Dear Sarge - an open letter.

[markimark]

Sarge,

You've been a favourite crow in our household for a number of years now, and to my eight year old your are more than an idol. He was bitterly disappointed when your knee was injured earlier this year, but determined to watch you in your comeback (you should have seen his eyes light up when he heard you were to start playing again).

To mark your stepping out for North's league side, we made the long trek down to Alberton on Saturday, for what happened to be our very first SANFL game ever.

Roosters’ fans don't be offended, but we where there especially to watch you Sarge and my boy displayed his pride by wearing his number 22 Crows guernsey for all to see (a sight probably not seen too often in the Port heartland).

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and my lad was very impressed with your game. He noticed you smiling in the change rooms after the game, and commented that you've always got a 'smile on your dial'.

I wasn't so sure, as I didn't see you doing a great deal of smiling on the field. You did some great things out there, though you did seem a touch uninterested. I didn't see your normal level of desire for the game.

Maybe you felt like the square peg in the round hole in that Rooster line up, or maybe the knee was niggling you and toying with your confidence?

If there was something bothering you and you were a bit flat, I hope you can sort it out sooner rather than later. All of us here at home want to see you back in the tri-colours, and the opportunity is there for you to grab with strong hands and a straight kick.

That opportunity though, as I'm sure you're aware, is not yours alone.

I don't want you to miss out on this chance to play in a truly tremendous team - and neither does my young lad.

So I want to ask something of you.

I want you to play every minute of every game from now on as if it is your last, and in doing so remind yourself of what that effort and focus could ultimately reward you with in September.

It took passion and courage from my youngster to wear his Crows guernsey into the home of 'Port', and I understand what I ask will require the same from you.

I believe you can deliver. My youngster believes you can deliver, and we trust you believe the same.

We're hoping to see you in September (and before) - with that trademark smile back on your dial!

Regards, best wishes, and good luck.

Markimark and family.

 

[absolutezero]

Was it his first match ever for the Roosters? If it was I can understand his onfield enthusiasim due to not ever playing with the players on the field before. Either way, I think I'd rather have Hentchel back in the team than a not quite there yet Perrie. Not sure if he has the game smarts as the rest of the team, but he has improved lately (being this year). He used to look very lost out their on the field.

 

[doiler]

It was his first game for North since the 2004 finals. Considering he only had a half in the reserves last week, was 1 of 4 targets over 190cm in the forward line, and played as a CHF who lead down the ground I was quite happy with his work rate and endeavour. He seemed to struggle a bit in the 3rd quarter before Jars moved him to a wing and he ran the game out quite well. He also restricted John Baird who averages about 25 touches and 10 marks at half back and stopped a lot of Ports usual movement from defence.
Once he regains some polish with his skills he will look a lot better and I'm sure he'll be back in the Crows lineup sooner rather than later.

 

[RoosterLad]

Gee a lot of criticism of Perrie after his first proper game since his bad injury.

markimark, that game on Saturday was better than most AFL games
compare it to Port vs St Kilda, what a terrible match that was

you should try and get to more SANFL games, this week at Prospect and Perrie should be playing alongside Hudson

 

[markimark]

Gee a lot of criticism of Perrie

That's your view, I though don't see it as critical. Purely some honest observations of, and hopes for a great team player who deserves success in '06 as much as any other Crow.

you should try and get to more SANFL games, this week at Prospect and Perrie should be playing alongside Hudson

Nice suggestion You may just see me there - Prospect is thankfully a lot closer than Alberton.

 

[Alex99]

Nice suggestion You may just see me there - Prospect is thankfully a lot closer than Alberton.

And less criminally minded people.

 

[RoosterLad]

Nice suggestion You may just see me there - Prospect is thankfully a lot closer than Alberton.

Plus its much cleaner and less ferals!

 

[Alex99]

Plus its much cleaner and less ferals!

2 in less than a minute

 

[RoosterLad]

2 in less than a minute

Haha nice one!

 

[markimark]

Now you seem to have the bull by the horns! Great performance yesterday for the Roosters

Keep hold of those horns OK.

Go large Sarge!

 

[markimark]

Sarge, I saw you quoted the other day on your approach to each game you play, that you aim to give it your all every time. Also heard Knuckles say that you've had to deal with post game swelling of your injured knee.

With all that in mind when I look back to your game for the Roosters vs Magpies, I figure the knee really must've been giving you some gip.

I'm short of a ligament in my left knee also and I know how the lack of familiar stability can niggle at your confidence of movement.

All the more credit to you for having the belief and resolve to regain your touch.

I liked your efforts last week vs The Power and hope to see you build on them some more in the weeks to come.

My boys and I haven't jumped ship; we're still right behind you and the rest of the lads.

Hang on to bulls horns for dear life, enjoy the ride and no doubt we will to.

Go Large Sarge!