Will Jude retire?

[swansprincess]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/149345/default.aspx

club seems to think he will play on

[Go Swannies]

Jude told me on Saturday that he'll play on. But he would say that, wouldn't he?

[wolftone57]

As much as I admire him I think with this last injury he would be crazy to play on. As you get older it is just that bit harder to come up every week and let's face it him, Goodsie and Ryano are freaks to play even this long. There is only one bigger freak in the AFL and that is Fletcher. The way Jude throws hid body into the contest it is a wonder he is still living let alone playing. I believe it is time to hang up the boots because of this injury. I would hate it if he got not far into the season and went down again that would be heartbreaking!!!

[Go Swannies]

I'd like Jude to retire. Not that he won't be missed but his knees won't last very long - and another concussion might be the one that does damage. Leave on the high note not as the "stayed too long and failed".

[Melbourne_Blood]

Will Jude retire?

It is a shame when players play on that 1 year too long. Kirky was one I feel could've hung them up a season before he did. Was quite ineffectuall in many games in his last season. Would hate to see Jude do that. Then again, if he can perform to the standard he did this year, then he should definitely play on.

[Big Al]

Wouldn't mind seeing Jude retire as a 3 time Premiership player but maybe that's being a bit greedy.

[rojo]

While the excitement and thrill of helping the team to a 2nd premiership are still fresh it must be so difficult to make such a huge decision - you would surely want to play on. The moment of truth would be when you were pulling on the boots for a new pre season - have I got it in me to do this one more time. Trouble is the decision has to be made now.

[longmile]

I'm gonna come out and say that it'd be best if he retired this year. He has been a magnificent player I don't want to see him stiffen up and slow down in his final year from still carrying the PLC. I think its time to let one of the younger players through as well, give Parker a full run. It'd also help ease the mass of retirements that'd come in the next 2-3 years.

[Mike_B]

While the excitement and thrill of helping the team to a 2nd premiership are still fresh it must be so difficult to make such a huge decision - you would surely want to play on. The moment of truth would be when you were pulling on the boots for a new pre season - have I got it in me to do this one more time. Trouble is the decision has to be made now.

Sounds a lot like Shane Crawford - initially said he'd play on, then changed his mind.

[Swansongster]

Sounds a lot like Shane Crawford - initially said he'd play on, then changed his mind.

Therein may lie the crux of his decision. Not sure where I heard it - might've been ABC Grandstand - but he has expressed an interest in media work post footy (ala Crawford). If his manager can land a deal or two in that area, it may appear as an easier road to stay in the game he obviously loves.

For example, the AFL has flagged its intention to invest heavily in media services in the foreseeable future and it is also making a big play at growing the Sydney market. As a 300-plus gamer he is a life member at the big house so could Jude be set to become the face of AFL in Sydney (as a media figurehead/presenter/commentator)?

If not Big Daddy, then some other media outlet may want to add his reputation to the team and he does still look good and also speaks very well and knowledgably about the game.

So yeah, IMHO, like Crawford he may change his mind and start a media career.

[swansrob]

Jude will do whatever he feels is best for not just himself, but the club. If he feels he can make a difference next season, he'll play on; if he's not so sure, he won't. I'm happy to back Jude in which ever way he goes. Whether he bows out now or in a years' time, he is an all time champion of this club and one if the most respected blokes in the competition. Not a bad way to go out.

[hot potato]

So the overwhelming wisdom of RWO is that it's Game Over JUde.
A magnificent contribution mate. The body can only take so much and it's a fairytale end to an awesome career in a massively demanding occupation.

[Swansinger]

So the overwhelming wisdom of RWO is that it's Game Over JUde.
A magnificent contribution mate. The body can only take so much and it's a fairytale end to an awesome career in a massively demanding occupation.

No , it's not - not yet . This is a fan forum where everybody has a feeling /opinion , but can do no more than guess at all the pros and cons in this decision making process.
If RWO "wisdom" held sway on All Things Swans , we probably wouldn't have won That Big Shiny Cup.

[Swansongster]

For the record, I will be happy with whatever he decides and I am grateful to the club for allowing him to decide. Nothing Jude does in the future will diminish the standing he has with the club and its fans. What a legend.

[Jewels]

For the record, I will be happy with whatever he decides and I am grateful to the club for allowing him to decide. Nothing Jude does in the future will diminish the standing he has with the club and its fans. What a legend.

Hear, Hear.