Bye Roo

[fightingdreamer88]

There is no justice in this game. Ricciuto was much more deserving of the win to keep his flag dream alive than Vandenberg, who may be a decent leader but hasn't given the heart and soul that Roo has to his club.

 

[crow87]

Dont take it personally Macca, he seems to be a pretty shy country bloke from what we've seen. Yesterday he would have been extremely disappointed and close to a state of shock that his career is over-not suprise as in expected to thrash the hawks but it would have hit him like a truck. Also I dont think he was very happy with how he played and a little embarrassed. Players are always going to be more accomidating to kids than adults, and I dont blame them. At the end of the day someone like Roo is not different to you or I, just that he's played very good football at AFL level and happens to be quite well known. How would you handle people coming up to you all the time asking for autographs, photos etc, I understand its all part of it but its not as easy as some would think. (Thankyou Dr Phil )

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

Link me to where I said he was never approachable

Funny that in the 3 years I have been posting on this board not once have I seen you mention this issue before.

 

[maccas_no1]

I find it odd that you can criticise someone for being unapproachable if you've "never bothered to ask him for anything"

You need to learn to read.

I think it was back in 1999 at an aftermatch asking for his autograph(I got it) that I had made my mind up on him off the feild. I have never approached him again

 

[maccas_no1]

Funny that in the 3 years I have been posting on this board not once have I seen you mention this issue before.

I think people know who they can approach and whom they can, I mean the perfect world all players would be equally as approachable as each other, but they are human so that will never be. I was really disapointed with how it all ended, and many of the AFC supporters who were at the game were equally disapointed, and I think when Mark looks back and says well my last game I had dog of a game, but I also didnt give the send off to the people who have supported me through my career the thanks either.

 

[jenny61_99]

Dont take it personally Macca, he seems to be a pretty shy country bloke from what we've seen. Yesterday he would have been extremely disappointed and close to a state of shock that his career is over-not suprise as in expected to thrash the hawks but it would have hit him like a truck. Also I dont think he was very happy with how he played and a little embarrassed. Players are always going to be more accomidating to kids than adults, and I dont blame them. At the end of the day someone like Roo is not different to you or I, just that he's played very good football at AFL level and happens to be quite well known. How would you handle people coming up to you all the time asking for autographs, photos etc, I understand its all part of it but its not as easy as some would think. (Thankyou Dr Phil )

I think what you say is spot on re why he left the ground in a hurry, not wanting fan fare or fuss. He was embarrassed by his performance and the decision to play. He was embarrassed for letting the team down by putting his hand up to play.

The problem with our sports crazy country is that kids and adults alike seem to idolise these players. He was an out and out champion and everyone wanted a piece of him. As Captain, though, he really did need to have a better way of dealing with this if he hated it so much. There are many things I could tell you, but won't, that would explain why Marty and I both have this opinion of Roo. But I don't want to tarnish what was a fantastic career because of his poor people skills. I have to say though, because of my experiences with Roo, he will never be my all time favourite player - even though I acknowledge he was one of the best.

 

[Southerntakeover]

I think people know who they can approach and whom they can, I mean the perfect world all players would be equally as approachable as each other, but they are human so that will never be. I was really disapointed with how it all ended, and many of the AFC supporters who were at the game were equally disapointed, and I think when Mark looks back and says well my last game I had dog of a game, but I also didnt give the send off to the people who have supported me through my career the thanks either.

Look, im not going to buy into the 'is roo approachable' debate, except to say that on the one occasion i saw him in the shed, he signed my guernsey no hassles.

Im not sure what your point is though. You say that players are human, and not all are extroverted in their ability to deal with fans. Why then is it such a big deal to you that Roo was reserved after such a shattering loss.

 

[jenny61_99]

Look, im not going to buy into the 'is roo approachable' debate, except to say that on the one occasion i saw him in the shed, he signed my guernsey no hassles.

Im not sure what your point is though. You say that players are human, and not all are extroverted in their ability to deal with fans. Why then is it such a big deal to you that Roo was reserved after such a shattering loss.

I think maybe because his fans deserved better? Actually, I think the footy world deserved better. Seeing how Sheeds, Hird etc etc were sent off last week, and here we have this legend, walking off without even so much as acknowledging the crowd, was very, very disappointing.

 

[maccas_no1]

Look, im not going to buy into the 'is roo approachable' debate, except to say that on the one occasion i saw him in the shed, he signed my guernsey no hassles.

Im not sure what your point is though. You say that players are human, and not all are extroverted in their ability to deal with fans. Why then is it such a big deal to you that Roo was reserved after such a shattering loss.

Just as whole I thought it was disapointing, he had a dirty day, but the AFC supporters wanted to send Riccuito off in a fitting way, celebrate his career for what it was and thank him for his contribution to the AFC, maybe even shed a tear with him, we were never given that chance.

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

Wind it up will you. You 2 are looking more stupid by the minute.

 

[maccas_no1]

Wind it up will you. You 2 are looking more stupid by the minute.

Good to see you show your lack of any grey matter what-so-ever

 

[Stiffy_18]

I have had numerous opportunities to deal with Roo over the years and I must say that not once did I experience any reluctance or anything such from the man. In fact he has been super approachable to anyone wanting to have a chat or get an autograph or anything like that. I have shitload of signed Roo memorabilia including my birthday present from 2005, a large signed picture of Roo. My GF at the time asked my mate if he could somehow get in contact with Roo to sign the photo and he was more than willing. The photo was taken to the club and was personally signed by the great man.

There was an incident on one of those Norwood trials going back a few years when I accidentaly walked into the stand and area that was reserved for players and their invitees. When the security realised that I was a joe bloggs off the street they asked me to leave but Roo told them that it was OK and I was with him. Not only did I have the priviledge to sit with players and their guest for that day, Roo also made sure that my mates who were running late were also with us. Roo had a thumb injury at the time and didn't play.

I just don't understand this Roo bashing because over the years in all my dealings with him directly or indirectly he has been nothing short of sensational. A champion player and a champion bloke!

 

[King Elvis]

He walked off the ground in tears yesterday.

Without buying into other times and places, he was obviously shattered.

 

[maccas_no1]

I have had numerous opportunities to deal with Roo over the years and I must say that not once did I experience any reluctance or anything such from the man. In fact he has been super approachable to anyone wanting to have a chat or get an autograph or anything like that. I have shitload of signed Roo memorabilia including my birthday present from 2005, a large signed picture of Roo. My GF at the time asked my mate if he could somehow get in contact with Roo to sign the photo and he was more than willing. The photo was taken to the club and was personally signed by the great man.

There was an incident on one of those Norwood trials going back a few years when I accidentaly walked into the stand and area that was reserved for players and their invitees. When the security realised that I was a joe bloggs off the street they asked me to leave but Roo told them that it was OK and I was with him. Not only did I have the priviledge to sit with players and their guest for that day, Roo also made sure that my mates who were running late were also with us. Roo had a thumb injury at the time and didn't play.

I just don't understand this Roo bashing because over the years in all my dealings with him directly or indirectly he has been nothing short of sensational. A champion player and a champion bloke!

I agree, Im sure alot of AFC supporters havent had a problem with him at all, maybe I caught him on bad day or Ive seen him at other functions and he hasnt been in the right frame of mind Im not sure.

At the end of the day I thought and many others thought it was a poor way to end a great career.

 

[Stiffy_18]

I agree, Im sure alot of AFC supporters havent had a problem with him at all, maybe I caught him on bad day or Ive seen him at other functions and he hasnt been in the right frame of mind Im not sure.

At the end of the day I thought and many others thought it was a poor way to end a great career.

Everything I know about Roo tells me that he is not one for great fan fare.

We got beaten in the last seconds of the game in finals, he had possibly THE worst game of his career which just happens to be his last. The last thing on his mind would have been to go around and high five the supporters. If he did that my opinion of him would have somewhat gone down a peg. The team was shattered, he was shattered and he didn't want to be carried on or "appreciated" because the team lost.

Goodwin was on the radio afterwards and he said that players wanted to carry him off but Roo politely refused because we lost the game. From all my dealing with Roo over the years he is a very selfless person who doesn't look for the attention. Its all about the team. He is a giving person. He felt like he let the team down yesterday and the last thing he thought would be appropriate was for him to be carried off the ground or high five the fans. He gave a wave to the fans when he was walking off.

If anything, my respect for him has grown in that he didn't want to have that moment in the sun because the team lost and he had a game to forget.

 

[-WWJD-]

Well said Stiffy. Very well said.

 

[Southerntakeover]

I think maybe because his fans deserved better? Actually, I think the footy world deserved better. Seeing how Sheeds, Hird etc etc were sent off last week, and here we have this legend, walking off without even so much as acknowledging the crowd, was very, very disappointing.

Deserved better? Because he didnt do a friggin lap of honour? What a load of crap.

The man gave us every drop of blood sweat and tears he had on the field. For that, and the memories, im eternally grateful. I certainly dont feel he owes me anything.

Just as whole I thought it was disapointing, he had a dirty day, but the AFC supporters wanted to send Riccuito off in a fitting way, celebrate his career for what it was and thank him for his contribution to the AFC, maybe even shed a tear with him, we were never given that chance.

So, your gripe is that he didnt feel like waiting around and crying with you? Ok. I might have passed on that one in his shoes as well.

 

[Blue Red and Gold]

find a new team maccas I have just about had enough of your whinging.

biggest tosser on BF

 

[Geoffa32]

Roo would not want a James Hird send off....Nothing short of a GF victory would of changed the way he went off the field yesterday...Sure he had a bad day, but if he kicked 10 goals and we still lost it, he would of been the same.

Roo is team man. I doubt he would of played just to beat Harts record. Againt Collingwood he kicked two vital goals in the last quarter...If he passed all the fitness tests we was right to play.

Unfortunatley a fitness test is not the same as a game and he was found out early in the game.

The limited dealing I have had with him, he has been nothing but a normal bloke....

 

[CaptainDangerfield]

find a new team maccas I have just about had enough of your whinging.

biggest tosser on BF

I had a BBQ at my place last night and I promised my guests that Roo would at least drop in for at quick coldie to thank us for our support. We waited all night, the bast*rd didn't even call.

 

[Mad Dog]

You need to learn to read.

You know what Ive never bothered to ask, why because of what I may face if I do, that was his attitude.
.

as do you......

 

[Mad Dog]

I agree, Im sure alot of AFC supporters havent had a problem with him at all, maybe I caught him on bad day or Ive seen him at other functions and he hasnt been in the right frame of mind Im not sure.

At the end of the day I thought and many others thought it was a poor way to end a great career.

you are a fair dinkum hypocrite..........

 

[Red Crow]

Congrats Roo... an absolute champion!

I have made a desktop wallpaper in dedication of the great man.

Feel free to use it yourself if you like. It is in 1028x764 size, but looks great centered on a widescreen 1440x900 screen like mine.

Its too big to post the image itself, so I'll just supply a link.

http://s162.photobucket.com/albums/t275/crow28_album/?action=view&current=Wallpaper_Ricciuto.jpg

Thanks also goes to 21Knights for the great photo courtesy of his "Gun Shots" thread in bay114.

 

[swanfan]

Great player. Great club man. The epitome of greatness at the AFC. Thanks for everything Roo, We are going to miss you.

 

[- PC -]

I had a BBQ at my place last night and I promised my guests that Roo would at least drop in for at quick coldie to thank us for our support. We waited all night, the bast*rd didn't even call.

I was in the 2nd level... spewing he didnt do a Pat Cash and come and see me....and to think I spent my hard earned getting to TD