Is it time?

[Plugger46]

I hate saying this and maybe I'm being a bit harsh but should Stewie retire at season's end? He has been a wonderful player, and I've loved watching him play, but he just seems to have lost a yard of pace, and finding it harder to make space and find the footy.

Injuries may have got the better of him, and if he struggles for the next few weeks, then maybe it's time to step aside.

Opinions?

[Dpw]

From what I have been reading he has been carrying a knee, if we weren't in the finals he would have gone under the knive so I will say give him one more.

[chammond]

I thought he had a good game against Collingwood.

Barring serious injury, he'll be skipper for at least the next two seasons.

[Charlie]

No.

[CureTheSane]

No.

[liz]

Definitely not.

He clearly is not 100% though at the moment and can only play in small bursts by the looks of things. That is hurting us at the moment as much as Ball and Leo's heel, IMO.

[Swansinger]

He definitely should not go.

He's laboured with his injury which means he can't train right at the moment.
I believe that there's also been a new addition to the household--maybe he isn't getting much sleep!

He was poor in the first half last night - and he knows that himself.
But at least he lifted after ht and was a strong contributor to our 3rd quarter improvement.

[Craig]

I agree, he is playing ordinary footy and at least should not be captain next year. He hasn't provided us with much drive at all and whether this is because he is injured or too old it makes no difference.

[sharp9]

If he can only play like he has the past few weeks then yes...but last night in the second half he had a real go (for the first time in ages) and if he can play like that then he is well worth another year.

Hopefully he really has been hampered by injury (rather than age and aches and pains and lack of attention).

I think the trouble is that he has spent his career as a receiver, but we need him now (especially with his body size) to actually win the footy. He hasn't been doing that and so hasn't had much to receive as most of the ball we do win goes directly upfield from the centre.

[Plugger46]

Fair enough, everyone. I'm just raising the question, not writing him off.

[TheHood]

He is the toughest bloke out there for us, like Wallsy said, he could have killed Licuria in that collision. We need him for several reasons but none more so than that.

I hate to sound like Demott here, but if we have at least one player who makes you think twice about putting your head over the ball, then we are better off.

I would let him get through this season, have the surgery, rest up and come back fresh. He is very important for us is old Captain Cranky!

[Scottee]

Stewie fit is a great player. He obviously isn't fit at the moment and , yes it is costing us.

Only Stewie and the medical staff know how serious the injury is, and whether it will hamper him next year. He would also know whether it is the injury or general aging that has slowed him down.

It's also a terrible dilemma for the coach as to whether he can afford to play someone unfit with the finals looming. Should he be rested next week? Do you give Ablett a go who seems to be fit and in good form?etc etc

I think it will be up to Stewie as to whether he retires or not. What we say here won't change anything.

But I certainly would be sad to see him go if he does retire.

[liz]

Originally posted by sharp9

I think the trouble is that he has spent his career as a receiver, but we need him now (especially with his body size) to actually win the footy. He hasn't been doing that and so hasn't had much to receive as most of the ball we do win goes directly upfield from the centre.

Earlier in the season he was definitely getting in and under more than I've ever seen him before. And he's still trying. His ability to make a physical impact makes you wonder why he did spend most of his career out on the wing. Maybe will PK and Cressa in and under the packs he was needed more out wide, but I love seeing him crash his way through.

[Rod_]

No - Still has plenty to offer - If he is injured then take the break and get fit.

form is fickle

Rod_

[BAM_BAM]

What I miss the most from Stu is his booming left foot from just outside the forward 50. He was one of the best shots at goal from that range.

Is it due to his injury that we haven't seen this much this year, or is it more a team thing where he will try and pass off to a presenting forward.

Even though I miss that aspect of his game, he's still as hard at it as anyone. He's had some mighty big hits on the opposition this year, and his experience is still a major factor in his continuing to play. We still need that.

On Saturday night, I watched him go to Sunny after he took the poor option of having a shot on goal. At the time he had his back to goal and wheeled around to take a snap. Luckily for him and us Goodes marked and goaled. The safer option was to hand ball to Pebbles who was un marked and on a run straight at goal. He had a chat to him without much of a deal being made. The TV replay didn't pick this up.

If Stu was to retire who besides Willo will take on that role? Are any of the players from the senior group ready to stand up as our new Captain?