The way I look at it:
• he has been a massive positive at the Swans in so many ways both on and off field.
• Buddy probably doesn’t owe us anything - no more than he owed the Hawks, and less than he owes himself and his family.
• however, Bud got $1M to sit in the coaches box in 2020 and gave us half a season the year before that. He doesn’t owe us for that (that was his contract) but he didn’t have to do a lot for money that he could/should have done a lot with
• he is replaceable. We often play a lot better when he’s out - less predictable
• the reports that he wants to play in another premiership? Our window isn’t closed. He might not actually earn a guaranteed spot in Brisbane’s side come Grand Final day if they make it. They have a fair bit of talent already, whereas we have built our game plan (to a fair degree) around Buddy.
• neither Bud nor the Swans have come out and said anything about him going … yet. I take comfort from Gerard Healy’s comments on Sportsday. Healy (like Neil Cordy) - when it comes to the Swans - doesn’t get caught up in all the hype and often gets more sensible answers from the club.
• not sure how comforted I am by Harley’s comments, however, as we heard similar responses about Dawson.
• we have had some of the best years and highlights of Bud’s career and for that, I’m thankful. I, for one would like to see (at least) one more year of him in red & white - quite some time ago i postulated whether a one year extension at the end of his 9 year contract would be worthwhile - particularly at less money - and I still think on many levels he has a lot to offer the Swans (albeit likely in a different capacity). But I wouldn’t want to see the Swans sell the farm to see it happen.
• ultimately, we as supporters, are often heavily invested emotionally in players, but have no say about player movement. For the club and the player, decisions will be made in each of their best interests. Hopefully they align in both our favours. If they don’t, Bud will be yet another player who moves on from us. There have been many before and undoubtedly will be many after. That’s football.
• for now, Bud is still part of our charge towards finals in 2022. Lance, thanks for your service and the memories (thus far), best of luck for the remainder of 2022, and hope to see you in red and white next season.
• he has been a massive positive at the Swans in so many ways both on and off field.
• Buddy probably doesn’t owe us anything - no more than he owed the Hawks, and less than he owes himself and his family.
• however, Bud got $1M to sit in the coaches box in 2020 and gave us half a season the year before that. He doesn’t owe us for that (that was his contract) but he didn’t have to do a lot for money that he could/should have done a lot with
• he is replaceable. We often play a lot better when he’s out - less predictable
• the reports that he wants to play in another premiership? Our window isn’t closed. He might not actually earn a guaranteed spot in Brisbane’s side come Grand Final day if they make it. They have a fair bit of talent already, whereas we have built our game plan (to a fair degree) around Buddy.
• neither Bud nor the Swans have come out and said anything about him going … yet. I take comfort from Gerard Healy’s comments on Sportsday. Healy (like Neil Cordy) - when it comes to the Swans - doesn’t get caught up in all the hype and often gets more sensible answers from the club.
• not sure how comforted I am by Harley’s comments, however, as we heard similar responses about Dawson.
• we have had some of the best years and highlights of Bud’s career and for that, I’m thankful. I, for one would like to see (at least) one more year of him in red & white - quite some time ago i postulated whether a one year extension at the end of his 9 year contract would be worthwhile - particularly at less money - and I still think on many levels he has a lot to offer the Swans (albeit likely in a different capacity). But I wouldn’t want to see the Swans sell the farm to see it happen.
• ultimately, we as supporters, are often heavily invested emotionally in players, but have no say about player movement. For the club and the player, decisions will be made in each of their best interests. Hopefully they align in both our favours. If they don’t, Bud will be yet another player who moves on from us. There have been many before and undoubtedly will be many after. That’s football.
• for now, Bud is still part of our charge towards finals in 2022. Lance, thanks for your service and the memories (thus far), best of luck for the remainder of 2022, and hope to see you in red and white next season.
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