Eagles coach John Worsfold has a tough exterior - but there is a sentimental side. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow
Cartoon by David 'Macca' McArthur Source: Herald Sun
HE'S known as the hard man of the west, but West Coast coach and former Eagles enforcer John Worsfold has a little-known sentimental side.
Worsfold, who captained the Eagles to two flags, sends congratulatory letters to players who reach milestones at rival clubs.
In what is football's version of the Queen's birthday and anniversary telegrams, Worsfold takes the time to send personalised notes to players across the league.
The Herald Sun has learnt that the premiership coach, who developed a reputation as a fierce competitor during 209 games, has sent the letters for most of his 11-year coaching career.
Each week he checks an AFL email that details impending milestones before drafting any letters.
Worsfold declined to comment on the routine for fear of grandstanding, but at a time when negative stories are rife, it deserves recognition.
Western Bulldogs games record-holder Brad Johnson remembers the letters landing after his 200th and 300th games.
"It's one of those things you don't expect, but you look back and think, 'What a wonderful gesture from an opposition coach'," Johnson said.
"You speak to other players and it's something that he does right across the whole competition. I just think he appreciates, having done it himself, that guys really do put in the hard work."
North Melbourne legend Glenn Archer opened a few over the course of his 311-game career.
"It used to surprise me because we used to try and punch the s--- out of each other," Archer said.
"He's the only bloke who got me good and proper."
Archer's teammate, Adam Simpson, said the letter meant he had "instant respect" for the West Coast coach.
"Not knowing him at all, it probably speaks volumes for the sort of person he is and it's one of the reasons he's had such a long career as a player and coach," Simpson said.
"I suppose it makes you feel special for a day."
Anthony Koutoufides played 278 games for Carlton between 1992 and 2007 and was at Princes Park when Worsfold was an assistant with the Blues.
"You don't expect it, but looking back on it you understand because of the sort of person he is and has always been - just a really good, nice guy," Koutoufides said.
"It's always an honour when someone with his standing in the game goes out of his way to do that."
Mark McVeigh played his 200th game for Essendon in 2010 when Worsfold's letter lobbed.
"I was extremely surprised, but it just gave me a very good feeling," McVeigh said.
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