Irish
All Luke Power's own work
WHEN I first named Luke Power in the top 50 at the end of the 2000 season, a high-profile player from an opposition club said he was there because of family ties.
When he was there again in this year's pre-season 50, another high-profile player said the family link obviously had earned him a lifetime pass to the 50.
It's not easy critiquing players you have watched grow up when the long-standing family friendship is known in the industry.
You can be seen to favour them, or you mark them hard to avoid the inevitable claims of nepotism.
It's much the same with Collingwood's Luke Ball.
When I wrote an article this year saying Ball hadn't walked out on St Kilda for money, coach Ross Lyon told players I was a friend of the family and, by extension, had taken Ball's side in an emotive issue that confused many St Kilda supporters.
Back to Power. Yes, I am a family friend who loves to see him do well, and a genuine admirer of his talent, consistency and durability.
Two of his premiership teammates, Alastair Lynch and Martin Pike, used to refer to me as "Uncle Mike" whenever I appeared at the Gabba or a Brisbane Lions function.
Yet, Power appears in the top 50 on merit. Always has done.
At the weekend, Power was widely seen as the Lions' best-afield in his 250th game in the stirring win over Collingwood at the Gabba.
Power, 30, had been struggling, but, as he has done so often in his 13 seasons with the Lions, he rose to challenge in a big game.
While he has been overshadowed by Michael Voss, Simon Black and Jonathan Brown for much of his career, he is a Brisbane champion.
He has finished top five in the club championship in each of the past seven years, starting with an equal-second in the flag year of 2003, when he and Black finished one vote behind Voss.
That is extraordinary consistency.
He started his career as a small forward, kicking 52 goals in 2000, then became a Grand-Final star playing in defence. Finally, he was given his wish with a midfield role and became even better.
He has played in three premiership teams from four grand finals among 19 finals.
It's the record of a great player. Much better than I expected after watching him and his dinky kicks at junior level, even if he did find a heap of the ball.
It's tough for the journo with a player who is like family.
The player won't dare give you anything more than a nod and "how are you?" for fear of being identified as a source ... and you know you can't criticise them for fear of parental retribution.
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