stuff tainted his legacy. Saw Aker play live a few times and his ability to read a game wad better than anyone I have ever seen. Was always two plays ahead. One of the bes small fowrards/midfielders of the modern era.

He got robbed of a norm smith against the pies. Should have had that medal in his cabinet too. Was such a gun. And loved him in the media too

Say as you wish but a lot of what he’s said this interview - especially with drugs and the Eagles he was proven right

Marvellous player absolute brilliant athlete

Straightn shooter Acker and one of the AFL greatest players ever. You did it your way, and walked the talk. And people that say it as it is are never liked in the false world we all live in. Thanks Acker for the memories and your attitude to life . Take care mate.

One of the best ever. Love hearing Aker's take.

I followed footy namely the dees since 55. Jason is one of the best players i ever seen. And he tells it as it is. Can relate to that.

Heaven knows what happened at The Lions . 🦁 Was a sensational 👏 player.

Aker was never a favourite of mine but no can compete with his skills determined to win every game even on his off days he was so dangerous player

AKA , back in Brisbane as retired Queenslander player, is now a great promoter of the game!!

Honest man , great player Jason from a Saints man.

What a champ he was ong with a handful of others Hird Wanganeen Carey Dusty Martin Gary Jnr don't think I've overlooked any modern day player maybe his coach Mathews n there u have the very best ever! Aka u were simply among the greatest bolayers in a vhandful of the best ever 6!

In his prime he was the best player in AFL. If only he’d played for Collingwood!

I used to love watching the "serial pest" play on Aker. Good times.

Surprising Demetriou didn't reply. I would love to hear someone blow the lid of him. Corrupt gets allegedly thrown around.

The "progressive" flogs in the media hated Aker. They want his personality without letting him have an opinion. Just like Mr 'Everyone Please Like Me "Bob" Murphy'. Stuff them. Honest bloke, tough as nails, best two foot I've seen, good on him.

Top interview, top player and Aker has such a colourful personality. I don't agree with a lot of what he says but man oh man, such a great enigma for sports. So many players behave like robots programmed to always be painfully PC, but you could never tame this Lion ;)

He was one of the Great Characters of the game and unique. Not to mention superb player. Hard to think the AFL, wouldn't let him work in the industry after he retired. Bulldogs were a bunch of shiters to treat him like that, that group of players never got anywhere. And in the end Karma got Bob Murphy, when he missed the GF...lol Karma is a bitch Bob.

Rate Aka along with Hird as good if not the best ever! Throw in Gary Ablett snr and Carey uve got the best handful of players ever maybe Wanganeen also! Dusty Martin Gary jnr n there u have them

As a Bulldogs supporter I loved having him at the club and I actually was sad when he left. What happened at Brisbane was sad too, one of the only ones left who tell it like it is and its sad in my view that hes not getting any gigs because the AFL black balled him. It has to be said as well, no die hard Dogs fan will want to hear this as they all believe what the club does is gospel, but what happened to Jake Stringer in 2017 kind of adds weight to those comments about how he was treated at the Bulldogs.

Always liked Aker. Real shame he's not in the media and we have to put up with polished robots like Tom harley or darcy who have nothing to say .

I picked you for the brownlow that year mate, pity you finished off at a club who disrespected you. I have hated them ever since.

Everything comes a distant second behind Jason and its finally caught up with him. Still hasn't seen the signs, will he ever?

100% WTF would be wrong with doing the hand stand? Employ more team mates to join in. God knows soccer players do more each goal.

I look back on the "stupid" things I have done and I can articulate why I did it. The fact that Jason can't means the interview is over.

Great interview, I always thought he was treated like shit by Bulldogs.

45:23 even in 2012 ppl still being coy about the drug problems in WCE as if it wasn't completely obvious 😂

cheers Aker

Cocaine wares off quickly, were the eagles were snorting in the rooms?

Aka, great player, great personality.....It's a shame that backstage politics mess things up.

Sorry, could not shut his mouth and could never get over it

hahahha, every Weagles player he mentioned were on the 'roids :D

he was a dead set stud, should be the lead on any footy show

Had to be jealousy from Robert Murphy towards Aker, as well as the fact that he didn't like some of the hard truths that Aker dished out to his club and his clique.

Has the Dictator successor allowed comments ?

Can admit his mistakes. Good bloke Aker. Much maligned.

Hes in my top 3 . Keep being your own bloke aker. When others have achieved what you have , then they can talk all they want. Cant see many having anything to say.

🐔👍🏼

I love aker absolute legend, i wish he punched mike sheehan

Akker l reckon u r a top bloke . 👏 A sensational player. I am glad you mentioned coaching 4U . Because listening 2U l thought gee this guy would make a gr8 coach . What about a skills coach 🤔 at VFL Level at the Bomber's. There should always be Personalities at Clubs . Leigh Matthews would be a prick of a bloke 2 get on the wrong side of. Jason is a very complex personality. But solid in his Delivery & Intelligence

Pest. Wish he'd played for North.

Society and footy teams used to accomodate characters like aker. Passion and creativity and talent abound in some, each team needs a spark. Clubs make a safe space for them. Leigh was reaching the end aker was stale but what then happened at footscray was dumb and wrong. Leading group my arse. Aker theyre forgotten youll be remembered.

I knew Jim Stynes and I agree with Akermanis... He was ruthless and intimidating...

Lot of respect for Akers, AFL bullying at it's worse......

Footy is a team sport. Jason was not a team player end of story. Two clubs can’t be wrong!

I.cant Stan you mate DH

Just watched this now disappointed Sheahan spent so much time on stuff off the field

Did Jason get paid for this?

He was different, people don’t like the ones that march to a different drum. People are threatened by that, I didn’t mind him at all on the field. I feel a bit sorry for him, he was just trying to be his own individual man.

Bob Murphy lol what a sook

The bulldog; players were a joke. It was look at me look at me,every goal they kicked the same players were on screen celebrating ,look at me.

So the lions hate him, the bulldogs hate him, the afl hate him, and he has no idea what he did wrong lol

Unbelievable. Mike crucifies Aker over some of his off field comments, basically glosses over one of the great careers. Lets criminal druggie Trent Crioad off “well, you had a few bumps along the road.” Aker worth 5 whinging Bob Murphys as a player.

Was right about alot of things thats why they didn't like him. demetriou hung out with Ricky Nixon and snorted just as much coke as any players, was probably nervous Aka might let the cat out of the bag.

why cant he just control himself like a human being you can still say things but in a diplomatic way jason has no idea how to talk thats why his always being misunderstood

This is why I hate the bulldogs. Shat on my favourite player ever

Why cant Acker do any more public speaking?

has a phycologist ever given a thought to his personality

He was right not to take the advice of Cooney, a bloke who was so loyal he left to go to the bomber's.

scraping the bottom of the barrel. met him up in queensland in 1994 when i was a 12 year old during summer at a local swimming pool. he was there with barry stoneham, justin madden, john rantall, greg williams, tony shaw, leigh matthews, mark ricciuto, jason akermanis, nick maxwell, david rhys-jones, neil balme, andrew mcleod, simon black, david schwarz, anthony koutoufides, mal michael, andrew demetriou, sam newman, matthew richardson, nathan buckley, rene kink, damian monkhorst, tony liberatore, keith greig, royce hart, bob murphy, stewart loewe, wayne schwass, kevin bartlett, alastair lynch, gavin wanganeen, corey mckernan, robert walls, peter sumich, denis pagan, jason dunstall, john kennedy jr, bob skilton, neil kerley, wayne johnston and phil carman. they were all acting like total flogs.

what a gentleman aker was. spoke very well. so different to mark JACKO jacksons interview LMAO

Fancy whinging about someone doing a bloody handstand it’s entertaining yet ole Bob Murphy can’t help himself