2016 - Pav's last year.

[StingBitten]

What do you think - sounds unlikely?

At 30 years of age, Pav turns 31 at the end of the year. As his birthday is on 31st of December (well after the football season is over), I think it'd be fair to count this year as a 30 year old.

People keep talking about Pav in the twilight of his career, suggesting he may have only a year or two left at best; but in 2016, Pav will be 34. In football 34 is determinedly old; but we know several players past and present have reached the age and played on (Barry Hall, Boomer Harvey, Dustin Fletcher...etc etc).

It appears to me Pav has the physicality and playing structure like many of the AFL players in this age class and can contribute strongly in a key forward role until then (also assuming he stays on at Freo). Thoughts?

 

[Admiral Byng]

Depends on what the team achieves. If we win a flag in 2013 or 2014 I wouldn't be surprised if he retired.

 

[democritus]

We would have to be impeccable in our management. No more midfield stints, either. A little ambitious but I like your thinking. Going to be a sad, sad day down Freo way when the big man calls it quits!

 

[Moo]

Pav coach in 2017

 

[Wigarus]

Don't even want to think about it

 

[Fred Ziffel]

Pav coach in 2017

Only as an assistant; Ross Lyon is beginning a coaching dynasty and will be in charge at Freo for ten years.
Pav will play at least three more seasons stationed entirely in the forward line. He might even hit 350 games .

 

[Nickos66]

A very 'out there' call. This would fly in the face of any other WA based player that's had to jump on a plane every 2nd week for the duration of his career.. For one thing, do you know how many air trips that is?

 

[Admiral Byng]

For one thing, do you know how many air trips that is?

Perhaps FFC could launch a special "Lear Jet" campaign. To buy a Lear Jet for Sandi, Pav and any other veteran player. Special jumpers and hats, lamingtons and cakes stalls. I'm sure we could raise enough for one small jet.

 

[PapaJ]

2016 would be absolute outside, and unlikely IMHO. 2015 would be optimistic. He's clearly struggling to finish out seasons now and it's not going to get any better, especially if we start getting some consecutive finals going.

 

[DOCKER MAN]

When he does retire, one of the ends at the new stadium should be called the Matthew Pavlich end in his honour and perhaps name the other end after an Eagles champion

 

[Reginald Perrin]

Would it ever be considered to just play him at home to take out the travel impact? (except in finals, of course)

Too difficult to maintain structures, or not?

 

[Darcy 2 Fyfe]

I like the idea of naming an end after him and maybe the other after Sumich. While we're at it I reckon they rename the East Perth lock up to Eagles HQ or the Cousins Can.

 

[Silent Alarm]

You don't carry a team for most of your career without it taking a toll on your body. He was absolutely cooked in the Crows game. And that's remembering that he played as a forward for half the year. I'd say this contract will be his last, and he's always been a club-oriented man – if he feels he's restricting the development of a younger guy, he'll step aside.

The guy is a champion of the game, and there aren't many players who genuinely deserve a flag. For his ability and loyalty, he needs one.

 

[valkorum]

You don't carry a team for most of your career without it taking a toll on your body. He was absolutely cooked in the Crows game. And that's remembering that he played as a forward for half the year. I'd say this contract will be his last, and he's always been a club-oriented man – if he feels he's restricting the development of a younger guy, he'll step aside.

The guy is a champion of the game, and there aren't many players who genuinely deserve a flag. For his ability and loyalty, he needs one.

Only other one I can think of is Robert Harvey.

 

[more_of_bito]

2015 free agent, to go to Adelaide on a 1year $1m contract...

 

[awaremind]

2015 free agent, to go to Adelaide on a 1year $1m contract...

And be playing off for Adelaide against Fremantle in the 2015 GF!

 

[Big Animal]

Pav needs to use this break to get on his wife quick smart (or one or more of the Opals) and start pumping out some young lads (preferably 6-10) so we need to worry less about drafting and just which mini-Pav we are selecting under father-son between 2030 and 2050.

 

[valkorum]

Pav needs to use this break to get on his wife quick smart (or one or more of the Opals) and start pumping out some young lads (preferably 6-10) so we need to worry less about drafting and just which mini-Pav we are selecting under father-son between 2030 and 2050.

If he pumps out 1 year for the next 6 - 10 years then we take a father-son every year Problem solved.

You can hear the commentary. Pavlich kicks it to Pavlich, who marks on the wing who plays on and delivers a lace out pass to Pavlich who marks it on his chest.

 

[Reginald Perrin]

If he pumps out 1 year for the next 6 - 10 years then we take a father-son every year Problem solved.

You can hear the commentary. Pavlich kicks it to Pavlich, who marks on the wing who plays on and delivers a lace out pass to Pavlich who marks it on his chest.

Wouldn't that mean playing Pavlich in the midfield? I thought that was a no go area.

 

[valkorum]

Wouldn't that mean playing Pavlich in the midfield? I thought that was a no go area.

On the wing - Richo style

 

[Nickos66]

Wouldn't that mean playing Pavlich in the midfield? I thought that was a no go area.

He might be the runt of the Pavlich litter..?

 

[BeinPurplenGreen]

Back OT - Pav should get to 300 games. I personally reckon he will still be playing in 2014, given the impending "2sub" rule he shapes as the ideal last quarter (or first quarter) impact forward. So, will he get to 350 games? If he did, I think he would just about be the last player ever to reach that mark - I can't see many current players on our list or any of the other lists reaching 280 let alone 300 games - the Swans are probably the one team that is the exception (Bolton being the latest of several to make 300), plus maybe the Pies...

 

[FUS_RO_DAH]

Sorry for the epic bump, but bored on nightshift and thought this was an interesting and amusing read with the benefit of hindsight.

Great call, StingBitten !

 

[Van_Dyke]

I applaud StingBitten

 

[Seppo]

Fair bump! Play on...