So Mendoza got me thinking back to this point in history. 2003 and I remember Blitz going spaz about Solly leaving the club for what seemed like purely a money motivated move. I, of course, contributed to the photoshops going around of Dean and some cash. I can't find the article but I do remember him being quoted the following year that he was upset because he'd seen those meme's going around (before we had the word 'meme' to describe them).
I had forgotten though that he had actually quit the club, then rejoined, for mateship and less money. 2004 ended up being his best year. Hmm...
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/10/15/1065917479443.html?from=storyrhs
Solomon to stay a Bomber for mate
By Peter KerOctober 16, 2003Mateship prompted Dean Solomon, right, to stay a Don.Photo: GETTY IMAGESA lasting bond with cancer-stricken teammate Adam Ramanauskas was a major factor in convincing Dean Solomon to remain at Windy Hill for next season and beyond, according to Essendon chief executive Peter Jackson.Despite "officially" quitting the Bombers last Thursday in what Solomon described as "the hardest decision of my life", the 23-year-old told his manager Michael Quinlan on Tuesday night that he had changed his mind and wanted to remain at Essendon despite a lucrative offer from Richmond.Jackson said Solomon's decision to take mateship over money marked a good day for football."He has made some very good friends here, there's a very close bond obviously with 'Rama', so I guess he would want to see that through," he said."I wouldn't underestimate the importance of 'Rama' in this whole thing. 'Rama' has three or four very close friends here and Dean is one of them."I think 'Rama' would be absolutely delighted with this announcement today."Quinlan confirmed last night that Ramanauskas's presence at Essendon had weighed on Solomon's mind.Solomon's new three-year deal with the Bombers is a year shorter and worth about $100,000 a year less than the deal offered by Richmond.Jackson said the Bombers had not improved their offer to Solomon since late last week."It's a big gap between what he was offered (at Richmond)," he said. "A young player has made his own decision to turn his back on a very lucrative offer and stay at the club and play with his mates. I think that's a good day for football.Ruckman David Hille also agreed to a new two-year deal yesterday, while midfielder Mark McVeigh has signed for one year.With those players and youngster Andrew Welsh all re-signed, and Mark Bolton linked with Hawthorn in a complex trade deal, the Bombers will now try to complete a deal for defender Danny Jacobs.Jacobs has been courted by rival clubs, but Jackson said the signing of Solomon should not have an impact on the club's financial ability to secure a new deal for Jacobs.
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/02/08/1076175032699.html?from=storyrhs
Solomon's gut feeling the spur to stay a Don
By Stephen RiellyFebruary 9, 2004Dean Solomon has spoken for the first time of his days in London last October during which he made the decision to leave Essendon for Richmond, only to return at the 11th hour.Solomon has remained coy on his flirtation with the Tigers, who very nearly wooed him with a four-year deal worth almost $400,000 a season.But, in an interview to be serialised on Essendon's website, essendonfc.com.au, from today, the 2000 premiership flanker reveals that he feared he would not be able to return to Windy Hill, thinking that he had disappointed the club, particularly coach Kevin Sheedy, with his initial decision.Solomon also says it was a persistent nausea and a sense of physical illness that convinced him his choice to leave was not the right one.On the evening of October 15, almost a week after announcing his departure, Solomon spoke with Sheedy and confirmed he was intent on leaving."I hung up the phone and went down to a (London) restaurant and sat there for about two hours just feeling sick in the stomach," Solomon says. "About three or four hours later, I still wasn't feeling much better and I thought, 'This can't be right if I am feeling like this.' I thought about ringing Sheeds back but it was about 3am back in Australia."There was about an 11-hour window where I had let go and, as the saying goes, you don't know what you've got until it is gone."Essendon and Richmond both sensed Solomon was vulnerable. Essendon players, particularly close friend Adam Ramanauskas, called repeatedly, while Richmond football director Greg Miller went to the trouble of flying to London to speak with him.Ultimately, though, Solomon says he listened to his body and made an intuitive decision."The way I felt, I just knew it was the wrong call . . . I rang Sheeds early the next morning and said, 'If it is not too late, I would like to stay', and he was really pleased."I sat back and felt better instantly . . . that confirmed to me that it was the right thing to do."
Years later when we traded him, we were compensated with picks that netted us Houli and Reimers. Thanks, Solly.