September
16.09.2010 | Posted in Commentary by Michael Malthouse | 9 comments
September is a big month in AFL football. It’s finals time of course, and the chance to play off in a Grand Final – the ultimate endeavor for every club. However it’s also a time of reflection and high emotion as clubs and players part ways, for various reasons.
Whether it’s for retirement, an opportunity elsewhere or a difference of opinion on capabilities, it’s never easy to say goodbye to a young man who has been under your charge and who has given everything of himself to the club.
We said farewell to two outstanding men last week.
Shane O’Bree came to Collingwood from Brisbane in 2000 and has been a permanent fixture of the team since then. He has excellent knowledge of the game, great leadership qualities and is a wonderful clubman. He will be a major asset for the Gold Coast Suns working with the young kids, and coach Guy McKenna.
Sean Rusling was the other player to retire, and who could blame him after injury forced his hand – shoulder reconstructions and broken collarbones among the ailments that kept him out of all but 17 games in four seasons. He gave his all for his dream of playing AFL, and with a natural talent it is heartbreaking to watch a kid like Sean have to walk away from the game.
Every player that moves on this season – and it happens at all clubs, some surprising and others not - will never be forgotten. They have contributed to the club in their own way and become part of the fabric, so it is never easy for the player to go under any circumstances, and never easy for the club and it’s people (and perhaps especially the coach) to say goodbye.
All clubs go through the same processes and emotions at this time of year, it is the nature of the game. Clubs have to keep moving and developing their lists. It is tough, very tough, and sometimes you wish it didn’t have to happen. But it does, this is the reality of elite football.
We know that Shane O’Bree and Sean Rusling will be barracking for us to beat Geelong in tomorrow night’s preliminary final. But we will also be barracking for them in the next chapter of their lives, after Collingwood. Well played boys!
Thanks for your support.
Mick
Comments
Matthew
As for Rusling, oh what could have been. Explosive pace, clean hands, decent kick. He had everything but the body to withstand the demands of AFL footy. Given his battles, I would imagine he could use those experiences in a role assisting young players.
All the best to both lads and good luck for tomorrow Mick. Have no idea how you cope with the nerves & pressure. This has been the longest week of my life! Rip into 'em maggies.
Rowan Walters
Shane Wakelin has predicted that it'll be close till half time and then Collingwood will kick away - I hope 'wakes' is right - Go Pies
Carol
Good luck once again Michael,by the way your little Grandchildren look divine......
Carol
smauge
And our loyal soldier Shane O'Bree. Some players aren't flashy or can create headlines every week. But that didn't make them any less important. And if I only remember one thing Cheesey did on the field, it will be his match winning efforts in the very last seconds of the semi final against Adelaide in 2009. That won us the game.
Beck - Collingwood forever.
Hoping Luke Ball is okay and it was just a cramp.
Very much anticipating next weeks Grand Final.....and confident, yet nervous, that it is our year for the Flag.
Collingwood Forever xxx
Jodee
Firstly thank you for allowing us such an insight into yourself via this site, it is greatly appreciated by those that have Been following you throughout your career (in my case, the last 26-odd years :-0! )..
Secondly congratulations on your coaching success in 2010, you have recruited shrewdly and have taken the boys to another level this year, and I'm fairly confident they will reward you next Saturday with another premiership cup.. Will be glued to the tv!
Thirdly, I'd also like to congratulate Shane and Sean for their years of loyal service and the intensity at which they played-I wish them every success in the future :)
Lastly, I'm not a betting person but if I was I'd be putting my money on swannie for Monday night! ;)
Thanks again Mick (or Michael?) and all the best for next week!
Cheers,
Jodee
WA
Anthony Stella
Looking forward to Saturday and can only hope the boys play to their best as thats all we can ask as supporters.
Hope the spectacles worked well for you on Friday night Michael.Really enjoyed chatting a highlight of the football year for me.
Garry Jarvis
"I wish you all the luck in the World " she said before she passed and I wish to pass the same on to you, and wanted to say what a great Team you have developed. Congratulations for this Saturday.
Greg Gorter
THANK YOU !. For the time and effort you have spent with the club and a wonderful victory today !. We have followed your coaching & the club for many years. We are 45 year family supporters. We have enjoyed the way you have coached the boys & we are so happy you have also finally got the guys to a Grand Final Win !!!! THANK YOU !!!!!