24 hrs on and still feel sick about it. What a disgrace by all involved (including club etc etc) that it has come to this. However here are the reasons why I believe losing these guys can be a positive: Watson hasn't been at his best for several years and he is in the last 2 years of his career irrespective, so better that we find his replacement now rather than later. Chance for Hams to justify his contract extension and perhaps a chance for Gleeson to finally move into the middle with impact.Stanton turns 30 this year and, according to some, is also in his last years. This will be a great chance for Stantonbashers to prove exactly how much we don’t need this stat chaser in the team.
Hibberd was dismal for much of last year as it appeared the shine had rubbed off this magic lamp. A classic warrior, and should be seen again, but we have an abundance of HB flankers that need to see more game time anyway in Gleeson, Ashby et al.
Hocking has been unavailable for much of the past two years and looked a touch behind the pace of modern AFL. Also the traditional ‘tagger’ role has diminished in the past two seasons. As such there is considerable debate as to whether he was a best 22 player anyway.
Pears was lucky to survive the list culling last season and has probably missed the boat with Francis now slated to play the 3rd tall/medium defender role long term.
TBell is being bemoaned as a huge loss, but perhaps some need to look at the hype surrounding this bloke last preseason. TBC produced some truly awful footy in 2015 and some questioned why he was re-signed rather than shipped off. Luey and Smack should more than cover the loss of this well dressed goof.
Myers is all class but has spent more time off the park that on it for his career. The team is so used to playing without him, I hardly think we will notice that he is not there. Laverde is primed to take the ‘big bodied midfielder’ role anyway so all good.
Howlett has been a warrior for our club but the guy was depth at best this season. Many have suggested that we won’t be pushing deep into finals with guys like Howlett considered best 22. A handy bonus is that Kommer comes back this season to play the nagging defensive half forward role.
Colyer set the world on fire at the start of last season with some run and dash but it was the first time he showed that kind of form for his career. Before that brief glimpse there were more doubters than believers for Travis and maybe for good reason. Disposal is suspect and is prone to turnovers and poor decision making. Without his leg speed it should also make it clear to the coaches exactly what kind of player we need to recruit next season.
Hurley is a gun, champion and the man we have come to trust playing in defence however has always struggled with injuries. It won’t be that hard to pretend his absence is due to surgery rather than corruption and the 12 months might be a good chance for him to clear up all those shoulder niggles for good. This year off might extend his career by 2-3 down the track.
Hooker became a superstar last year after several very good seasons but let us not forget that he was going to be moved forward this season and might have bombed badly anyway (see Hurley/Carlisle experiment) so at least he is saved from that humiliation. This is a great chance for Ambrose and Langford to show why we don’t need an AA defender to come and help up front next season.
Heppell is an out and out champion BUT has played a lot of games already in his young career by virtue of his grace. Was reportedly carrying a little bit of OP and potentially some other niggles and the end of last year and start of preseason. This season could be the refresher that his body needs rather than being forced to ‘manage’ him again this season. Also gives guys like Edwards, Zerrett, Jerrett, Parish and Zaka a chance to show why they can make/take the next step.
Finally the best part is that we will get the number 1 pick to help recover from this mess. That should see us able to pick up another midfield gun to replace our aging stars.
Out of the 12 who will realistically come back and not ask to be traded/sign contract extension (Hooker) ?
I mean Hooker could be lured to go play for Freo on big money… gets to go home etc (that would mean we would most likely get band 1 compo wouldn’t it?)
That is the great unknown really but I see at least 4 that are highly unlikely to be playing in the red and black again - Watson, Hocking, Pears, Howlett.
I think Hurley, Hibberd and Myers will stay, Stanton probably gets another year if he wants to (not sure any other clubs would want him for one season).
Hooker and Heppell could do anything and that scares me.
I think guys like TBC and Coyler will look for opportunities elsewhere and are (reportedly) not likely to return.
Will be very interesting to see how it pans out, but that is why I wouldn’t be using too many top up/older players and instead we should focus on our best 22 moving forward without these 12 because there is a high likely, imho, that we only get 3-4 of them back at most next year.
where was this reported?