Retired #22: Matthew Leuenberger - offered a new deal but chose to retire - 24/10

[BrunoV]

I'm not sure that he's playing as though he'd old and tired. He's consistently been one of our better VFL players.

He's also been pretty dangerous forward.

 

[Lore]

Anyone got a copy of his post match interview from the last televised VFL game?

 

[TheGreatBarryB]

I'm not sure that he's playing as though he'd old and tired. He's consistently been one of our better VFL players.

He's also been pretty dangerous forward.

You mean in VFL? Don’t think I’ve ever seen it in AFL

 

[BrunoV]

You mean in VFL? Don’t think I’ve ever seen it in AFL

Yes VFL. He's monstering guys and kicking goals which big guys don't always do.

 

[Don Won]

He is looking pretty old and tired - I think that would be mainly where it's coming from. Would a 30 year old ruck be happy enough to be a stand-by knowing he's playing majority VFL? If so, I think the club and fan base alike would love to have him back.

He's been an absolute champion about it this year sacrificing his game for Draper's game - and still fitting in some serviceable football. If he sees himself as a ruck-coach long term he has nothing to lose staying on the role (body permitting).

Edit: And if he's really flexible maybe even Rookie list

 

[RedmanWasHere]

If Goddard, Sweet, Hanna, Hollenkamp or Parella have nominated for the draft and have played good enough then select one of them to be Leuenberger's replacement.

 

[Kakkle]

Retirement announced.


Came over to us on a bargain bin contract. Did well in 2016 with what we had, and in 2017/18 was huge in the development of Draper and improvement of Bellchambers. People won't think of his name when it comes to key FA signings, but this has been a really important one for us, and his class will be missed around the club.

 

[DonsRule]

Hope retirement goes well Matty

 

[greysong]

Sad to hear of this retirement. Thought we really could have used him for one more season as insurance for Bellchambers.

 

[Stopher]

Ruck coach? I'd be more comfortable with some insurance between TBC and Draper, now that the big fella has called time.

 

[Whispering_Jack]

Shows the character of the person that he was offered a contract and turned it down as he wouldn't have been able to fully commit to another year as he'd like. I'm sure he's forgone $100-150k+.

 

[Mr Mojo Risin]

Thanks Matty, we’ll reap the benefits of your impact on our group for years.

 

[VelvetSledge]

Shows the character of the person that he was offered a contract and turned it down as he wouldn't have been able to fully commit to another year as he'd like. I'm sure he's forgone $100-150k+.

Probably the most pertinent point in this. What a great bloke!

 

[Milanista28]

Was offered a new deal but chose to retire. Thanks for everything Matty, All the best.

 

[Milanista28]

Probably the most pertinent point in this. What a great bloke!

That and he found the time to thank the Lions as well for giving him his initial shot at the big time, Well done Matty.

 

[anst1ssa]

Good player. Cheers Luey

 

[brutus76]

Thanks Leuey.
By all accounts one of the best clubmen we've had in years. Thanks for everything!

 

[Fin ice Smuggler]

good luck Leunberger, i think the right decision has been made though but we now have to draft another ruck whether that be late pick in national or first up rookie.... unless there is a DFA about or Z Clarke?

 

[Mootsy]

Really helped us in those couple of struggling years.
I think Hooker would make a brilliant Ruckman role replacement.

 

[Snake Charmer]

Shows the character of the person that he was offered a contract and turned it down as he wouldn't have been able to fully commit to another year as he'd like. I'm sure he's forgone $100-150k+.

Came here to say the same thing. Could of been easy money just showing up and going through the motions and playing vfl every week. A real show of character.. what a legend

 

[RedmanWasHere]

good luck Leunberger, i think the right decision has been made though but we now have to draft another ruck whether that be late pick in national or first up rookie.... unless there is a DFA about or Z Clarke?

Other names are:

Dane Hollenkamp.
Jordan Sweet.
Thomas Hallebone.
Darcy Fort.
Mark Baker.
Tim Sullivan.
Jeremy Goddard.

 

[Haychh]

 

[Vander18]

More than decent player, quality bloke.

Thanks for everything big fella.

 

[Don Won]

Cheers Leuy. Class act - loved the way you sacrificed your opportunities in VFL this year to develop Draper. Enjoy a summer without preseason.

 

[vast]

Thanks Matty.

Seems to have really taken Draper under his wing. We could be really benefiting from that for years to come now.