Ben Hart

[Drummond]

The guy is a champion and has been one of the best players to ever play for the AFC. He started off the season in terrific form however ever since he broke his arm against Richmond he has been in and out of the side with injuries, and when he has been fit his form has been well below what we’ve come to expect. Now I know he’s been a champion, but surely he cannot come straight back into the side? His form prior to the Achilles injury was terrible and I cannot see a spot for him in the side. You can’t drop Torney as he has been great over the last few weeks, and it pains me to say this but if he puts his hand up for selection I don’t want him recalled.

 

[macca23]

Can't be picked. Just can't be.

Ben Hart is a legend and he should retire at the end of this season to ensure that he remains one.

 

[Alex99]

The guy is a champion and has been one of the best players to ever play for the AFC. He started off the season in terrific form however ever since he broke his arm against Richmond he has been in and out of the side with injuries, and when he has been fit his form has been well below what we’ve come to expect. Now I know he’s been a champion, but surely he cannot come straight back into the side? His form prior to the Achilles injury was terrible and I cannot see a spot for him in the side. You can’t drop Torney as he has been great over the last few weeks, and it pains me to say this but if he puts his hand up for selection I don’t want him recalled.

John Reid said on 5AA that if Ben Hart can proves his fitness he would not necessarily come straight back into the Crows side, meaning he would come back via North Adelaide

 

[kimirocks]

Team before individuals. He can't be brought back in, simple as that. He ha been an out an out champion, but we can't risk losing a premiership if we are there on the day, because we wanted to play him.

 

[beartoo]

Have to agree with posts above. Sad, sad days for Ben Hart. What a champ. What a team man. What a player for the AFC. The premiership will be sweet if we win it, but tinged with regret that Ben did not play on the day.
I think he will retire at year's end. Hope he doesn't have to be pushed.

 

[-CG-]

Wasn't there some talk about him possibly lining up for North this weekend?

 

[WaynesWorld19]

He won't play....but injuries could occur in the prelim final and it will be neccessary to keep the hopes/motivation of all players on the track in case their needed.

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

Benny's form was great up to when he broke his arm - nearly the Benny of old. Prior to his latest injury, he shouldn't have been playing IMO, as clearly wasn't anywhere near 100%.

Having said that, there is no way Ben should come in this year ahead of the likes of JT, Massie or Stevens. This would set a poor precedent. ie. Only a chance if we get a run on injuries.

For next year, if Ben can get over his injuries, then I still reckon there is a chance he will play on, as he was still playing good footy earlier this year ... but much may depend on other delistings/tradings. eg. Would we prefer Hart &/or Clarke to play on ... or neither?

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Benny's form was great up to when he broke his arm - nearly the Benny of old. Prior to his latest injury, he shouldn't have been playing IMO, as clearly wasn't anywhere near 100%.

Having said that, there is no way Ben should come in this year ahead of the likes of JT, Massie or Stevens. This would set a poor precedent. ie. Only a chance if we get a run on injuries.

For next year, if Ben can get over his injuries, then I still reckon there is a chance he will play on, as he was still playing good footy earlier this year ... but much may depend on other delistings/tradings. eg. Would we prefer Hart &/or Clarke to play on ... or neither?

Very happy for Hart to go on......for anyone who has had a major arm injury...getting back to play good footy is TOUGH.

You lose strength in the arms, lose touch, affects tackling, and does impact on confidence.

He'll be better next season and his average is still better than some players best.

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

Both Hart and Clarke could play on.

The AFC have enough know-how to manage them through a season, reduce their workload, swimming and cycling programs, recovery management etc. Avoid road trips to QLD and WA, strategic games off and all the rest.

Initially I wanted Hart to play on. The more I think about it though, the more I think that for the betterment of the club, they both need to retire. Knights, Maric, Meesen, Porplyzia, Vince, van Berlo, Douglas etc need regular games next season. Hinge and Pfieffer need a taste. And Thompson, Johncock, Reilly etc need to work their way into leadership roles.

We have more than enough experienced players to get us through. There will be a transition period over the next three seasons as our veterans make way. It is important that this is a gradual process rather than having a few players cling on and have a whole bunch retire at the same time.

 

[Mad Dog]

Hart won't come in this week or next.

Beyond that - there are some very interesting decisions for both Ben and the Club ahead. Ben could be squeezed to the periphery next year if the playing roster evolves the way most of us want it to.......but I will have more to say about that once the season finishes.

Benny is a champ - I love him (not gay)........but I was very dissapointed with the way Smart went out.....and I wouldn't want to see Ben go the same way. I hope he plays on - but not in a diminished role.

 

[jc67]

I've always rated him, and i never thought i would be thinking this way but it's past him and in the bits and pieces he has been seen whilst injured has been a bit "me too ish" with Burton and Macca being the focus.
He must know its all memories for him but admitting it will be incredibly difficult for him (more than most others).

Imagine if your entire adult life you were treated like a hero, and then all of a sudden the worshipers started looking elsewhere, and then they start to turn against you.
You would probably want to prove them wrong or at least go out on your terms.


Benny if your reading this Take JR's advice and make that "your terms"

Starting 18 in the greatest ever SA side

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

Very happy for Hart to go on......for anyone who has had a major arm injury...getting back to play good footy is TOUGH.

You lose strength in the arms, lose touch, affects tackling, and does impact on confidence.

He'll be better next season and his average is still better than some players best.

Thats my thinking too.

To free up spots on our list this year, I would prefer to trade up in the draft with fringe players, even if it just means getting a higher 3rd round pick, etc

 

[macca23]

Both Hart and Clarke could play on.

The AFC have enough know-how to manage them through a season, reduce their workload, swimming and cycling programs, recovery management etc. Avoid road trips to QLD and WA, strategic games off and all the rest.

Initially I wanted Hart to play on. The more I think about it though, the more I think that for the betterment of the club, they both need to retire. Knights, Maric, Meesen, Porplyzia, Vince, van Berlo, Douglas etc need regular games next season. Hinge and Pfieffer need a taste. And Thompson, Johncock, Reilly etc need to work their way into leadership roles.

We have more than enough experienced players to get us through. There will be a transition period over the next three seasons as our veterans make way. It is important that this is a gradual process rather than having a few players cling on and have a whole bunch retire at the same time.

Very thoughtful post, which I totally agree with.

The last paragraph says it all really.