Never been more proud to be a Saints Supporter!

[saint75]

After watching the interview with Gary Ablett, I have NEVER been more proud to be a St Kilda Supporter or more proud of our players!

To those that justify his decision with money and new challenges, they are not seeing the bigger picture. Gary Ablett was NEVER going to be short of money or options to make a hell of a lot of money regardless of where he chose to play. He was going to face a massive challenge with Geelong this year keeping the team up to the halcyon heights it has hit in the last 3 years and with the coaching turmoil that will ensue in the following weeks. So the 'new challenge' theme doesn't wash either.

To hear him claim 'it is just a game' riles me. His face after that final where they were knocked out speaks volumes. IT IS NOT just a game. To those of us who follow our team and those that play for them can testify to that. BJ pumping his fist over his heart in GF Mk I is a prime example.

I am just so damn proud of our players for resisting the urge to leave for more money and for staying for sheer loyalty and love of our great club. If that does not inspire us Saints fans to cheer louder and prouder on Saturday, nothing ever will!!!

[chook23]

What did you expect him to say?

Handled himself very well

more proud?? of ours......................hmm

just glad it is not one of ours

Given the offer

[Thinline]

He delivered nine years, a life in the spotlight and two flags to a club that hadn't won donuts in 50 years and you're judging him for making a decision that's in his best interests.

I think that's silly.

[saint75]

What did you expect him to say?

Handled himself very well

more proud?? of ours......................hmm

just glad it is not one of ours

Given the offer

Didn't expect to hear him say anything differently. What can you say once the decision was made? Thought he handled himself quite well. That is not the point.

The point of this thread is that OUR players, Roo in particular, chose loyalty and love of this club over any other incentives. Roo was the one in their sights initially but he put a very quick end to that speculation.

I realise that there are always going to be players that move on through their choice or the clubs. That is a fact of life. However, a player of the calibre of Ablett and the ties and the history of his family at the club would make it all the harder to swallow.

[saint75]

He delivered nine years, a life in the spotlight and two flags to a club that hadn't won donuts in 50 years and you're judging him for making a decision that's in his best interests.

I think that's silly.

Geelong and their supporters gave him nothing in return? It was not a one sided situation. That is silly.

AFL is NOT just a game. To a lot of people, players included, it is a hell of a lot more than that. Look at the members of this forum for example. We live and breathe this club during football season (and for some of us, off it).

[saintly]

What did you expect him to say?

Handled himself very well

more proud?? of ours......................hmm

just glad it is not one of ours

Given the offer

yep have to vagree with you.

if any of our players were uncracted and offered 1.5 mill per year, how many would say no becuase they love the club. very few.

just be glad its not ours (as yet) still there are uncontacted players on our list, and there is GWS next year looming.

[Thinline]

Put it this way: if Riewoldt had helped us to that same number of flags over the same period despite hating his coach and then packed his bags I'd be disappointed but unsurprised. But I'd still have the flags. And the memories of Roo holding up the cup. And two or three draft picks for the trouble.

And as for your original post: he was arguably best on in that prelim in a team that got right royally pumped and you are somehow questioning his integrity as a player or bloke?

That's beyond silly. That's just absurd.

At the end of everything - if it's more than a game, what is it?

I pay a membership. I scream up my guts at the games I get to go too. I plaster myself in club colours. I'm passionate as all hell. I want flags up to my armpits. But it's a game I'm watching. I'm not kidding myself otherwise.

[bigred]

Put it this way: if Riewoldt had helped us to that same number of flags over the same period despite hating his coach and then packed his bags I'd be disappointed but unsurprised. But I'd still have the flags. And the memories of Roo holding up the cup. And two or three draft picks for the trouble.

Far out, if Roo had helped us to two flags in three years, won a brownlow and been a standout player in a team full of obscene talent. Then was offered almost TWO MILLION dollars to go play elsewhere... For the last few seasons.

I would be shattered, but I would understand it.

You gotta understand that it is their livelyhood. Ablett would be a fool not to maximise his earnings in his last few seasons.

[ChicagoSaint]

yep have to vagree with you.

i'm also in complete vagreement.

[saint75]

Put it this way: if Riewoldt had helped us to that same number of flags over the same period despite hating his coach and then packed his bags I'd be disappointed but unsurprised. But I'd still have the flags. And the memories of Roo holding up the cup. And two or three draft picks for the trouble.

And as for your original post: he was arguably best on in that prelim in a team that got right royally pumped and you are somehow questioning his integrity as a player or bloke?

That's beyond silly. That's just absurd.

No, you have completely misread what was intended. The look of emotion on his face clearly proved this is more than just a game. Not one comment was made in regards to his performance as he was brilliant on that night. No one could question that performance from him - if they do, they know nothing about football.

At the end of everything - if it's more than a game, what is it?

I pay a membership. I scream up my guts at the games I get to go too. I plaster myself in club colours. I'm passionate as all hell. I want flags up to my armpits. But it's a game I'm watching. I'm not kidding myself otherwise.

That is a very interesting point. Some say 'it is just a game'. Fair enough. Let us go with that train of thought. How many people do you know that would put their own financial security at risk to make it to not just 1, but 2 GF's in the one year? I know people that have over the last week and have read of a couple on here that have done the same.

Also, almost every single post on here over the past 2 weeks contradicts that theory. We seem to be 'calm and rational' and run with the 'it is just a game' line when it is Gary Ablett leaving for the GCS. However, our second (sorry third...) GF appearance in just over 12 months has got most of us bleeding for the red, white and black and getting us all so emotionally overwrought and drained in the past 2 weeks that it is ridiculous.

I suppose it is up to the individual as to how they see it, but to me, if Roo had left for the GCS I would have been absolutely devastated and inconsolable for at least 6 months. But heck, it is just game.......

[Thinline]

I understand that.

But, as C Judd so poignantly pointed out when considering the plight of Jim Stynes - 'It's all make believe'.

It's a game. The rest is just the clothes people choose to put on their favourite toy.

[saintly]

Put it this way: if Riewoldt had helped us to that same number of flags over the same period despite hating his coach and then packed his bags I'd be disappointed but unsurprised. But I'd still have the flags. And the memories of Roo holding up the cup. And two or three draft picks for the trouble.

Far out, if Roo had helped us to two flags in three years, won a brownlow and been a standout player in a team full of obscene talent. Then was offered almost TWO MILLION dollars to go play elsewhere... For the last few seasons.

I would be shattered, but I would understand it.

You gotta understand that it is their livelyhood. Ablett would be a fool not to maximise his earnings in his last few seasons.

not sure i would be shatter, i would be unhappy. then i'd think, well two first round draft picks. for a 27 year old. at least there is compensation of sorts. and it would help the salary cap.

[LaUrEnCe]

I think fair enough that he goes, he's done everything at Geelong and is doubling his salary. Even cats supporters would understand..
But surprised if he said "it's just a game," would be a bit soul crushing for cats fans.

[SainterK]

I think fair enough that he goes, he's done everything at Geelong and is doubling his salary. Even cats supporters would understand..
But surprised if he said "it's just a game," would be a bit soul crushing for cats fans.

He sooks an awful lot for someone who think's it's only just a game

[Thinline]

I think fair enough that he goes, he's done everything at Geelong and is doubling his salary. Even cats supporters would understand..
But surprised if he said "it's just a game," would be a bit soul crushing for cats fans.

He sooks an awful lot for someone who think's it's only just a game

On that it'll be interesting to see how he goes in a team that won't win much.

[saint75]

I think fair enough that he goes, he's done everything at Geelong and is doubling his salary. Even cats supporters would understand..
But surprised if he said "it's just a game," would be a bit soul crushing for cats fans.

He sooks an awful lot for someone who think's it's only just a game

On that it'll be interesting to see how he goes in a team that won't win much.

Next year should be very, very interesting.

[Richter]

I think fair enough that he goes, he's done everything at Geelong and is doubling his salary. Even cats supporters would understand..
But surprised if he said "it's just a game," would be a bit soul crushing for cats fans.

He sooks an awful lot for someone who think's it's only just a game

On that it'll be interesting to see how he goes in a team that won't win much.

You reckon? They look like they're amassing a handy pool of talent to me.

A whole bunch of first rounders last year and this, plus some elite talent already put away.... Will be interesting that's for sure.

[Thinline]

I think fair enough that he goes, he's done everything at Geelong and is doubling his salary. Even cats supporters would understand..
But surprised if he said "it's just a game," would be a bit soul crushing for cats fans.

He sooks an awful lot for someone who think's it's only just a game

On that it'll be interesting to see how he goes in a team that won't win much.

You reckon? They look like they're amassing a handy pool of talent to me.

A whole bunch of first rounders last year and this, plus some elite talent already put away.... Will be interesting that's for sure.

Was talking more about on-field demeanour. Yep. Watch this space with that mob.

[Beej]

Put it this way: if Riewoldt had helped us to that same number of flags over the same period despite hating his coach and then packed his bags I'd be disappointed but unsurprised. But I'd still have the flags. And the memories of Roo holding up the cup. And two or three draft picks for the trouble.

Far out, if Roo had helped us to two flags in three years, won a brownlow and been a standout player in a team full of obscene talent. Then was offered almost TWO MILLION dollars to go play elsewhere... For the last few seasons.

I would be shattered, but I would understand it.

You gotta understand that it is their livelyhood. Ablett would be a fool not to maximise his earnings in his last few seasons.

Exactly.

Ablett had nothing left to prove at Geelong, nothing left to win. He'd done it all.

If Roo was in exactly the same situation, I wouldn't be so naive to think that he would turn down the same money to stay at St Kilda.

In fact, it's ridiculous to think he would and to suggest otherwise you must be either living a fantasy or stuck in the 1950s.

If Carlton offered Jack Dyer one thousand schillings to wear the navy blue, even he would've been out of there!

Money has changed the game and will continue to change the game.

Wait until free-agency comes in. If you think think loyalty in football is dying, just wait!

[Birdman]

After watching the interview with Gary Ablett, I have NEVER been more proud to be a St Kilda Supporter or more proud of our players!

True that our players who have stuck around in the face of better offers have been very loyal and I too am proud.

Convenient also that those who haven't stuck around are no longer "our players". (Remember Luke Ball?)

So, yeah, "our players" who are still our players have been loyal, and I LOVE them for it.

Just remember, for us it's out team and our heritage. For them it's their job, how they feed and clothe their families, how they pay for their kids education and holidays. I love the Saints, but I love my kids and family more. So I don't blame any player for maximizing his income while he can.

End rant.

[saintsRrising]

$2 million per year....is TWO million per year!!!!!!!!!!!

Or if you will...about an extra $1.1 million a year to go North.

...and who knows what Nathan may be paid.......

[Thinline]

After watching the interview with Gary Ablett, I have NEVER been more proud to be a St Kilda Supporter or more proud of our players!

True that our players who have stuck around in the face of better offers have been very loyal and I too am proud.

Convenient also that those who haven't stuck around are no longer "our players". (Remember Luke Ball?)

So, yeah, "our players" who are still our players have been loyal, and I LOVE them for it.

.

Who says any of our guys were actually approached?

Just a thought...

[Birdman]

Who says any of our guys were actually approached?

Just a thought...

True. What I was trying to say is that I LOVE all our players, whether they have always been Saints or came from other clubs. And those who have left are no longer "our players", so I don't care.

Happy for them all to make the most of their opportunities.

[plugger66]

Comparing Ablett going to Rooy staying is ridiculous. Ablett has won 2 flags and the Cats are probably on the way down and he will be captain. Roo is captain and as yet this group has nothing to show. Lets see what happens to some of our players if we are lucky enough to win to flags. Ablett has done the right and only thing he could do.

[OneEyedSainter77]

I already gave my opinion but I'm with bigred and thinline on this one.

IF Roo had've done this to us after winning us two flags, pulling us from the bottom and giving us many years of fabulous service, I'd be like "thanks Roo, good luck in the future" - no hard feelings and no bitter feelings whatsoever.

If you think about it in a business sense, you're earning decent coin for a very successful company, that you've been employed with for a long time - then when it comes time to review your pay, they give you the same thing you've been getting.

Another up and coming similar company wants you to work for them in a fresh environment, and want to offer you a much more lucrative salary with better perks, relocation compensation, etc - you can't tell me you wouldn't take that offer.

Footy is Gary's business. Perhaps he has another five or seven years left - but after that, he won't be getting paid anywhere near that much - so what's wrong with setting yourself up for retirement?

Anyway, that's my thoughts on the whole matter.