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

[Blind Turn]

Bump.

Thought he played a really nice game today. But the most impressive aspect of the afternoon for Mathew was his post game interview.
So impressive. All he really wanted to talk about was Sam Draper and his development.

That really struck me too. Considering that he is consigned to the ressies now as the break-glass option, you could forgive him for being a little self-focused in trying to regain his position as the primary ruck. But instead he is not only team focused but hell-bent on developing our young ruckman to succeed him next year. Terrific attitude to have for the team.

 

[daffo]

I loved the post game interview.

 

[Vander18]

Quality character.

When he first came to Bombers I saw him play in a scratch match against Geelong VFL. His voice, direction and leadership was really obvious, even in what I think was his first game for the club. I remember being struck by it at the time.

Acceptance of the role he plays with the group has been first class.

 

[astrowizzle]

He's helped bring out the best in bellxhambers also

 

[eth-dog]

Apparently had achilles tightness the past couple of weeks.

 

[ant555]

Sounded like he may have decided to finish at the end of the year. Body not holding up.

 

[vaughany]

Final game of his AFL career on Friday night? Will stick around for VFL finals

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[Kakkle]

The consummate professional. Won't get the fanfare if he does retire, but he has been really important to us.

 

[eth-dog]

The consummate professional. Won't get the fanfare if he does retire, but he has been really important to us.

Was our second most important player in 2016 without a doubt, and arguably up there going into last year as well with Bellchambers' injury troubles and Smack having a poor 2016

 

[Zach Package]

He’s the kinda guy that would say ‘give Sam a game instead’

 

[fairbump_playon]

He’s the kinda guy that would say ‘give Sam a game instead’

Interesting. Could it happen?

 

[bombreys]

He’s the kinda guy that would say ‘give Sam a game instead’

I hope not!

Bellchambers is at the point now where he's going to miss 3-5 games a season. Draper can play in those 3-5 next year.

Give Leuey a send off!

 

[Vander18]

Interesting. Could it happen?

I hope not.

Would love to see Draper but the big Leunyburger deserves a farewell game at senior level. Given very solid service.

 

[Don Won]

Would love it if leuy would go on a year as that ‘break glass in emergency’ guy - we need cover but not someone who expects game time because that will go to Draper.

 

[BrunoV]

Would love it if leuy would go on a year as that ‘break glass in emergency’ guy - we need cover but not someone who expects game time because that will go to Draper.

Agreed though I think that he'd start as the cover for the AFL side, playing the same role he is currently.

It's a very long way for 20yo, 203-205cm soccer convert to have come to be the number 2 ruck on the list in his 3rd year of footy.

They may decide to use Smack but he has
pretty serious deficiencies as the number 1 at AFL level.

 

[Don Won]

Agreed though I think that he'd start as the cover for the AFL side, playing the same role he is currently.

It's a very long way for 20yo, 203-205cm soccer convert to have come to be the number 2 ruck on the list in his 3rd year of footy.

They may decide to use Smack but he has
pretty serious deficiencies as the number 1 at AFL level.

Yeah, that is probably better articulated. You'd want Draper to get a few to a handful of games, but if Belcho went down long-term you couldn't rely on Draper or Smack as a full time proposition.

 

[Keystone agony]

Play both this week. Leuys send off and Drapers development

 

[TheGreatBarryB]

Plenty of time for Draper, what’s the rush? Play Leuey.

 

[West World]

So is Luey done?

Obvoiusly the Eagles are searching high and low for ruck depth / support.

Any chance he plays on mext year elsewhere?

 

[DapperJong]

So is Luey done?

Obvoiusly the Eagles are searching high and low for ruck depth / support.

Any chance he plays on mext year elsewhere?

No, all speculation. In fact I dunno where this is coming from cos at the minute we kinda need him...

 

[kelvin_sheedy]

Retire/Delist. He's cooked. Body is shot.

He's had a pretty decent career considering all the injuries. Could have been a great player if he could of stayed fit for longer.

 

[harro92]

If Leuy is not at the club in 2019 should we bring in a mature ruckman or should we roll with just belly and Draper


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[Bunk Moreland]

If he’s physically capable he must go on next year. 3 rucks in him, Bellchambers and Draper is basically the bare minimum you need.

 

[Fin ice Smuggler]

Free up the salary cap a little and say thanks but see ya later Leunberger.

Get another developing kid in and place more emphasis on Draper to have a big pre-season in a sink or swim approach.

Keep Smack Mckernan though as big body back up.

 

[bombreys]

No, all speculation. In fact I dunno where this is coming from cos at the minute we kinda need him...

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.