Paul Williams: I ain't never going anywhere

[SimonH]

AFL article

It's only March, and in context Willo is explaining why he didn't retire at the end of last season rather than asserting that he's a definite starter for 2007.

Still, the issue will need to be confronted eventually. In the short term, Sydney would obviously be a stronger team in 2007 with a fit Willo than without.

In the long term, his retention could only mean the delisting at the end of '06 of an (additional) young midfielder who's had few (or no) opportunities-- from a list that is pretty heavy on midfielders. As Brabazon, Laidlaw and Thornton are protected, and there are few or no dud midfielders in the rest of the list (excepting Spriggs who will probably be departing anyway), we could be throwing away a 100-game player to get another 20 from Willo. Still, as this article confirms, Willo is our only player the wrong side of 30, which means we have fewer 'aging list' troubles than most.

People's thoughts on whether Willo should play on, and on?

[hammo]

Far too early in the season to say about 2007 but there's no doubt Willo is an out and out champion and should be given every opportunity to play on if the body allows him.

I agree with your point about holding back the development of youngsters and that will be the main factor I'd say.

Can't see Spriggs staying beyond this year and Schmidt and Willoughby will have to debut and impress to stay on you'd think.

I can't see McVeigh is at risk as he's held in high regard and will probably kick on this year.

[Sanecow]

Originally posted by hammo

Can't see Spriggs staying beyond this year

Will be top 22 by season's end.

[ScottH]

Originally posted by Sanecow
Will be top 22 by season's end.

Was that a wheel that just rolled passed?

[Sanecow]

Originally posted by ScottH
Was that a wheel that just rolled passed?

It's so big that you can only see the wheel from where you are standing.

[woo]

Bless willo, he can do what he wants. Hes such a great player to have on our side

[craigusvegas]

willos got at least two left in him - an out and out professional in the robert harvey mould. will inspire with his constant running. not a heavy impact player so it is all about his fitness - which he obviously covets and has in caring and rejuvenating hands. go willo, I hated you when you cut the swans apart at the scg playing for the pies when rocca kicked that huge goal with seconds to go, but loved you from the same noble stand seats a year later as you did the same thing for the swans - is there a better goalkicker on the run from the 50 than willo?.

[tantrum]

If he is still playing as well at the end of this year as in 2005, then why not an extra year?

I also don't agree with this idea that he would be holding a youngster back - if you're going to get delisted because there's an oldie on the list, you're probably not going to make it anyway.

Go Willo!

[tantrum]

While on the subject, I was sent the 2006 AFL season preview by a kindly soul back in the home country, which arrived last night.

Looking at the Swans list in the "debut" column... Willo sure does stand out, having made his debut in 1991! The next ones along debuted in 1995 (Micky, Leo).

[Snowy]

I ain't never, with the double negatives the meaning becomes a bit ambiguous. As if he would anyway.

[Lucky Knickers]

Originally posted by Sanecow
It's so big that you can only see the wheel from where you are standing.

I think I saw that wagon on "Worlds Biggest Monster Truck BandWagons #6" last night!

I'm with Woo - bless his red and white cotton sox. However, last year when he was injured the team lacked drive and direction out of the midfield IMO. It was really obvious when he was off in the 1st QF agst WCE.

Rather than see Willo step back and give someone else a chance, I hope to see someone else (Kirk, N Davis, McVeigh, Eski, anyone) step up and take over the General role.

[Jeffers1984]

Willo is a champion and thoroughly deserves to be part of the 300 club. I'm happy to see the drive still there. Let's hope the body can still hold up at the end of this year.

[Schneiderman]

I think Willo's value to the team stretches well beyond just the 20 or so extra games he will play. Just like Harvs is such an important influence on the developent and performance of the St Kilda midfield, we need the direction and developmental support Willo offers the young midfielders. I'm sure his off-field work is highly regarded by the club, and the midfield certainly still looks far more polished with him on the park.

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Originally posted by craigusvegas
is there a better goalkicker on the run from the 50 than willo?.

I'm not so sure about that, when did he last kick one from that range?
FWIW I think the penetration of his kicking has been declining for a season or two, and certainly he's having far fewer shots than he used to.

[TheHood]

Originally posted by Ruckman
I'm not so sure about that, when did he last kick one from that range?
FWIW I think the penetration of his kicking has been declining for a season or two, and certainly he's having far fewer shots than he used to.

Thats a fair observation. If Willo kicks 10 in 2006, I would think that's a pretty handy return given his age and kicking power.