How should we handle a delicate situation?

[Phat Toni]

Sad to say I think poor old #25 is done, I held hope after he got included and played ok for a few weeks and I know a limited pre-season probably isn't helping him but I think they should announce Lucus's retirement this week, give him a home send off against the Lions and send him on his way.

It's hard because he has been a champion of the club, duel B&F's and all, I have never met him but many who have vouch very highly but the fact is there is no way he plays in the next premiership for Essendon, yet he deserves a send off, not a token role around the ground in a open top in Rd 1 2010.

Thoughts?

 

[Calthorpe14]

I don't think we can afford to retire him now with 4 weeks to go.

Its too big of a risk to say, thanks for everything this is your last game and then have Neagle go down with injury or not perform or Lloyd be out of a longer than expected time.

I wouldn't be playing him this week as his form doesn't warrant selection but if he goes back to the VFL and regains some touch over the next fortnight or so then he could be worth bringing back if we make finals.

 

[FullFathom5]

I can't imagine much upside in the new year or even a Roger Merrett style move up to sunny Queensland. Sorry Scotty.

 

[Barry Zuckercorn]

Phat Toni, you should know how to make this problem "disappear".

 

[ManWithNoName]

Has to be dropped immediately. If we're not in contention for finals come Round 22 then by all means give him a "farewell match". But if we are still in contention then we simply can't afford it.

 

[Daytripper]

Sad to say I think poor old #25 is done, I held hope after he got included and played ok for a few weeks and I know a limited pre-season probably isn't helping him but I think they should announce Lucus's retirement this week, give him a home send off against the Lions and send him on his way.

It's hard because he has been a champion of the club, duel B&F's and all, I have never met him but many who have vouch very highly but the fact is there is no way he plays in the next premiership for Essendon, yet he deserves a send off, not a token role around the ground in a open top in Rd 1 2010.

Thoughts?

I know Scott quite well and he is a terrific bloke. He will know where he is at and what needs to be done. He's not the type to keep playing for his ego.

That said, it would be a mistake IMO to 'retire' him now before the season has finished. We are still a chance at finals and with Lloyd likely to miss more matches he will be a required player up front for the time being.

 

[Donakebab]

Has to be dropped immediately. If we're not in contention for finals come Round 22 then by all means give him a "farewell match". But if we are still in contention then we simply can't afford it.

This.

As unfortunate as it is, we have to admit that Scotty is past it.

 

[Scooter505]

They should realy sort out the forward 50 structure. I mean Lloyd, Lucas and Monfries up the ground and Winderlich at FF? why can't they go Lloyd deep in FF, Lucas at CHF and Monfries doing that lead up the wing stuff that lloyd does. I'd keep Lucas another year just to see how gumbleton pulls up anyway. If he can do the job then it's all good and let lucas go.
The midfield hitting a target inside 50 might help too.

 

[Colin D'Cops]

Is a champion of the club, who has very much rewarded the club with some consistantly awesome performances throughout his years. His time should come to an end at the end of the season, sending a great off early in the season is a little disrespectful in my book so let him play the season out would be logical to me. We're now not looking likely to play finals footy, or even if we do; we wouldn't be able to give finals a fair shake anyway. So there's not a whole lot on the line for the rest of the season for us, lets let the guy go out peacefully and in good spirits. Good community man also, have seen him stop and talk to people in a few local shopping centres throughout his time at the club. Gives 100% all the time, absolutely love him and it'll be an absolute shame that he'll have to hang up the boots but all good things come to an end unfortunately.