Justin Sherman | Australian Rules Footballer
Born 26th January 1987 | In Tasmania, Australia | Height: 1.83m (6'0")
Image by Pedro Virgil © Gods of Football Pty Limited
Justin is an Australian Rules Footballer. He made his Australian Football League (AFL) debut with the Brisbane Lions on the 16th April, 2005, having previously played in the Tasmanian State League for the Clarence Football Club. In October 2010, Justin, at his own request, was traded to the Western Bulldogs. Explaining the move, he said:
"Having good years and mediocre years, I could no longer live that sort of rollercoaster lifestyle. I wanted to make sure going ahead that I could continue to be a great footy player, and to be that I need to be in the right culture and get continuity of one position."
With his confidence restored, Justin played his first game for the Bulldogs on the 27th March, 2011. However, on the 25th June, 2011, he was embroiled in allegations of racism following a match against the Gold Coast Suns. It emerged that Justin had subjected Joel Wilkinson, a player of Nigerian descent, to a torrent of verbal abuse. To his credit, Sherman admitted racially vilifying his opponent and took full responsibility for his actions. At a press conference on the 27th June, 2011, he read out the following statement:
"I'm extremely ashamed and embarrassed of my actions on the weekend. I recognise that what I said was offensive, degrading and very hurtful, and for that I sincerely apologise. I would like to publicly apologise first and foremost to the player involved, but also I'd like to apologise to all associated with the Gold Coast Suns, the Western Bulldogs, the wider football community and general public. I realise that there is no excuse for my behaviour and the fact is, I should have known better, especially given my close friendships with (teammates) Nathan Djerrkura, Liam Jones and Josh Hill. I am devastated, and want everyone to know that this is completely out of character and will never happen again."
Justin agreed to a four-week suspension and accepted a request to attend counselling. In addition, he made a donation of 5'000 Australian dollars to a charity nominated by the Gold Coast Suns.
Click on images to enlarge.
Set 1 - Justin Sherman by Pedro Virgil for 'Gods of Football' - 2009
Justin Sherman by Pedro Virgil for 'Gods of Football'
Image by Pedro Virgil © Gods of Football Pty Limited
Set 2 - Justin Sherman's Album
AFL • Western Bulldogs v W. Coast Eagles | Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Image by Mark Dadswell © Getty Images | 30th July 2011
AFL • Port Adelaide v Brisbane Lions | AAMI Stadium, Adelaide, Sth Australia, Australia | Image by Morné de Klerk © Getty Images | 10th April 2010
AFL • Western Bulldogs v Gold Coast | Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Image by Mark Dadswell © Getty Images | 9th April 2011
Brisbane Lions • Training Session | Giffin Park, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | Image by Bradley Kanaris © Getty Images | 23rd January 2009
Brisbane Lions • Training Session | Giffin Park, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | Image by Bradley Kanaris © Getty Images | 6th February 2009
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Photographer Pedro Virgil - Website
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