Major announcement today - Kirk to retire

[Swannette]

I was in Canberra too that day when #31 wasn't listed in the program but boy did he set the place alight with his attack on the ball and fierce tackling. Please swans give kirky a coach's uniform next year and never let him leave.

[Bas]

Legend. This Sunday let's win it for the skipper.

I'd much rather we win it on Saturday afternoon first.

Is it just me or is the Fremantle Coach also the Sham Wow commercial guy

[goswannie14]

I can't say I'm disappointed, but most long term posters would expect that. Good footballer (in that he used limited skills very well), but didn't come across well when fronting the press (and bagging out his team mates). Still he probably saved face for Roos by doing it rather than letting the coach do it.

[Margo]

Is Connolly serious ? Wasn't Kirk's fault that BBB kept thumping people !!
Does anyone know when round 22 will be organised ? and why isn't it already ?
God I hope he has a great year, he truly deserves it.

[Damien]

Is Connolly serious ? Wasn't Kirk's fault that BBB kept thumping people !!
Does anyone know when round 22 will be organised ? and why isn't it already ?
God I hope he has a great year, he truly deserves it.

Fairly late in the year (could be as late as round 21, depends on the Top 8 and how open it all is). The reason for the delay is to ensure that the final 8 teams play in slots that give at least a 6/7 day break for the finals the following week. Under the normal rostering, you could end up with a scenario of 6 top 8 teams playing on the Sunday of Round 22 meaning one of those team potentially could have to play their first final on the Friday following.

[AnnieH]

I hope the other members of the team pull something pretty special out of their butts and give Kirky one more flag before he goes.
It's the very least they can do.

[dimelb]

I can't say I'm disappointed, but most long term posters would expect that. Good footballer (in that he used limited skills very well), but didn't come across well when fronting the press (and bagging out his team mates). Still he probably saved face for Roos by doing it rather than letting the coach do it.

Grinch.

[Primmy]

grinch.

GRINCH Good call Mr D

[Rod_]

Thank you Brett (The Dalai Lama) Kirk.

Rod_

[31 hard at it]

Truly Inspirational players come along rarely.
Each team may have only one in their ranks in any given year.

I have been privileged to see Bobby Skilton pick up 40 possessions (when a possession really meant something) to a losing ruck in a beaten team.
I have been privileged to see Paul Kelly show leadership way beyond his size and public persona.
I have been truly privileged to see Brett Kirk (like that Bunny on tv) just keep going and going.

A team man, a respected man, a man who will be a Swan of the caliber of those mentioned.
There were a few others but these were the standouts to me.

Best wishes for the rest of the season.
A tranquil 2011.

[goswannie14]

Grinch.

Try playing the ball rather than the man. Just because he plays for us doesn't mean I have to fawn all over him, and before you reply, think about what YOU have posted about some of our players in the past!

GRINCH Good call Mr D

That goes for you too Primmy!

[satchmopugdog]

I just looked in my file of Brett Kirk photos and found I had inadvertently put a Johnny Depp photo in that file......analyse that and play fair.

Was going to change my facebook avatar but can't choose between about three.

[Nico]

I thought his interview with Mike Sheahan early in the season showed what a high quality person and leader he is. He is right at the top th the tree at the club as far as enforcing the values, standards and expectations of the club from players to the boot studders, and those standards are what has carried this club to its successes since 2003. Hall and Davis were given plenty of chances to redeem themselves within the structures and culture, that are largely player driven, yet chose to take a different path. As our dad (a WW11 Z Force Commando) told us; you can be tough, brave and gutsy in the line of fire, but overall if you don't have moral courage then you fail as a man. Brett Kirk "wrote the book" on moral courage and has it in spades, and practiced what he preaches on the issues of those 2 players.

[Big Al]

Re: Major announcement today - Kirk to retire

I thought his interview with Mike Sheahan early in the season showed what a high quality person and leader he is. He is right at the top th the tree at the club as far as enforcing the values, standards and expectations of the club from players to the boot studders, and those standards are what has carried this club to its successes since 2003. Hall and Davis were given plenty of chances to redeem themselves within the structures and culture, that are largely player driven, yet chose to take a different path. As our dad (a WW11 Z Force Commando) told us; you can be tough, brave and gutsy in the line of fire, but overall if you don't have moral courage then you fail as a man. Brett Kirk "wrote the book" on moral courage and has it in spades, and practiced what he preaches on the issues of those 2 players.

Brilliant post Nico. Sums up the thoughts of the vast majority of Swans fans.

[Matt79]

Wow! When I was told at work today the news I felt quite emotional. More emotional than for Leaping Leo, Magic and Crouchy combined.

Kirky summerised what this club as come from, what has been created and the future it will create. Kirky mustered every living ounce of effort, skill and blood spliitting determination that his body could produce over his career. He literally has bled for this club, galvanised the team under the 'Bloods' ethos and will be leaving a culture that will hold us in great stead for years to come.

Kirky...you are indeed a champion!