Shaun Burgoyne, Gary Ablett and Kade Simpson. Uncertainty on list sizes is making decisions on their futures more difficult.
“The only enemies I’ve got are people I’ve had to terminate. Some of them cut up rough … some don’t forgive you. A lot of people take that to the grave.” – Denis Pagan
There’s more science and touchy feely HR practices around list management these days, but the unexpected tap on the shoulder still burns deeply. Just ask ex-Freo forward Cam McCarthy, who walked out on the Dockers a fortnight ago after having his papers stamped.
In the current environment, with savage cost-cutting to the fore and great uncertainty regarding the structure and frameworks for clubs in the seasons ahead, the business of list management becomes that much more complicated. Little wonder Alistair Clarkson pleaded this week for the AFL to immediately release its plan for list sizes for 2021.
It could make a difference as to whether star utility Shaun Burgoyne plays on at Hawthorn. Likewise, Carlton is dealing with indefatigable veteran Kade Simpson, Geelong has a decision to make with Gary Ablett junior and Fremantle with club great David Mundy.
Ironically, for these ageing champions, the shorter game times in 2020 – and prolonged absence for personal reasons in Ablett’s case – have kept some miles off the legs, leading perhaps to a tempting glance at a one-year extension.
From a club’s perspective, it is no secret that for many coaches, likewise football department managers, ending a player’s career is the most detested aspect of their role. While some take their marching orders on the chin and some receive a lifeline from another club, other players – one would suspect more than most – “cut up rough”.
Irrespective of the manner in which the ending falls, the sense of loss is keenly felt.
The accolades, the status and the intense camaraderie wither. No more the regimented routine, pride of place, enhanced income and competitive outlet. We forget that so much of a player’s identity is forged on the bonds of belonging – to a team, a collective unit, a club defined by colours, codes and rich tradition.
While the loss impacts those with a higher profile and, typically, the extended career that comes with it, it is more likely the lesser lights who leave the AFL scene disgruntled.
Take ex-Tiger Daniel Connors, who in 2012 was found guilty by club officials of the same infraction as Dustin Martin. Connors was a serial offender, Martin less so. You know the rest of the story.
PLEASE HELP US CONTINUE TO THRIVE BY BECOMING AN OFFICIAL FOOTYOLOGY PATRON. JUST CLICK THIS LINK.
As Dusty and his Tigers tore apart the Crows in the 2017 grand final, Connors lamented: “It was a shame how it all ended up … they’re in a grand final and I’m up here in Kalgoorlie.”
More recently, North Melbourne was split down the middle after forcing out the “fab four” of Brent Harvey, Michael Firrito, Drew Petrie and Nick Del Santo at the end of 2016. After debate and angst, only Petrie decided to play on at AFL level, heading to West Coast for 16 more games.
For others, though, the end of the road can be a blessing. According to Matthew Lloyd, particularly after the Bombers parted ways with iconic coach, Kevin Sheedy, retirement was a relief.
“In 2009, I wasn’t enjoying the game whatsoever,” Lloyd recalled. “I knew my time at Essendon was over. I knew the fire had gone. I wasn’t hurting as much after bad performances … and I remember going through the Botanic Gardens, seeing a father chasing his child, thinking, I’d rather be doing that right now, as I’d just had a child.”
Legendary West Coast hard man John Worsfold was prepared to see out the remaining year of his contract, but after a frank discussion with then-coach Mick Malthouse, he happily walked away.
“I was really battling in my last year,” said Worsfold. “With about three games to go, I went to Mick about playing on. He said I was struggling and wasn’t sure if I’d be able to help the team. I wasn’t going to fight through it … I was worn out, physically and mentally. It had become a grind. I’d put my body through a fair bit.”
And remember the cryptic words released by Port Adelaide (SANFL) and Carlton great Craig Bradley, which brought down the curtain on his illustrious career? Perhaps he went out the right way.
With the Blues thrown into chaos in the wake of hard-hitting penalties in 2002 that followed salary cap breaches, Bradley (and, it’s often forgotten, Steve Silvagni) agreed to reverse the decision to retire in order to help the struggling club. Giving it a second thought, both reneged on the decision.
Bradley said, famously: “I would like to make a brief statement in regards to season 2003. Firstly, I’m fit, motivated and confident of being a valuable contributor to the team next season. Secondly, I would like to announce my retirement.”
There will be tough calls to make on playing futures in the weeks ahead. Spare a thought for those about to receive some bad news.
