Geelongs Ageing List

[bunyip]

The Cats ARE the oldest team in the league. However we are in a different situation to say Richmond or Essendon. They had a clean out of older players that were not good enough to get them to a GF.
I would be surprised and very disappointed if we started sacking players just because they are getting old. When their contract runs out they will have to consider their position then.
Some of Geelongs older players still have a year or so to go on their contract, so they will play if fit, end of story.
I think the process of injecting youth into the side will take 2 or 3 years. I think thats an advantage.
From what I've read lately, there are NO absolute certainties to retire. If any player does retire, it will be his decision, I doubt if the club will push anyone out.

[Justin Bieber]

You've already got youth on the fringes of the first team. Can bleed them into the system slowly.

Ageing list but most of them can still play. Don't want to rush them out like Essendon :'(.

[DazBurg]

You've already got youth on the fringes of the first team. Can bleed them into the system slowly.

Ageing list but most of them can still play. Don't want to rush them out like Essendon :'(.

this is true
and your aging players majority of them are still guns so no problem there

[bunyip]

I gather you both think Essendon was a bit heavy handed with their list this season

[Justin Bieber]

Too much experience was shown the door. Didn't leave many experienced heads to lead the Dons this season.

Don't want the Cats to go down that same path. The supporters didn't like the way the Veterans were treated. Would hate any club to go through that.

[bunyip]

A lot of veterans where shown the door at Richmond because they weren't good enough to get them into a GF.
The cats players have been, so you would think the club would leave it up to them when they retire. If this team starts losing games next season, most of them I'm sure would see the writing on the wall and chuck it in so some new players get a chance.
I think one of the hardest things in footy is knowing when to hang up the boots.

[bunyip]

Geelong do not seem very interested in any established players on offer at trade week so far. It seems what they will do is trade away any players who want to try their luck elsewhere because of a lack of opportunity at Geelong and draft young players to keep turning them over until positions become available. We will lose a few good recruits this way (already have) but I don't see what other option  they have.

[Cruiseon]

Bunyip there are some serious question marks on the older players which need some hard descions.

1) Ling should not be captain. With another year of his legs slowing down he really needs to reinvent himself (again) otherwise I think the game has passed him by. Perhaps he could be another forward option, that is where he started, otherwise  ..... au revoir.

2) Ottens - has played 26 games in 3 years, his body is failing, unfortunately his ability is following.

3) Milburn - nothing wrong with his playing but how long can he go. I mean he is 46 years old now.

4) Mooney -19 goals this year, 32 and his influence has dropped off so significantly.

5) Chapman - would never write him off but he seems very top heavy (and hence slow) and one fears one decent hammy and its all over.

Thoughts? 

[bunyip]

My thoughts cruis is you don't sack players that helped you get a premiership just because they are older or slowing down a bit.
Some of those players you mentioned will have to renew their contract after next season, i wouldn't be surprised if a few of them don't bother.
None of them will want to finish their careers in the VFL, which is what will happen if they try to hang on, or suffer the humiliation of not having their contract renewed.
These guys know the score, and I expect they will play out their contracts if they can, or, retire if they are dropped from the team.
I want Geelong to do the right thing and leave it up to them.
There is a difference between sacking a player whilst he is still contracted, and not renewing because they have reached their use by.
At least give them the chance to retire gracefully.

[ossie85]

It is a good point bunyip. I'm now fiercely protected of my premiership 22.

But the Lions and Bombers have suffered in recent times for not making the tough decisions. Think it simply has to be done. Hell, Melbourne sacked one of there greatest contributors they've had in recent times for the future. The Pies dropped half a dozen of its most experienced players.

Unfair, probably. But it is a team sport

[Cruiseon]

I agree Ossie.

Bunyip some of those players could genuinely end up in the VFL which would be a travesty. Ottens will just fade away injured as he almost has already.

I think the other thing to remember is that you'll have a new coach. Any new coach worth his salt will want to review the list harshly as you only get one shot at rejenerating it. Leaving it an extra 12 months will be too late.

[bunyip]

I disagree. It can be a natural progression over several years. Old players retire, new ones take their place. I bet in 2 or 3 years both Geelongs and St.kilda's list will be very different. For eg. How many of Hawthorns premiership team played in round 22 this year? That was only 2 years ago.

[Cruiseon]

14 of the 2008 Premiership team played in round 22  & considering there were a few (inevitable injuries) and that they were a young side I would say that is not a huge list turnover.

Geelong is different, your list is the oldest in the league!

[Cruiseon]

Then again maybe I'm wrong, possibly I underestimated Geelong's recent dominance. Does Will Brodie from the Age know something I don't?

"Balme was non-committal about the time frame for announcing a new coach, but said veteran Darren Milburn, 33, was likely to play on in 2011.

The former Melbourne coach and Richmond premiership player was upbeat about the challenges facing its club after it failed to make the grand final for the first time since 1996, saying Ablett's departure would provide opportunities for promising young players."

[bunyip]

well..........at least one promising young player.
Lets face it cruis, its a strategy thing, and things are taken into account that we are not privy to. Whatever the club decides to do with regards to encouraging our younger players, I'm sure they'll do the right thing, and I'm equally sure there will be some pain.
I just hate it when champion players leave the club with an axe to grind. It seems to happen to us a fair bit.