Player Watch #13: Jai Culley – tears ACL vs Richmond 💔

[Gysberts2Bate]

Had a shot at goal at the end of the game against Geelong in 2020 which would have won the game. That was his 4th game and was definitely playing wing. I'm not sure when he got pushed back, but do remember that game also against Geelong when May got elbowed by Tom Hawkins. Tomlinson played really well on Hawkins and became a mainstayer in the backline until he did his knee.

Gee we got lucky the way that Petty stepped right into that role though.

 

[Gysberts2Bate]

His first ACL was R8 v Richmond at the MCG 2023. Shattering stuff. Wish him well, he was quickly becoming a favourite of mine, given how much he's shown since his first comeback I'm sure he'll smash the recovery.

 

[A11dAtP0w3R]

 

[Lampers]

It's not much, but while most players look devastated after a serious knee injury Culley was looking relatively positive during the rest of the game and after it. Hopefully that attitude will flow into how he approaches his rehab.

It's a blow for the team though. King did mention those points of difference Culley brings in the press conference.

 

[Gysberts2Bate]

It's not much, but while most players look devastated after a serious knee injury Culley was looking relatively positive during the rest of the game and after it. Hopefully that attitude will flow into how he approaches his rehab.

It's a blow for the team though. King did mention those points of difference Culley brings in the press conference.

Will be a big structural loss for us I think

 

[Lord Nev]

It's not much, but while most players look devastated after a serious knee injury Culley was looking relatively positive during the rest of the game and after it. Hopefully that attitude will flow into how he approaches his rehab.

It's a blow for the team though. King did mention those points of difference Culley brings in the press conference.

Not 100% sure on that mate. He was in tears at one stage walking on to the ground I think during one of the breaks. I'm sure he was also putting on a brave face, but when he came onto the bench and then that walk on he was absolutely devastated.

 

[mrmonkey]

Yeah he's a hard player to replace. Not a big accumulator but seems to make a positive impact every time he gets it. Also he's a tall agile midfielder can't think of anyone to be able to fill his role.

 

[Punt Road Feral]

I hope he’s ok, terrible to see a kid go down like that after he’s previously done a long rehab stint.

I heard Xander McGuire suggest it’s not the same knee he’s previously done.

 

[Gysberts2Bate]

Yeah he's a hard player to replace. Not a big accumulator but seems to make a positive impact every time he gets it. Also he's a tall agile midfielder can't think of anyone to be able to fill his role.

Not easy to replace a winger - especially one who has a particular stand out role ie Culley as a marking exit option/part time contested option

 

[schmuttt]

Glad he signed that contract the other week so he at least has some security for a couple of years.

 

[ray_purchase]

I like what he brings to the table, but he will be easy to replace. We have Rivers, Bowey, Lindsay and Salem all to come back in.

 

[Headless]

I like what he brings to the table, but he will be easy to replace. We have Rivers, Bowey, Lindsay and Salem all to come back in.

Not really similar types at all.

 

[ray_purchase]

Not really similar types at all.

No, but other players can be moved around. We have some depth and versatility unlike the last few seasons.

 

[Lampers]

I hope he’s ok, terrible to see a kid go down like that after he’s previously done a long rehab stint.

I heard Xander McGuire suggest it’s not the same knee he’s previously done.

It is the other knee. Not sure if that's good or bad frankly.

Not 100% sure on that mate. He was in tears at one stage walking on to the ground I think during one of the breaks. I'm sure he was also putting on a brave face, but when he came onto the bench and then that walk on he was absolutely devastated.

I must have missed that. Every time I noticed him on the coverage he seemed to be keeping things together.

 

[Lord Nev]

I like what he brings to the table, but he will be easy to replace. We have Rivers, Bowey, Lindsay and Salem all to come back in.

Not sure any of them can replace what he does. They're pretty much all half backs atm, and Culley has been a winger more, and his height has meant he's been a handy link up and mark down the line option, plus he's really good for ground balls. It's not that he's been having a huge impact, but what he does is pretty unique to him.

 

[Topkent]

No one comes close to replacing Culley in the way he plays, but maybe Rivers can step up as a mid, or Paddy cross and Fritsch come up the ground more

 

[The Dr]

Yeah it’ll be interesting who goes to the wing now.

Langdon has been surprisingly good at half back the past few weeks but if Bowey/Lindsay/Salem/Riv come back and play in defence, maybe Langers is the simplest fix for the wing.

 

[jhong]

Surely langdon goes back to the wing ?

 

[EdCurnowRules]

This is awful news re: JC. Wish him a speedy and successful recovery. An aside - you lot must be thrilled with the way things are going. You’re playing really attractive footy this year and have bounced back from last year and the off season enormously. ATB for rattling the top 8 / 10

 

[Scythe]

 

[Scythe]

Knew it was coming, but I'm so sad man. Poor kid

 

[A11dAtP0w3R]

no number update while you updated the thread title Scythe , if this news wasn't bad enough!!

 

[Scythe]

no number update while you updated the thread title Scythe , if this news wasn't bad enough!!

Tulip would be livid

 

[A11dAtP0w3R]

Tulip would be livid

hes OBSESSED with numbers I hear.

 

[ThePuppetMaster]

Poor bastard - he’ll be alright , the way he was moving afterwards it looks like it’s a clean tear without any carnage