Wakelin - one more year?

[jefffff34]

Yes or no?

 

[The Royal Sampler]

Yes, in the likely event that this is Presti's last season.

 

[Smoky]

This thread...


Makes me so proud.

 

[smauge]

I'd have him back!

 

[cakewalk_1]

I'd have him back!

Only if Connex get their act together!

He has been exceptional this year. Problem is if he has a bad injury next year at 34 half way through the season it would be sad to see him go out that way.

 

[smauge]

Only if Connex get their act together!

He has been exceptional this year. Problem is if he has a bad injury next year at 34 half way through the season it would be sad to see him go out that way.

That's bit pessimistic isn't it?

 

[Soul_Pie]

His form this year has been remarkable - he's like a rock in defense for us. I reckon he's still got a year in him the way he's going.

 

[stui magpie]

I said "no" and that's not intended as a criticism. I love the work the bloke has done but he's 35 next year. We need a young bloke to stand up down back to help Brown.

Keep on trucking (or training) for 2008 and go out with a bang Wakes, cos you're doing a great job, but for the future, we can't keep ya next year.

 

[ClarkeM]

Yes. He is doing a great job this year.

 

[Shellz]

Having one of his best years... he has to go aroung again! (because I said so!)

 

[Pie Legend]

I think so. In great form

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

I think he'll retire anyway, just like last year for a short while until Clement retired unexpectedly. The only thing that will tempt him is if a couple of other senior players like Presti Burns or Rocca pulls the plug this year, on top of Lonie and Holland who we expect to go. He wont want to take up a spot that the young kids deserve.

 

[HFF]

Hmm. I would much rather Wakelin go on one more year than Presti mostly because of his durability and how his body has held up.

Presti seems fragile at the moment with his body's inability to stand up and I don't think we really need him anymore.

Also we need to provide JA and even Thoolen with opportunities in the backline and continue to develop Goldy down there. Drafting another key defender is also on our wishlist.

Wakelin deserves to make the choice on his future because he has been sensational this season.

 

[Nesian]

I think yes, because I am a great believer of experience, and Wakelin has alot of upside as a mentor to the future backline. Even if he doesnt get nearly as many games nextyear, I think just having him there would be value for the younger guys and if he keeps up his form puts pressure on them. But at the end of the day its up to him. We don't technically need him, I am sure if he said he wanted to stay around, Collingwood wouldnt say no. I think this basically goes for Presti too. He hasn't had the best year cause of injury but experience and veteren of the backline, great mentor for the likes of brown, jack and co.

 

[Texy]

Yes, he's durable and Brown, O'Brien etc. still need help.

 

[Skade]

What a legend.

He's "Da Man"

 

[Krueger]

Why should he make room for anyone? If hes in our best 22 then he stays. The young blokes have to earn their spot imo.

 

[robertg22]

Maybe we can keep him on just to play against Sydney

But yes, I think if he is willing I'd love to see him at the club next year.

 

[DWil6]

I would love to see him school Barry Hall a few more times!

 

[Torpy]

Age should have no bearing on team selection, if you're good enough, you should get picked. The obvious exception to this rule is for the *gasp* tanking teams that want to have a look at the kids.

 

[Art Corvelay]

Absolutely should stay on. Unless Presti tears it up in the VFL he'll be stiffed to be dropped to let Presti back in the side - apart from the Hawthorn game hasn't put a foot wrong.