I agree with WJ that despite the horrific year the Brumbies had, he still tried his best until the end.
Having spoken to him at trainings and press conferences, you could see he was passionate about the game. The best example I can put forward, and I've mentioned it before, was when he announced early in the year that he would be going to France. He could have just sat back and not given a shit for the rest of the year but still collect his pay cheques.
When he knew he wasn't going to make the RWC squad, he asked if he could go to France early but was denied by the ARU and was told to stay in Aus and train in case of an injury in the squad. If Deans' knew full well that he wouldn't call him up under any circumstances, then why make him stay and just let him get on with his career in France?
It's not like he's told anyone where to go in a public forum so it's a big deal about nothing IMO.