Farewell LRT

[neilfws]

Roberts-Thomson retires - sydneyswans.com.au

"Swans fans will have the opportunity to pay tribute to Roberts-Thomson this Saturday at the SCG, when he will walk a lap of honour at half time of the Swans clash with St Kilda."

[Reggi]

What a player

[tasswan]

Definitely a fan favourite and was pivotal in the 2012 GF.

Epitomised what i love about the Swans, fearless player that gave 110%

[DK_]

He was a champ. All heart and effort!

I can't remember which key forward said it, but one of my favourite quotes went along the lines of "I should have learnt by now, but every time I see LRT come to me looking like a skinny mop, something inside me says 'this is going to be too easy', but he beats me every time".

Perennially under-rated, but part of the hard core of our team for a long time.

[dimelb]

He was a champ. All heart and effort!

I can't remember which key forward said it, but one of my favourite quotes went along the lines of "I should have learnt by now, but every time I see LRT come to me looking like a skinny mop, something inside me says 'this is going to be too easy', but he beats me every time".

Perennially under-rated, but part of the hard core of our team for a long time.

Thanks DK_, I hadn't seen that remark and it is a fitting tribute to a much-loved player. TwoDads, The Hyphenator, LRT or simply Lewie. Memorable player, got the best out of himself and a fine contributor over the years. I wish him the best of success in whatever he does. Now I will have to find a new favourite Swan.

[barry]

Lets be honest with ourselves. Many on here bagged LRT during his career.

But, if there was ever a player who lifted himself in finals, and played an instrumental roles getting to and winning the 2005 and 2012 premierships is was our LRT.

Malthouse described him as "a bueaty" in the 2012 final series. Not for flashy skills, but his dogged, never give up attitude. Exactly what finals footy needs.

LRT forged the path for Sydney born, other-code playing players, forging a long and distinguished career in AFL, through mental strength.

The exact opposite of Izzy Folau.

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The question now needs to be answered.... can we win a grand final without him?

[Doctor]

Well played Mr Football. 2 time Premiership player, near Norm Smith medallist in 05, legend. I'll remember him as much for his first kick in footy, a miskicked grubber along centre wing on the Brewongle side of the SCG, as for his never say die attitude, his willingness to play wherever the coaching staff needed him to and his friendliness with the fans.

If I ever run into you in a pub somewhere, I'll buy you a beer.

[Plugger46]

I was definitely one of those knockers at different stages throughout his career.

Won me forever in the 2012 QF when he was thrown into defence after playing forward all year.

Solid career and pivotal on GF day. Twice.

[CJK]

A sad day. One of mu favorites, will never forget him towling up Matthew Richardson a number of times at the SCG. Oh how we all laughed at 'Richo'.

And the Granny in '05. Never forget.

Here's to you Two Names.

[Dave]

Farewell Bob-Thom and thanks for everything. Champion.

[mcs]

Farewell LRT - a sad day for our club, but also a day to celebrate a mighty fine career.

So often under-rated, and even mocked by many outside the Swans Community, he is the epitome of what it is to be a blood. He squeezed every ounce of talent and hard work out of his body - and he has all the just rewards for it, with not 1 but 2 Premiership Medals on the mantle piece. Many on here argue (and I agree) that he could easily have also won a Norm Smith Medal in 05 - his contribution to breaking the drought was immense.

A 'champion' player our LRT has been, not because he's been the best player in the competition, or single handed won games for us - but because he put everything he could into his football, and made so much of his career.

I wish I could be there on Saturday to give him a standing ovation on his lap of honour - the least I could do for a player who has given plenty of Swans fans a lot of joy over the year.

At least my last game seeing him play live will be a good memory - away to Adelaide earlier this year. He didn't get a lot of ball that day, or do anything fancy, but as always, he was super effective and did his role to a tee.

LRT on a wonderful career!

[Doctor]

Big week for two-time Premiership Swans. One of them announces he's had his last go and the other announces he's having at least one go a day for a month.

[Robtorq]

Great tributes guys. As has been said allready let's celebrate. Pity I will not be in Sydney to farewell the champ. Give him a big farewell all who go. He should have won the Norm Smith in 05. I remember talking to him that night. He was standing by himself on the sidelines very quiet and humble but on that ground he was a true swan and blood

[RogueSwan]

...But, if there was ever a player who lifted himself in finals, and played an instrumental roles getting to and winning the 2005 and 2012 premierships is was our LRT...

I had the pleasure of meeting Jude at the local pub last week. Just me, my son and a few others from the local footy team. We got to talking about LRT and his first line was "ahhh, the September Specialist".

Congrats on a fine career LRT.

[Untamed Snark]

Aw, I'll miss Mr Football
Always found that little bit extra when it was needed, never the star but the guy who's game let allowed others to be the star
True blood all the way through.

One last rousing "LRT" chant coming this Saturday