14?

[goswannies]

Nothing says that the player wearing the #14 has to be the next Bob Skilton or Paul Kelly. And nothing against Craig Bird. He works hard. But is he the best/most worthy player to be wearing the revered #14?

Between Bobby & Kels, 14 has been donned by Michael Kennedy, Michael Byrne, Bill Picken, Stephen Allender, David Young & Tony Franklin. None really in the Kelly/Skilton mould.

Craig Bird is an in and under onballer like Kelly & Skilts (in contrast to the other wearers). A local product (unlike Kennedy, Byrne & Picken). But can he be a future leader of the club? Is the #14 still as important ad it once was?

Should / could anyone else wear it with distinction? Hanners? Does it even matter?

[Big Al]

I really don't care who wears what number to be honest.

[Lucky Knickers]

Clap my hands at this incredibly useful and productive thread.

[ScottH]

Me 2.
Bird was touted as being the next big thing. Injuries have set him back a bit.
But a number should by no means make a player live up to the reputation of that number.

See current #5 for the Bombers. Or a previuos #4 for the swans.

[mcs]

Who cares really! Its a number- Birdy has been hampered significantly by injuries, and I still have hope for him, but in the end its just a number.

[jono2707]

That's numberwang!

[chalbilto]

Clothes maketh the man, a number does NOT maketh a football star. All a number does is associate a player with it.

[Rob-bloods]

Forget numbers the real point here really is that notwithstanding injuries Bird looks a very ordinary player.....and unfortunately he has too many mates at present. Watching the Tigers and Weagles this weekend shows us right up.

[Bas]

Not a numbers person myself either. They should wear the jumper with distinction rather than the number.

Sadly the latter went missing today.

[Nordberg]

14 is being defiled by Craig Bird, a useless player.

[BSA5]

What's with the Craig Bird hate? He and Mitchell had about the same influence on the game as each other. For a guy with <50 games experience versus one of the best inside mids in the competition, in a team that got absolutely flogged, I'll take that every day.

[Doctor]

Bird did a decent job on his direct opponent. Considering the number of wins Hawthorn had on the day, Bird's effort has to be regarded as one of the better ones.

[GongSwan]

Number profiling? Is there not a law against that? Maybe thats something else lol

[Jewels]

What's with the Craig Bird hate? He and Mitchell had about the same influence on the game as each other. For a guy with <50 games experience versus one of the best inside mids in the competition, in a team that got absolutely flogged, I'll take that every day.

I'm with you BS. We were dreadful across the park on Sunday and in my opinion Bird was one of the few that can hold his head up as having done his job.
Did you people expect him to just majestically be a Kelly or a Skilton? Give the poor kid a break, he battles enough with his injuries let alone supposed "supporters" getting on his case because he's not the footballer people expect because of the number on his back!

[2005]

Craig Bird.

What does he offer ???
The guy is a spud. Personally the number thing not an issue, hes just no good.
He is slow, falls over to often, doesnt kick enough goals , has no penetration in his kicking and just does sweet &*& all.

Sammy Mitchell had influence , have a look again.