Nat von Bertouch: Judging risk vs reward can make or break a career

Ollie Wines’ waterskiing injury is a classic example of an athlete miscalculating risk and reward. And while the risk of injury is one aspect, small innocuous decisions can also have far-reaching consequences, writes former Diamonds captain Nat von Bertouch.

• Wines’ brother hits out at hypocritical Cornes
• Wines to miss start of season, free to waterski

Footy is back!

The Crows AFLW will be pulling on their boots Saturday for one of the most important weeks of the season. While the result may not make or break a season for the team, for players team selection, or non-selection in the opening round, can shape a season.

Seasons can be defined in this moment, defined by who makes the cut!

Many players will make the most of their opportunity handed to them this weekend.

They have a chance to stamp their authority and show coaching staff and selectors alike that they are an essential clog.

While individual form may ebb and flow through a season, as an elite athlete this is the position you want — you want to be in the team round one and be gifted the upper hand.

The blood sweat and tears shed during preseason mean stakes are high.

Every athlete has been looking to impress the coaches for the all-important round one selection meeting. No matter what sport, all athletes know, you want that starting spot.

Ollie Wines sweats it out on the track during the preseason before his shoulder injury. Picture SARAH REED

If you don’t get the nod, it’s likely an uphill battle may be on your hands for the rest of the season. By no means am I saying a player’s season is over if not selected, or that a season of bench-warming is to be expected, but it is but it is just a whole lot harder to break in the team when starting from the outer.

Opportunities may come because of injury or form slumps, but the reality is to earn a starting spot you actually have to be playing a whole lot better than the player ahead of you, not just be equal to that player.

That is a tough feat, especially when trying to prove yourself playing in a grade below.

Ollie Wines will hand over his starting spot in round one of the AFL season due to his highly publicised waterskiing injury. He has opened up a spot, given someone an opportunity to show the coach and selectors what they’ve got.

Let’s be honest, this player won’t be able to hold down that spot, Ollie Wines will walk back into the team because of his status.

But for many other athletes’ poor judgment like this could cost a season, even a career. Some fringe players may not recover from opening the door to someone else. That’s a big risk to take.

While I do not think he should have been waterskiing, it has been refreshing to see the Power publicly get behind Ollie — to have his back, it’s a good look. The Power’s support of their players fielding a cricket side is also fantastic.

They are showing a real whole person approach. But we cannot forget these players are paid to play footy, sponsors invest millions, it’s big business.

To not front your best side due to a very irresponsible decision is not OK, success is on the line.

Activities like cricket have only a small risk is associated, and I’m sure permission was sought, but activities like waterskiing is pushing too far. As a player you know these activities contractually are a no go.

I know the Thunderbirds have always had a risky behaviour policy.

What I would have done to go snow skiing during my netball career — I love it — but unfortunately it was just one of those sacrifices that come with being involved in elite sport. As an athlete you know what you should and shouldn’t do, what’s an acceptable risk.

Daredevils of a different nature were the Thunderbirds Bali four. In 2010 four players jetted to Bali for the week during for the bye round without mentioning it to then coach Jane Woodlands Thompson. To say they got crucified for their trip is an understatement.

The risk of fatigue, illness — or perhaps worse — getting grounded in Bali, was deemed an unacceptable risk. This trip was followed by the worst-ever loss to the Sydney Swifts — it didn’t go down well.

Risk vs reward is something all athletes must grapple with regularly.

These are examples of risk being too great. Risk of injury is one aspect, but for many it could also jeopardise your risk of ‘making it’.

Perhaps talents like Ollie need to worry less about this, but for some athletes what seem like small innocuous decisions can make or break a career.