Cressa may play on

[SWANSBEST]

Cresswell: I may play on
22 July 2003 AFL
By JOHN THIRSK

DARYN Cresswell is enjoying the Swans' charge up the ladder so much he is reconsidering his retirement plans.

The 32-year-old midfield star, who said at the start of the season this would be his last year, revealed yesterday he might play on if the Swans carried their spectacular form into September.

And Swans officials are keen to see Cresswell go round again in 2004, pointing out that he continues to be one of the club's top three possession winners.

"If the Swans go close to winning the flag or we do very well in the finals series, I may rethink about retiring," Cresswell said.

"At this stage my decision to hang up the boots at the end of this season still stands, but you never know."

Working away behind the scenes on Cresswell, a 236-game veteran in his 12th season with the Swans, are two of his best mates, Wayne Schwass and Andrew Dunkley.

Schwass and Dunkley both called it quits last season but say Cresswell is in such rare form he would be mad to hang up the boots.

Cresswell said if he decided to have another season, he would consult wife Donna and coach Paul Roos. "`Roosy has always told me it's my call and you have to do what is right," he said.<

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,6789400%255E19742,00.html

[Reggi]

Given recent form you would certainly encourage him to go on.

We seem to lack up and coming midfielders - Sydney could manage him in the same way Brisbane manage Lynch.

Cressa would also probably become Sydney's games record holder.

[Foreign Legion]

I think he should play on - he is in great form and has never had a lot of serious injuries. McVeigh is not going to play this season and next year will still be a learning one for him.

[Charlie]

LOL - I claim responsibility for purging those evil retirement thoughts from his mind!!! I made him promise at the aftermatch he'd play on if we lost the GF!!! This morning's news just keeps getting better and better....

[jixygirl]

It would be fantastic if Cressa decided to play on next year, he's had such a fantastic. Of course, thanks to Charlie, we already knew he was considering another season if we do well, but its good to see it in the media.

[Sid]

We definitely need the leadership he provides in our midfield and our team. I would prefer him than akermanis arriving here. But eitherway would be satisfy me. Or maybe both would happen.

[Jimmy C]

This new hope is as good as Magic signing on for another four years. He sure looks like he's got another season in him.

[Ganjaman]

More good news. What a good day. Keep on keeping on Cressa, we need ya.

All we need now is for Bazza to be found innocent of soft play. Oh sorry, I mean rough play.

[Cheer Cheer]

Originally posted by Ganjaman
More good news. What a good day. Keep on keeping on Cressa, we need ya.

All we need now is for Bazza to be found innocent of soft play. Oh sorry, I mean rough play.

Exactly ! Good things come in three's.

[barry]

What would be Cressa's role if his age stopped him playing midfield next year.

Would he go up to a foward pocket. Seems a bit slow and not that good a mark, or to a backpocket (we have a heap of backpocket players)?
Or an impact bench player ? I'm not a big fan of "impact" style players.


We are still in rebuilding mode despite the success of this year, and therefore unless Cressa can play next year like he as this year, I think we should be looking at younger players to step up.

[Jon]

Originally posted by barry
What would be Cressa's role if his age stopped him playing midfield next year.

Would he go up to a foward pocket. Seems a bit slow and not that good a mark, or to a backpocket (we have a heap of backpocket players)?
Or an impact bench player ? I'm not a big fan of "impact" style players.


We are still in rebuilding mode despite the success of this year, and therefore unless Cressa can play next year like he as this year, I think we should be looking at younger players to step up.

I agree young players should come on through in the midfield, but what better way than at the feet of one of the League's icons?

As for not liking impact players, does that mean you didn't support Kelly's position in the side last season, or in some respects the season before that as well?

Nothing wrong with impact players - that's just jargon for a player that maximises his time on the ground.

[barry]

Originally posted by Jon
I agree young players should come on through in the midfield, but what better way than at the feet of one of the League's icons?

As for not liking impact players, does that mean you didn't support Kelly's position in the side last season, or in some respects the season before that as well?

Nothing wrong with impact players - that's just jargon for a player that maximises his time on the ground.

Actually I have just finished reading Kelly's book. Kelly had the advantage of being a good mark, so suited to a forward pocket/flank.
Kelly being in and out of the side didnt help the swans much over the last few years, so in that respect I wouldnt like to see Cressa do the same.

[Jon]

Originally posted by barry
Actually I have just finished reading Kelly's book. Kelly had the advantage of being a good mark, so suited to a forward pocket/flank.
Kelly being in and out of the side didnt help the swans much over the last few years, so in that respect I wouldnt like to see Cressa do the same.

True. Cressa certainly wouldn't be taking those big marks, but his accuracy from the set shot, and head for opportunistic goals would still be of value. Plus he's still coming up with 20+ possession games at the moment, and that would have to count for something.

I agree it was a worry with Kel be unable to keep on the park, but so far Cressa has shown no signs that would be the case. He's had a recurring calf problem, but nothing the coaching staff can't seem to work around. Robert Harvey was in a similar position last year, where many were talking about his career being over, but once his body was given a chance he's come through this year as a dark horse chance for a Brownlow.

One more year. Why not!

[Swansinger]

I'm thinking of the quote attributed to Freddie Trueman as reported in the SMH FitzFiles .
When we talk about Crezza's retirement , I hope we are saying
"Why??" and not "When??".

Agreed he's in great form though and easily my B.O.G. v.Carlton.
Two goals , lots of hard work and , according to the Herald Sun , no clangers from 25 touches is pretty impressive.

[Cheer Cheer]

Originally posted by Ganjaman
More good news. What a good day. Keep on keeping on Cressa, we need ya.

All we need now is for Bazza to be found innocent of soft play. Oh sorry, I mean rough play.

And the Trifecta comes through ! ( Cressa, Micky, Bazza )
Gee its been a good day