A big thank you......and this recent event, does this mean I've actually found my place in the "footysphere"? Also, I'm so glad I learned about this Australian hero!

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/C-ZYniYCE_s

Good day everyone,

We're on the eve of the remnants of Round 0, and I hope that everyone along eastern coastline holds up well against Alfred. (Where is Batman when you really need him?)  Two contests have been scrapped, but we might just get a taste of footy in Sydney.

As many of you listeners know, the last few months have been rather trying for our family.  From my wife's cancer diagnosis (and ongoing treatment), which she is handling like a champ, to issues that occurred at both of our kid's homes (nothing that they did, but due to the actions of reckless individuals) to losing a beloved pet last month.  I'd fallen into quite a funk as a result of many of these things, but the last 8 weeks have allowed me to turn the corner....and I have my guests for my preview episodes to thank for that.  The 21 people that I had the great fortune to speak with at the outset of what is going to be a terrific footy season were, each in their own way, catalysts to help me refocus my efforts on the podcast.  I expressed my thanks to each of them in the youtube video at the top of this post.

Also, yesterday a PR firm announced their top 100 sports podcasts in Australia, and this podcast showed up on the list at #17.  

https://www.millionpodcasts.com/australian-sports-podcasts/

#17 - I was stunned to say the least.  Thrilled, but stunned.  I'm not sure if this is an indication that "I've arrived" after over 425 episodes of the podcast, but I am so thankful to each and every person who has given my podcast a chance.  Will this lead to increased listenership?  Who knows.  I'll continue to create the best content that I can, while hopefully entertaining and informing people, and continuing to grow my audience slowly, but surely.  

I recently published a 2025 survey for the podcast, and I'd love to hear your thoughts about the show. 

https://www.ayankonthefooty.com/survey

Before I go, I wanted to take a moment and pay tribute to an Australian hero whose story I crossed paths with today.  James Harrison, 88, of North Sydney passed away on February 17th.  So why am I saying that an octogenarian from Sydney is a hero?  Mr. Harrison was "the man with the golden arm".  

Mr. Harrison, had a unique blood contained, according to CNN, a "Rare and precious antibody" known as Anti-D.  For 63 years, this antibody helped to save thousands of Australian babies whose blood was rhesus positive, but their mother was rhesus-negative.  "The mother's blood would possibly produce antibodies to destroy the baby 'foreign' blood cells".  Every two weeks over those 63 years, 1173 times in total, he donated plasma.  Plasma that was turned into a medication that helped to save the lives of these babies.  Here in the United States, we're able to donate a pint of blood (approx 475 ml) every 56 days.  I'm a strong advocate for donating blood.  If you are eligible to donate, I strongly encourage you to do so.

Mr. Harrison, as recognized by your Medal of the Order of Australia, was a national hero.  Vale James Harrison.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/03/health/james-harrison-blood-donor-death-scli-intl/index.html