Colbert out on own terms
Colbert out on own terms
2:17:30 PM Thu 16 September, 2005
Sportal for afl.com.au
Newly retired Kangaroos defender Leigh Colbert has revealed that a desire to leave the game on his own terms was the driving force behind his decision to hang up the boots, despite many thinking his form still warranted another season at the highest level.
While mentally capable of playing on, Colbert's body, which has undergone surgery 13 times during a 209-game career that spanned 13 seasons, and a desire to avoid finishing his career in the seconds like his uncle, Richmond champion Dale Weightman, convinced him to give the game away.
"I really admire the players that have gone before me who probably retired a little bit earlier than they could have," Colbert said, describing former teammates Anthony Stevens and David King, Carlton champion Andrew McKay and more recently Wayne Campbell, as players who were still playing quality football when they retired.
"It's probably nice to leave on your own terms a little bit as well. I don't think too many players in this day and age get an opportunity for that."
"My uncle at Richmond, he won't mind me saying, his last couple of years he struggled with injury and form as well and ended up playing a lot of reserve grade footy. And that probably hit home a little bit too."
"He was a champion player and probably at the end some players he was playing on wouldn't necessarily (be fit to) carry his bags in when he was fit. Unfortunately, at the end it got the better of him."
While the Kangaroos were prepared to accept Colbert's decision, the courageous defender said coach Dean Laidley did not try to change his mind.
"He hasn't said a whole lot to me. I asked him too about his own situation and they were a little bit similar. Our bodies gave way," he said.
"We'll always catch up. I have a lot of respect for him and he's certainly a guy that's prolonged my career the last couple of years because he's the one bloke that I think that's allowed me to play to the ripe old age of 30."
"We just spoke about our list and where we think we've come from and how it's improved. Also too, I believe we've got some really good talent who can take over my position in the team."
"Joel Perry and, I think, Leigh Brown and Shannon Watt have really been sensational for us this year in terms of their roles within the club. I expect them to come along now and hopefully try and get a few kicks in the backline."
Colbert out on own terms
2:17:30 PM Thu 16 September, 2005
Sportal for afl.com.au
Newly retired Kangaroos defender Leigh Colbert has revealed that a desire to leave the game on his own terms was the driving force behind his decision to hang up the boots, despite many thinking his form still warranted another season at the highest level.
While mentally capable of playing on, Colbert's body, which has undergone surgery 13 times during a 209-game career that spanned 13 seasons, and a desire to avoid finishing his career in the seconds like his uncle, Richmond champion Dale Weightman, convinced him to give the game away.
"I really admire the players that have gone before me who probably retired a little bit earlier than they could have," Colbert said, describing former teammates Anthony Stevens and David King, Carlton champion Andrew McKay and more recently Wayne Campbell, as players who were still playing quality football when they retired.
"It's probably nice to leave on your own terms a little bit as well. I don't think too many players in this day and age get an opportunity for that."
"My uncle at Richmond, he won't mind me saying, his last couple of years he struggled with injury and form as well and ended up playing a lot of reserve grade footy. And that probably hit home a little bit too."
"He was a champion player and probably at the end some players he was playing on wouldn't necessarily (be fit to) carry his bags in when he was fit. Unfortunately, at the end it got the better of him."
While the Kangaroos were prepared to accept Colbert's decision, the courageous defender said coach Dean Laidley did not try to change his mind.
"He hasn't said a whole lot to me. I asked him too about his own situation and they were a little bit similar. Our bodies gave way," he said.
"We'll always catch up. I have a lot of respect for him and he's certainly a guy that's prolonged my career the last couple of years because he's the one bloke that I think that's allowed me to play to the ripe old age of 30."
"We just spoke about our list and where we think we've come from and how it's improved. Also too, I believe we've got some really good talent who can take over my position in the team."
"Joel Perry and, I think, Leigh Brown and Shannon Watt have really been sensational for us this year in terms of their roles within the club. I expect them to come along now and hopefully try and get a few kicks in the backline."
