Has anyone actually ever seen Valente?

[Bastyy]

This is very sad, all the best Luke!

 

[Tonga Bob]

That sucks, like really sucks. Wishing all the very best for your future, you magnificent unicorn you.

 

[Freo Shark]

Very sad for Luke. Hope he succeeds in whatever he does in the future. Sounds like a bloke we need to keep around the club so a shame hes going home.

 

[DeanS]

Can you call it a career when he's never played a game?

 

[Belnakor]

Jesus I remember Fyfe talking him up as a rising star winner based on his first look at him in pre-season.
Bloody shame. We've had out share of ultra-talented but hardly-ever-play types now (Ruffles, Apeness spring to mind), they're the ones that leave you with the most what-ifs.

Ruffles and Apeness weren’t that talented.

 

[Gekko71]

Can you call it a career when he's never played a game?

Of course - he showed up, he got paid, he did his best and that all counts. His career may not have ever reached its full potential... but that's no big deal frankly - it's not that uncommon, nor is it something just confined to football.

Really wish I had gotten to see you debut Luke. Please don't let any negative aspects of this experience play on your mind - this role and these events do not define you, and neither will whatever comes next... never confuse what you do for who you are.

All the best mate - god bless and thank you for your service to the cause.

 

[Joose]

I am very much saddened by Luke's retirement - but not surprised. From what I saw of him at Peel on a couple of occasions he was a genuine talent.

However, if a bloke with his ability, hasn't played in his first three years then there is obviously a serious issue.

Correct me if I am wrong but did he not come to us with an existing injury?

 

[theGav56]

I am very much saddened by Luke's retirement - but not surprised. From what I saw of him at Peel on a couple of occasions he was a genuine talent.

However, if a bloke with his ability, hasn't played in his first three years then there is obviously a serious issue.

Correct me if I am wrong but did he not come to us with an existing injury?

Yes he arrived pre-injured.

The club had come to the conclusion we could get ahead of the curve by doing that rather than wait for them to injure themselves in the pre-season.

 

[Square Peg]

Ruffles and Apeness weren’t that talented.

They both had a lot more talent then some of the plodders we've had playing games for us because they were fit

 

[Wilksyy]

Well this thread is shit. Nice omen

 

[BStaff17]

Please dont tell me we will see a pavlich curse with the number 29.

 

[Purple Jesus]

Please dont tell me we will see a pavlich curse with the number 29.

Don't even say it!

 

[Big Animal]

very sad. Thought he had the potential and leadership qualities to make it. But his body clearly said no.

 

[BStaff17]

Anyway its always disappointing when players dont make it. Just goes to show you do need a bit of luck to make it as a professional sportsman with injuries no matter how talented you are.

Wouldn't surprise me that the border closure has sped this decision up 6 to 9 months eariler. If he didnt make it this year. He probably would have been cut.

Not having family around or who can fly over to support him at a moments notice wouldn't have helped things. And if he had picked up another injury he has probs just gone its just not worth putting himself through another 6 months of pain and move onto his next phase.

 

[E Shed]

Ruffles and Apeness weren’t that talented.

Ruffles did some exceptional things. He had real heart & courage too. No guarantees but I’m pretty sure he would have been a very handy half forward or even a wing.

Pitt is another that comes to mind. Genuinely exceptional skills & a good footy brain.

Saddened to hear the news for Valente. Probably would have gotten a debut but for Covid.


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[Purple Jesus]

Between Morabito, Ruffles, Apeness, Benell, Hill (towards the end), Pitt and now Valente - **** me we've had a horror run.

 

[Belnakor]

Ruffles did some exceptional things. He had real heart & courage too. No guarantees but I’m pretty sure he would have been a very handy half forward or even a wing.

Pitt is another that comes to mind. Genuinely exceptional skills & a good footy brain.

Saddened to hear the news for Valente. Probably would have gotten a debut but for Covid.


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Ruffles didn’t have the body to be an afl player. He was like 70kg soaking wet.

Pitt never showed me anything other than a guy with a reasonable kick and absolutely no pace. Pitt was a bad pick even without his heart issues.

 

[FreoRicci]

Pretty hard news. Was progressing okay start of pre season?
What happened in the last month? Muscular issues? Sucks, was really hoping for a consistent year and breakthrough in the midfield.

 

[Bring back Drum]

Very disappointing for him. Something he worked his whole life towards & its taken away before he could live the dream of running out at AFL level. Hopefully he gets the support he needs & maybe look at coaching to stay involved in the game.

 

[Wilksyy]

Hopefully, he’s going to give the SANFL a go. I think he can still make it.

 

[Vintage]

Sad news. good luck Luke

 

[Superkoops]

Pretty hard news. Was progressing okay start of pre season?
What happened in the last month? Muscular issues? Sucks, was really hoping for a consistent year and breakthrough in the midfield.

His groin was playing up again.

 

[Freomaniac]

Gutted he is gone and didnt even get a dockers game. I seriously thought he was gonna get a game in 2020 with all those kids being rotated

 

[FreoRicci]

Gutted he is gone and didnt even get a dockers game. I seriously thought he was gonna get a game in 2020 with all those kids being rotated

Yep. Ditto. Wonder if the personal leave that year or last reevaluated his career and life. Another COVID hub, inured

 

[Righteo]

This is just about the most Dockery™ thing ever.