Dean Wallis was brave and courageous in telling his life story to the Herald-Sun recently, according to Bomberland users who voted in the latest weekly poll. Users were asked to vote on whether they believed the photo of Dean and his wife Mandy on the back page of the newspaper was appropriate. Of the 1500 votes collated 62% said the photo was appropriate while 38% said otherwise. But the comments made by those who voted overwhelmingly endorsed Wally's decision to tell his story to the Herald-Sun. Not one comment was received that was critical of Dean's decision. Some of the comments collected are attached.

Paul Drohan from Ballarat says: ""A fantastic article done by Dean and his family. Great to see that he has the guts to speak about his life issues in public. A great example to the youngsters of our generation. Well done Wally, the picture was brilliant.""

Gino Liparota from Glenroy says: ""It was a beautiful gesture to the dedication and love his wife has shown him. It is ironic that the article was trying to show a different side of Wally yet it was the typical perception of him that has caused the conntroversy.""

Ben Freeman from Camberwell says: ""Well Done Wally. It took guts to do this and to live your life and make the decisions that you have made. Also my thanks to the EFC for supporting our heros and making this club the type of organisation that we are proud to be associated with. Successful on the field and off the field in the minds of all those associated...CONGRATULATIONS and THANKS.""

Nigel Leitch from Horsham, Victoria says: ""The photograph of Dean Wallis was very appropriate, it was also a very brave thing to do. Deans story was inspirational to all who read it, in the future his real value to the club will be known. Dean wallis has been crucified for his actions in the past, but in the years to come his dedication to the Essendon Football Club will be recognised. Best of luck for 2001 and onwards Dean.""

PJ from Victoria says: ""Good on you Dean. We need you back in the side to add the edge that you can only do, hope see out in the seniors soon.""

Di from Somerville says: ""The photo took me by surprise at first but I believe it was highly appropriate to the story. The whole story was brilliant reading and the photo ... well it was very touching. Well done Wally!""

Brett Crabtree from Adelaide says: ""The photo was fine, but the article was fantastic and hopefully will make many of the knockers over the years go back into hibernation (Mike Sheahan/Gerard Healy etc). People like Dean Wallis & Mark Harvey have helped make the club what it is today.""

Rob from Mount Waverley says: ""Wally looked fine and his wife looks a bit of allright too.""

Mark Kane from Epping says: ""Although I thought the photo was inappropriate it was a great story into the other side of Dean - More strength to you Wally.""

We did have a couple of voters who felt the picture was inappropriate.

""I think it is completly inappropriate because I dont think he should be shown to the public like that,"" one voter said.

K. Mullins from Geelong says: ""I did not think the back page of the Herald-Sun was the place for such a picture. However I thought the article was excellent and brave.""