Past players - what are they up to?

[Markwebbos]

John Longmire has made comment that people have forgotten some of Rohan's good performances in red and white in the hype surrounding his hot start with Geelong.

Well then why did we trade him? Why wasn't he getting a game last year?

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Now that is a good question

[Roadrunner]

His form dropped a bit, but he was not alone. He should never have been traded as he has so much talent, which unfortunately some of our players don’t seem to show. Then there is his speed- he was by far our quickest player together with Paps. Even if he wanted to go home, I would have said “sorry Gary, we need you,”

[neilfws]

Fair enough. He has totally contradicted himself. I always understood the Swans initiated his desire to go home, so it's strange he came out and said the opposite last week.
And then did a 180 degree flip this week.

It is rather confusing given the other recent article where he's quoted as saying:

"I have got a great relationship with 'Horse' [Longmire] and always will and he just said, 'Mate, we understand. We're not going to hold a grudge if you want to go home'."

I'm hoping this is just newfound media attention on the back of a good run of performances for a Victorian side, and it will die down soon.

[Markwebbos]

I actually think the second article, where he says he was upset by the way things happened, is closer to the truth. I also believe he does still have a good relationship with John Longmire.

[Merdo5555]

Gary clearly didnt leave on good terms which is disappointing for both parties. In the end only the club and Gary know the truth. In future the club and player should simply be honest about the moves it makes, if Gary is right the club should have simply come and said that for Gary and the club its considering trade options and if everyone is happy a deal will be done.

Sometimes players need to be move on for their own benefit.

I dont know the truth but my concern is we used to be great at not letting players go before their peak. We have clearly made a mess of this recently. Is it due to the salary cap squeeze and/or poor decision making.

[caj23]

I am a little bemused by why Gary feels the need to play this out in the public domain. This is at least the third, maybe the fourth (I've lost count) comment he has made either obliquely or explicitly criticising the decision. Is he hoping to get some public defence from the Swans, and is continuing to press because one isn't forthcoming. He spent nearly a decade at the club, so should understand that, whatever faults or foibles the club might have, speaking publicly on this kind of thing isn't their style. He's also said he had - and considers that he still has - a very good relationship with Longmire. It feels like a scab that he seems intent on picking.

He's getting a regular game in the top of the table team and is playing good football. I am not sure what reason he has to be upset at how things have panned out. He should just enjoy his current (and his team's) run of good form, and most of all, enjoy his football. With everything he has been through, I reckon he deserves that.

Gary has been doing a lot of media recently as a result of his good form and the fact that the Cats are on top of the ladder. Each time he is interviewed, it is the journalists who bring up his departure from the Swans. He's hardly getting on the front foot and calling press conferences himself to talk about it.

When it is bought up he's simply answering honestly about what went down. I don't know about you but I think its refreshing that a player is willing to speak openly rather than toeing the standard party line that most players go down.

I think some people also forget that AFL player are real people with real feelings and emotions. He has stated that he was happy living in Sydney and at the football club, he was effectively moved on involuntarily by the club, and they then lied to the media about the transaction. I would say most people in this situation would feel aggrieved. I don't think he should be criticized just because what he says isn't positive for the club.

[Markwebbos]

Gary has been doing a lot of media recently as a result of his good form and the fact that the Cats are on top of the ladder. Each time he is interviewed, it is the journalists who bring up his departure from the Swans. He's hardly getting on the front foot and calling press conferences himself to talk about it.

When it is bought up he's simply answering honestly about what went down. I don't know about you but I think its refreshing that a player is willing to speak openly rather than toeing the standard party line that most players go down.

I think some people also forget that AFL player are real people with real feelings and emotions. He has stated that he was happy living in Sydney and at the football club, he was effectively moved on involuntarily by the club, and they then lied to the media about the transaction. I would say most people in this situation would feel aggrieved. I don't think he should be criticized just because what he says isn't positive for the club.

+1

[AnnieH]

What's happening with Hanners?
Still "injured"?

[jono2707]

Back on track, so the other kids can go bicker in the sandpit, it was a bit sad to see Gazza go down with that nasty head knock on the he weekend. Poor guy - pretty consistent with his time with us - he starts looking like a world beater and doing really well, then goes and gets injured. I hope he's ok and gets back on the ground asap to pick up where he left off (except when they play us).

[liz]

"Ranga" discussion can now be found in Open Chat. Please keep further comments in this thread at least vaguely relating to past players' activities.

[Mel_C]

Back on track, so the other kids can go bicker in the sandpit, it was a bit sad to see Gazza go down with that nasty head knock on the he weekend. Poor guy - pretty consistent with his time with us - he starts looking like a world beater and doing really well, then goes and gets injured. I hope he's ok and gets back on the ground asap to pick up where he left off (except when they play us).

I was sitting right behind the Geelong bench and he looked really sore sitting in the back row. He seems to have formed a close relationship with Hawkins.

It still doesn't seem right seeing him in Geelong colours. It's going to be worse when Hanners finally plays a game.

[Markwebbos]

It still doesn't seem right seeing him in Geelong colours. It's going to be worse when Hanners finally plays a game.

If

[caj23]

If

I actually think the Saints are doing the right thing and playing the long game with him

Hanners was ground down over his last few seasons with us, a good break to get his injuries right is probably what he needs

I wouldn't be surprised if he comes back in much better form than what he finished with us

[barry]

I actually think the Saints are doing the right thing and playing the long game with him

Hanners was ground down over his last few seasons with us, a good break to get his injuries right is probably what he needs

I wouldn't be surprised if he comes back in much better form than what he finished with us

I agree. And they have the cap space to be able to afford to do it. (ie, dont have to offload another player to keep him)

It could work out a win/win.