Former Morton player John Maisano appeared on Sky 1's Gladiators tv programme with his wife Leanne last Sunday - and going by his comments on the show he thought the experience was 'awesome' and the 'biggest rush ever' (surely not a bigger rush than winning a title as a Morton player though).John (pictured, left) - who played an integral part in our 3rd division championship winning season in 2002/03 - competed in a series of gruelling events (powerball, hang tough, the wall and gauntlet) in which he performed very well. Unfortunately, he came up against a tough opponent and went into the final event, the eliminator, trailing by six points. This meant his opponent had a three second head start. John put in an admirable effort but it wasn't enough as he finished second.
The Aussie midfielder wasn't a very combative player (that was more his brother Marco's forté) but after watching the show I thought it was really evident that he had the competitive edge and mental strength needed to make it as a sportsman. I could see why he had attended the Australian Institute of Sport, why he'd played in two World Cups at youth level (under-17s and under-20s) and why he was with Serie A side Atalanta as a boy. John certainly had the talent but something was missing - I'm not sure if he was lazy, unfit or his heart wasn't in it but you just don't go from Italy's Serie A to being released by Stranraer for nothing. I really liked John and whenever I think on his time at Morton - particularly matches like the League cup tie against Dundee United at Tannadice in which he was outstanding - it always frustrates me thinking of what might've been.
You can still watch the episode if you have Sky +. On your remote press 'tv guide' then the red button for 'Anytime TV'. The show is available to watch until Monday the 19th of January.
Greenock Telegraph - Knockout (13.01.2009)
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