Nicks will retire

[Footy123]

Well i can almost guarantee that this will be Mathew Nicks' last season. He will retire at the end of the season because of his body and because his head isnt into it anymore. He will continue to live in Sydney though and not return to his home town of Adelaide. I think this is one season too late. He should have retired at the end of last season as he will probably play most of the season in reserves or spend most of the time on the bench. Then again, he is getting paid big bucks to be doing that due to him sign a large contract a few years back worth about $350,000 over a few years. Then again, he does provide valuable experience to a young side but is definately not worth $120,000!

[Rod_]

His best seasons have been in the back line. Ever since he has become the makeshift forward, injured and spare parts on the ball his form has slipped.

I can only hope that he is fit and gets returned to his back line duties. He was touted to being considered for the captaincy 18 months ago and now he is for the high jump. Go figure? Give him a chance! I agree that last season was poor to average, but if the Roos plan is to hold onto players and give them a change to redeem themselves after making mistakes and having poor form. He has a future. I feel he has 2 years to go at least. (Does need to lift to retain his spot in the firsts - could help more off the field or in the seconds than others) New contract would have to be based on a performance criteria...

Rod_

[chammond]

Re: Nicks will retire

Originally posted by Footy123
Nicks will retire
Well i can almost guarantee that this will be Mathew Nicks' last season.

Well i can almost guarantee that you don't know what you're talking about.

And i can almost guarantee that you only wrote that crap to try and stir up a bit of debate.

Good luck.

[Sanecow]

I can almost guarantee that Warfe will win the Brownlow this year.

[JF_Bay22_SCG]

Originally posted by Rod_
His best seasons have been in the back line. Ever since he has become the makeshift forward, injured and spare parts on the ball his form has slipped.

I've questioned his existance in the team for well over 2 seasons now. From memory he was an All-australian Half-back flanker in 2001 odd. He could use his pace and skill to distribute the ball down field over the SCG centre wicket area and the non-existant half forward line to Lockett and the forwards.

But he simply does NOT possess the pace to do that any more. He has been tried in the forward line over the last couple of seasons with minimal success. As I've said on several occasions he lacks the low centre of gravity to be a proper forward line rover. And futhermore lacks the body strength and height to contest a mark in a pack. In addition to that, his kicking from a set shot is often terrible as well.

When we are undergoing a youth development programme, I seriously have to ask why we are continuing with him. We've had serious egg on our faces with mid-season retirements of Craig O'Brien and Wayne Schwass, who despite advancing years were both still being selected in the senior side. I can seriously see the Swans number one nose picker doing the same this season.

Hey, I liked Nicksey when he was at his best on the HBF. But he is a shadow of his former self in his present state. Players who do not know when to pull the plug get on my nerves. Nickseys, you've been a great player for our club. But don't undo things by playing when you are not 100% up to it. Or are you going to enjoy the Saturday frosts at Manuka Oval playing with kids 15 years your junior?

Does anyone who watches the Reggies enough know of better alternatives to him for a HBF spot>? Personally I'd like Barry & Saddington there, with Schauble (another player I'm starting to worry about) taking on the stronger-bodied marking types like Tredrea etc.

Thoughts?

JF

[Charlie]

Originally posted by JF_Bay22_SCG


Schauble (another player I'm starting to worry about)

JF

Lost me completely right there. There wasn't anything more that Schauble could do this year. He was 2nd in the entire league for least number of goals conceded per match... meaning that because of Schaubes, the opposition's best forward was getting only 1 or 2 goals on average per match.

You reckon that isn't earning his place in the team? Or has your worry got to do with having players over the age of 25 in the team?

[Rizzo]

Originally posted by Charlie
Lost me completely right there. There wasn't anything more that Schauble could do this year.

HEAR HEAR!

[chammond]

Originally posted by JF_Bay22_SCG

When we are undergoing a youth development programme, I seriously have to ask why we are continuing with him. We've had serious egg on our faces with mid-season retirements of Craig O'Brien and Wayne Schwass, who despite advancing years were both still being selected in the senior side. I can seriously see the Swans number one nose picker doing the same this season.

You can't be serious?!

[stellation]

Originally posted by Charlie
Lost me completely right there. There wasn't anything more that Schauble could do this year. He was 2nd in the entire league for least number of goals conceded per match... meaning that because of Schaubes, the opposition's best forward was getting only 1 or 2 goals on average per match.

You reckon that isn't earning his place in the team? Or has your worry got to do with having players over the age of 25 in the team?

For my money Schauble was right up there for best backmen in the league this year. He blanketed Lynch.

[JF_Bay22_SCG]

Originally posted by Charlie
Lost me completely right there. There wasn't anything more that Schauble could do this year. He was 2nd in the entire league for least number of goals conceded per match... meaning that because of Schaubes, the opposition's best forward was getting only 1 or 2 goals on average per match.

You reckon that isn't earning his place in the team? Or has your worry got to do with having players over the age of 25 in the team?

What I'm saying is that Schaubs is another who isn't getting any younger or faster. As well as he has played over recent seasons for us, his mobility is a concern to me. And sometimes his kicking can be a tad unconvincing.

That is just a gut reaction on my part. Still Schaubs carries a huge weight on his shoulders, being the biggest key defender we have.

JF

[Footy123]

Chammond

Well it will take a brillant form change from Nicks for him not to retire. I also just dont make this stuff up. Just thought you'd like to know thats all. Im not trying to stir up any debate, just repeating what i have heard.

[chammond]

Originally posted by Footy123
just repeating what i have heard.

Yes. I noticed that.

[Charlie]

Originally posted by JF_Bay22_SCG
What I'm saying is that Schaubs is another who isn't getting any younger or faster. As well as he has played over recent seasons for us, his mobility is a concern to me. And sometimes his kicking can be a tad unconvincing.

That is just a gut reaction on my part. Still Schaubs carries a huge weight on his shoulders, being the biggest key defender we have.

JF

As far as I know, there is not a human being on this planet who is getting younger, and not many of footballing age who are getting quicker. It's irrelevent how old he is. He's doing his bit, and doing it bloody well. For crying out loud, he's only 27 or something like that!

Dunks was neither quick, nor able to kick. But he could play full-back... and you know what? So can Schaubes.

Next time, wait for his form to actually drop off before you post your "gut reactions".

BTW - Nicksy has this year, as does Warfe. If he earns his spot, keeps it, and shows signs of being able to do so in the future... he deserves to stay. I don't think either should start in the 22, but if they earn it, they earn it. Why would we wish anything else but for ANY Swan to perform well? What's the point in retiring him NOW?

[taurus]

Originally posted by JF_Bay22_SCG

Hey, I liked Nicksey when he was at his best on the HBF. But he is a shadow of his former self in his present state. Players who do not know when to pull the plug get on my nerves. Nickseys, you've been a great player for our club. But don't undo things by playing when you are not 100% up to it. Or are you going to enjoy the Saturday frosts at Manuka Oval playing with kids 15 years your junior?


JF [/B]

So going by your argument a player should retire straight after reaching his peak performance/capcity level??


JF, I totally agree with you that Nicksy is a shadow of his former self. He may still have something to contribute to the team (hope so), if his fitness improves compared to last year. I would expect that his contract would NOT be renewed at the end of the year.

What irritates me about your post (reading between the lines) is that you are implying that Nicksy's significant form deterioration is somehow entirely his own fault; that he is apathetic about his performance. I don't think that's a fair criticism.



"BTW - Nicksy has this year, as does Warfe. If he earns his spot, keeps it, and shows signs of being able to do so in the future... he deserves to stay. I don't think either should start in the 22, but if they earn it, they earn it. Why would we wish anything else but for ANY Swan to perform well? What's the point in retiring him NOW? " Posted by Charlie


Hear, Hear

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by JF_Bay22_SCG
What I'm saying is that Schaubs is another who isn't getting any younger or faster.

Nobody gets younger. It's pretty rare for anyone to get faster too!!

His mobility is fine - he frequently runs off his oponent and presents an option in the forward line. He can match it with most forwards, except for the strongest or fastest, but then most defenders struggle with these sort.

He's not a superstar, but he is a solid and serviceable defender, playing the key role in our backline, and doing a good job, when he really should probably be the number two defender.

As for age, that's just silly. He only recently turned 27!!