Delisted #40: Ben Howlett - Not offered a contract for 2018 - 24/10

[Capt Hindsight]

If anyone were to come knocking they would have signed him as an UFA

I think due to the new rookie rules (can play from round 1 regardless of circumstances) that alot of the 2nd chance scenarios at other clubs will be as rookie listed players rather than senior listed.

 

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

Jerret is bloody lucky i tell ya.

 

[Alfred E Neuman]

Thanks for everything Benny.

 

[BigJoeD_]

I always thought he added something to the side despite his limitations, a hardness, even in the games he played this year. I thought he was ok when given an opportunity.

I may be on my own there though

 

[eDPS]

Jerret is bloody lucky i tell ya.

We still have time to announce more, we might be considering wether to re-rookie guys like him and Morgan

 

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

We still have time to announce more, we might be considering wether to re-rookie guys like him and Morgan

I would part with both Morgan and Jerret.

 

[Bombermania]

I would have given him a year as he offers a bit of depth and when he did play was a pretty good contributor but good luck to Benny for his retirement.

 

[Donakebab]

I would part with both Morgan and Jerret.

Can you not. Thread is about Ben, take this s**t elsewhere.

 

[BrunoV]

Equal parts surprised and happy that we have been this ruthless.

It's a throw away line that gets used a lot but Howlett was the epitome of a 'VFL player' as far as I'm concerned. He could dominate a VFL game like few others but never translated that into consistent AFL standard performances as a midfielder. He was good enough forward to have a few big games and to play as a role player but the reality is that his career was extended artificially as part of the fallout of the supplements saga (he would otherwise have become a Blue at the end of 2014 and who knows what would have happened then).

I had a lot of respect for his approach on field where he was tough and selfless. I doubt that he could have gotten much more out of his natural ability so he should be happy with a 100 game career.

 

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

Equal parts surprised and happy that we have been this ruthless.

It's a throw away line that gets used a lot but Howlett was the epitome of a 'VFL player' as far as I'm concerned. He could dominate a VFL game like few we have had but never translated that into consistent AFL standard performances as a midfielder. He was good enough forward to have a few big games and to play as a role player.

Had a lot of respect for his approach on field where he was tough and selfless. I doubt that he could have gotten much more out of his natural ability so he should be happy with his career.

Would be great for our VFL side.

 

[Mercurial89]

Didn't want to hear this news but I guessed it was probably coming.

One of my favourite players and im happy I got the chance to meet him this year.

Good luck on the next step Benny, thanks for everything.

 

[Mootsy]

It's a shame to see him go, good player...

I think there are other teams that would be mad not to consider him.

 

[AcuteWhistle]

Jerret is bloody lucky i tell ya.

Still more likely to be going than staying.

Tough on Ben but it's a heartless business much of the time & this is the correct call.

 

[MarkG]

FWIW he was one of my favourite players. Always gave 100%. No superstar but good enough still to play a role in an AFL team. Reckon Lions or GCS should snap him up.

 

[Beerfish]

His player photo will always have a place on my study wall.

Unless he suits up for The West Coast.

Or wifey cracks it hard enough.

 

[Gumby2Hurley]

giants picked up tendai mzungu and matt de boer last year. Benny could possibly get on a rookie list somewhere.

 

[carnthedons]

I’ll miss the bobcat but if we’re gonna be what we want to, we need better players than him in our 25-35 on the list bracket

 

[84859300]

Had a real soft spot for Ben, as he was a battler and a half when ever he crossed the white line.

As much as he had his stints in the middle, he had some great games going forward for us and snagging goals.

I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't throw his hat in the ring for another crack,as I still think he has some depth to offer a team out of the 8. Maybe Hawthorn could see value in his bullish approach, now they they've shelved Hodge and Lewis over the last two years?

 

[jsd09]

Out: deadwood
In: Players who can find the football and use it.

Was a journeyman and a battler, tried his best but didn't cut the mustard. Was never going to be in a top 4 side let alone one that’s capable of winning a premiership

 

[kelvin_sheedy]

If was a bit bigger,faster, stronger he would have been a great player.

Game too quick for him these days so another great decision

 

[vast]

Thanks and good luck going forward Benny.

 

[blitzer]

Had some good games for us at various times. Including a few blinders but unfortunately most of the time he was just a solid midfielder that got below average numbers except for tackles.

 

[Vander18]

ALWAYS cracked in hard for our beloved Bombers, full respect for the Bobcat.

 

[freddy mercury]

Wouldn’t surprise me if gets picked up

 

[Blind Turn]

The correct decision has been made but I'm sad to see him go.

It was the unnoticed things that made him a great player for our club, in particular when you peered at the tackle column next to his name.

Would love him to continue with the VFL team but I reckon he'll end up back in the WAFL.