More on Aker

[liz]

Another article about Aker and the Swans

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,6632182%255E20322,00.html

Reading this has helped me put my finger on exactly why I feel uneasy about the value of Akermanis to the Swans, quite apart from the financial impact (given reports that a few senior Swans took pay cuts this year).

When other high-priced recruits such as Lockett and Hall (and Williams too, I reckon) came here, they still felt they had something to prove to themselves and the football world. Maybe I'm wrong, but I get the impression that Akermanis already thinks he's done it all - two premiership medallions, Brownlow et al.

He talks about whether the challenges at Sydney would be greater than at Brisbane, implying this might spur him on. But I would have thought that the challenges have to come from within, not from a changed environment. Clearly some players need a change to enable them to achieve what they feel they need to, but if a player reckons that he will find a new spark just by moving there's a good chance they will disappoint.

Thoughts?

[Charlie]

You've probably hit the nail on the head. I'm VERY against getting him, despite the fact that he's obviously a player with brilliant talents.

I just have this fear of getting him, then having him announce halfway between 2004 that he'd lost his drive and was retiring to do something different.

[Jon]

I think you make a good point Lizz. You certainly don't want players that are unmotivated. But we should remember that Tony Lockett and Schwatta are also two examples of players who arrived here for a fresh start to their footy when things had begun to jade for them in Melbourne. Sydney has a habit of turning these sorts of players around.

Another consideration is that with Cressa gone and Maxy winding down (brilliantly, I might add), and Willobumping 30, a 27 year old Brownlow Medallist with two Premiership medallions and who is a proven goal-kicker would prove of value in the midfield.

Also...I think we have to take anything Aker has to say with a pinch of salt. The guy manages himself. Therefore he's the one responsible for drumming up interest at the business end of his contracts.

[Charlie]

I'd rather the Swans move heaven and earth in an attempt to grab Lennie Hayes... the only playes I wouldn't give up for him are Hall, Goodes, O'Loughlin, Williams and Maxfield. He's going to be one of those players in contention for a $450,000 contract at St Kilda... but not guaranteed with the likes of Riewoldt, Kossie, Hamill etc also likely to command that sort of figure in the next couple of years.

I'd rather have a future Brownlow medallist than a former one.

GO FOR LENNIE!

[liz]

Originally posted by Jon
But we should remember that Tony Lockett and Schwatta are also two examples of players who arrived here for a fresh start to their footy when things had begun to jade for them in Melbourne. Sydney has a habit of turning these sorts of players around.

But I don't think Lockett came here to "save" Sydney - I believe he thought he had something to prove to himself. And it wasn't entirely Schwass' decision to move. The Roos badly wanted Grant and Schwass was the price Sydney demanded. Of course, Schwass could have refused to come to Sydney, but I reckon the fact that Pagan considered him expendable acted as something of a spur to him when he did get here.

[Jon]

Originally posted by lizz
But I don't think Lockett came here to "save" Sydney - I believe he thought he had something to prove to himself. And it wasn't entirely Schwass' decision to move. The Roos badly wanted Grant and Schwass was the price Sydney demanded. Of course, Schwass could have refused to come to Sydney, but I reckon the fact that Pagan considered him expendable acted as something of a spur to him when he did get here.

All I'm saying is that we have a bit of a track record with players needing a change of scenery. Even Tony used the rehabilitation angle when he met with Hall. Seems to have worked a treat.

You're right about Schwatta. I'm pretty sure he was considering retirement after Pagan gave him his marching orders, but when Sydney pursued him that went out the window.

As for Tony, I don't think there was any talk of his "saving Sydney" - that might have been hype from outsiders. It was more the lure of spending time with Barassi that sparked his interest.

One part of that article I DIDN'T mind was where Aker talked about how the opportunity to be a part of "history" in taking a flag for Syd was a "draw in itself". And also how being part of the growth of footy in QLD was great, and he'd enjoy being a part of that in Syd.

Those two quotes temper the "I'm bored with winning" factor a bit.

[gloveski]

spot on the money Charlie give me Lenny Hayes anyday

Is he out of contract cause this guy is all class how in the hell did we not draft him was he taken before one of our picks?

[Jon]

Originally posted by Charlie
I'd rather the Swans move heaven and earth in an attempt to grab Lennie Hayes...
I'd rather have a future Brownlow medallist than a former one.

GO FOR LENNIE!

Couldn't agree more. I'm hoping Lenny WILL want to come home one day. But I reckon there'd have to be a Carey-like scandal to get Lenny out of that club now.

[TheHood]

This one's a ripper of a debate!

Just one year ago, Aker was flying! He was near untaggable for the best part of 18 months and had the footy world at his feet.

Fast forward 18 months and he has put in some shockers on the field and talked some serious rubbish off it.

Not sure how he would settle into the Swans environment. When it comes down to it, the Swans are a humble lot in terms of AFL clubs. We don't really harbour any showmen so to speak. I think he would do well at a hollywood club like St Kilda.

I did not know he was managing himself either but this goes a long way to explaining things. The man has never negotiated a transfer in his life so explains why he is ballsing this one up. Hint: Aker, go hire Ricky Nixon.

[Cheer Cheer]

Originally posted by Jon
Also...I think we have to take anything Aker has to say with a pinch of salt. The guy manages himself. Therefore he's the one responsible for drumming up interest at the business end of his contracts.

Hear Hear says Cheer Cheer!

[Rod_]

Nah !!

Where would you put him?

Best is behind him......

Rod_

[Reggi]

Blah blah blah why would Akermanis play for Sydney when he can play for Collingwood!

Blah blah blah Akermanis can play in the first Premiership since 1990. Blah blah Collingwood has the best young players in Australia blah blah. Will be premiership contenders blah blah.

Blah blah blah why would he go to Sydney when he can play for C-O-L-L-I-N-G-W-O-O-D. Blah blah blah Mcgough-Buckley-Woewoden-Licuria in the middle Collingwood would be unbeatable.

Blah blah blah Eddie will talk to him. I can't wait.

[Snowy]

Hayes re-signed for another three years. Word is he is very happy in Melbourne and at Saintsland. He also would like the captaincy on a permanent basis. I don't even think he is as talented as Nicky Davis but has a great work ethic. We mainly got Davis because he was an extreme homesickness case, and according to Melbourne people who know him, has an unusual personality. Can't think of any other ex-Sydney people who are good and would move. I read in The Age where Stevie Wright who coached both Davis and Hayes at junior level said Nick was much more skilled and read the play better while Hayes had a sensational work ethic. If we could get Nick really dedicated the might be more to work with. Hayes is great at getting the ball but I don't see his kicking in the same league as Nick's.

[Bron]

I reckon that Nick Davis' efforts have been improving over the season. Compared to the first few games, when I was very critical of his efforts, he has been very diligent lately. He seems to have become part of the team too, he's enjoying the wins. He may have been recovering at the beginning of the season or just had an attitude problem. I don't care what it was, what I care is that it seems to be better! I also think he's the BEST kick!

[Charlie]

I reckon that at some point over the next month or so... Nicky D is just going to cut loose and kick 7, 8, 9... hell, maybe even 10 goals in a game. He has it in him... and I reckon he's just going to explode at some point.