Robbo at the crossroads

[Pello 1]

Wheatley needs to go too. List clogger. The very epitome of.

But Robbo is the only one who shows consistently weak performances. If he had a heart I'd keep him.

Unfortunately for him...

Ridiculous statement - no one plays at AFL level for 10 years and kicks around 400 goals and has no heart! Wake up to yourself.

[Pello 1]

Why waste time with an older head, that has proven he lacks the leadership to foster any of our younger talent coming through? Play the kids. Besides, pre season or no pre season, his legs seem shot. Surely you've noticed this? The role he plays is one where he barely moves outside the 50. The workload for a professional athlete, with his physical output would be miniscule.

I'd keep Whelan and Wheatley well before I'd keep Robbo. Paul certainly has a little bit left in him, but if they move him on, I wouldn't be surprised. Whilst, Wheels is still reasonably solid down back.

How has he proven he lacks the leadership to foster young talent? Play the kids you say - that's what we are doing but as I said we can't have a team with just kids. There needs to be some balance. I agree his kicking accuracy and depth have been off but he has lost none of his speed. A full pre-season and he will still have something to offer.

[e25 5]

Ridiculous statement - no one plays at AFL level for 10 years and kicks around 400 goals and has no heart! Wake up to yourself.

You ever watched him play..? I mean REALLY watched him play?

Watched him off the ball, while the ball is up the other end, when there is a turnover, when he falls after a failed mark attempt and doesn't have the heart to chase his man?

It is heartbreaking.

I'll accept poor skills, but not weak performances and he delivers them in spades.

Edited July 24, 2009 by Enforcer25

[Pello 1]

You ever watched him play..? I mean REALLY watched him play?

Watched him off the ball, while the ball is up the other end, when there is a turnover, when he falls after a failed mark attempt and doesn't have the heart to chase his man?

It is heartbreaking.

I'll accept poor skills, but not weak performances and he delivers them in spades.

I thought you were referring to lack of courage. Anyway your point is taken up to a point! He certainly got away with some of the things you mention under the Daniher era but DB has been hot on chasing and pressuring and he has improved a lot in that area.

Its no picnic being a forward at the MFC and lack of opportunities due to the low number of entries into the forward 50 and lack of midfield skill have meant that players who play deep struggle to have an impact.

Robbo deserves another year as his comeback from such a serious injury hasn't been too bad after considering all of this. There are plenty of kids getting opportunities and if Robbo can chime in for 40 goals next year whilst Jurrah, Watts and co find their feet then that will take some of the focus away from them and allow them to develop and prepare for life post Robbo.

[loges 6,767]

You ever watched him play..? I mean REALLY watched him play?

Watched him off the ball, while the ball is up the other end, when there is a turnover, when he falls after a failed mark attempt and doesn't have the heart to chase his man?

It is heartbreaking.

I'll accept poor skills, but not weak performances and he delivers them in spades.

Granted Robbo is aging, and has his weaknesses but do yourself a favour, go back through goalkicking lists, for as many years as you like, and see how many players are actually able to kick over 40 goals a year, something Robbo achieved on several occasions. Just think he deserves a little bit more respect on this site at times.

[Carn dees 108]

Robbo deserves another year as his comeback from such a serious injury hasn't been too bad after considering all of this. There are plenty of kids getting opportunities and if Robbo can chime in for 40 goals next year whilst Jurrah, Watts and co find their feet then that will take some of the focus away from them and allow them to develop and prepare for life post Robbo.

Exactly my thoughts, this bloke is one of the greats of this club.

People have a habit really targeting players when there on there last legs after serving this club.

Edited July 24, 2009 by Carn dees

[Adam The God 30,272]

How has he proven he lacks the leadership to foster young talent?

1) he's by far the most selfish footballer I've ever seen in an MFC jumper (and I've been to the majority of matches played over the past 15 or 16 years). How do you bring a younger player into the contest, if you're selfish?

2) a leader is someone who leads by example- that is, puts on chases, puts on a sheppard- does the one percenters. This year, he's been on the ground most of the time. Flash has lead our offensive tackles over the last 4 to 5 years. Where was Robbo?

3) Melbourne Vs Hawthorn. Need I say more?

4) It's all about Robbo. He's not about the team.

Edited July 24, 2009 by AdamFarr

[Adam The God 30,272]

You ever watched him play..? I mean REALLY watched him play?

Watched him off the ball, while the ball is up the other end, when there is a turnover, when he falls after a failed mark attempt and doesn't have the heart to chase his man?

It is heartbreaking.

I'll accept poor skills, but not weak performances and he delivers them in spades.

You've hit the nail on the head, mate. Heartbreaking is the only way to describe it.

[Adam The God 30,272]

I thought you were referring to lack of courage. Anyway your point is taken up to a point! He certainly got away with some of the things you mention under the Daniher era but DB has been hot on chasing and pressuring and he has improved a lot in that area.

I disagree. And it's obvious Bailey thinks so as well.

Its no picnic being a forward at the MFC and lack of opportunities due to the low number of entries into the forward 50 and lack of midfield skill have meant that players who play deep struggle to have an impact.

That shouldn't stop you from doing the one percenters. Neita never stopped. If he did these things, I wouldn't fault him.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Exactly my thoughts, this bloke is one of the greats of this club.

Robbo has had a great story at this club. But he is not one of the greats.

People have a habit really targeting players when there on there last legs after serving this club.

Actually people on this site have a habit of grant further contracts to players who are past. As you have said he is on his "last legs" why would you waste another yesr on him? We are not a charity.

[Guest Rojik of the Arctic]

I'm going to miss him but the cold hard reality is that we need to free up x amount of spots on our list at the end of the year and far too many of our players are to young to be known quantities yet. This year will see another cull of great servants of the MFC to make way for more youth.

[Carn dees 108]

Robbo has had a great story at this club. But he is not one of the greats.

Actually people on this site have a habit of grant further contracts to players who are past. As you have said he is on his "last legs" why would you waste another yesr on him? We are not a charity.

I just think he could really go round one more time, he hasnt had a pre season he is leading our goal kicking having had minimal games.

[rpfc 28,526]

I just think he could really go round one more time, he hasnt had a pre season he is leading our goal kicking having had minimal games.

Whose spot will he take?

We're rebuilding - hard decisions have to be made.

[Nasher 33,616]

He's been given a massive amount of opportunity to press his case this year - more than some who are just as much at the crossroads, and has demonstrated that he'd rather lay on the ground or pissfart about with the trainers than work defensively. I find it a bit hard to have any sympathy to be honest.

Like I said earlier, there won't be any tough decisions regarding Robbo this year, it will be the easiest decision the LMC have to make. Career over.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

He's been given a massive amount of opportunity to press his case this year - more than some who are just as much at the crossroads, and has demonstrated that he'd rather lay on the ground or pissfart about with the trainers than work defensively. I find it a bit hard to have any sympathy to be honest.

Like I said earlier, there won't be any tough decisions regarding Robbo this year, it will be the easiest decision the LMC have to make. Career over.

Well said.

[Redleg 40,948]

Whether or not Robbo is with us next year, I think he has given us plenty over his career and we should lay off. It pisses me off the way we turn on our players after their form wanes.

[Sir Why You Little 37,049]

Whether or not Robbo is with us next year, I think he has given us plenty over his career and we should lay off. It pisses me off the way we turn on our players after their form wanes.

Yes i Agree- Robbo has returned from a very serious injury That i don't think anyone reasding this would like to have. So cut the Great Man a bit of slack.

I Hope I can see Robbo take a few More Hangers 15 Metres out.

Whatever Happens in the Future is just that-The Future.....

[Nasher 33,616]

It pisses me off the way we turn on our players after their form wanes.

Can't speak for others, but I'm not picking on him because his form has waned.

[Hyphen 8]

Plenty here demand loyalty, but show none. Expect commitment, but give none.

Robbo, good but not great, is likely a goner, and a couple of his peers too. But he, they, have given of themselves. They have earned our respect. Let's not dance on their grave.

[Jaded No More 68,965]

Whether or not Robbo is with us next year, I think he has given us plenty over his career and we should lay off. It pisses me off the way we turn on our players after their form wanes.

I agree.

Robbo has given us many years of excitement and pleasure, he won a B&F, led our goal kicking more than once and was an integral part in many of our wins over the journey (finals included). Not many other players currently on our list can boast these credentials, so while I think he needs to retire, let's not sit here and spit on him, because he has given his all to this club and we should be thanking him for his contribution.

I realise that not everyone is a Robbo fan, certainly not to the degree that I am, but the sheer hatred towards him this season seems in poor taste.

Hopefully all the guys who hang up the boots at season's end will get the send off they deserve, regardless of their recent form.

[dee-luded 2,959]

He's been given a massive amount of opportunity to press his case this year - more than some who are just as much at the crossroads, and has demonstrated that he'd rather lay on the ground or pissfart about with the trainers than work defensively. I find it a bit hard to have any sympathy to be honest.

Like I said earlier, there won't be any tough decisions regarding Robbo this year, it will be the easiest decision the LMC have to make. Career over.

IMO Robbo is finished, but someone ( Garry) needs to get in his Ear & whisper, hey Robbo, pssst, your time has arrived,,, It's time to save your Dignity, & the clubs dignity, announce it now, before it becomes needlessly untidy.

So we can send you off with the great send off we would like to give a favourite son.

The 206-game veteran has shown moments of that old brilliance this year, kicking 20 goals from 10 games.

Savage blow for Robbo - Mark Stevens, Herald Sun

It has been a serviceable return, given the serious nature of the achilles injury, but the modern game is so demanding. Robertson has still been a viable target near goal, but forwards must now chase, harass and ensure they are part of zones.

Bailey, every bit the modern coach, is heading down that track with a young team.

The fact Robertson started the second half on the bench against Geelong last week was a sure sign his place was under threat. Bailey remained non-committal about Robertson's future this week.

"The last couple of weeks his form probably hasn't been as good as it has been," Bailey said.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl...8-19769,00.html

Edited July 24, 2009 by dee-luded

[Real Demon 232]

Players can't win!

He would have been castigated for leaving for the Bulldogs, and would have been considered a disloyal so and so for leaving the MFC.

He decides to stick it out with us, and now, after coming back from a shocking injury, many want to hang him out to dry!

Poor form people!

Robbo has been a cracking player for the MFC..........his time may be up, and that's a decision for the coaching staff, but let's show some respect..........Robbo has lived and breathed the MFC since arriving at the club, and he deserves nothing less than that!

Edited July 24, 2009 by Real Demon

[Adam The God 30,272]

Plenty here demand loyalty, but show none. Expect commitment, but give none.

Robbo, good but not great, is likely a goner, and a couple of his peers too. But he, they, have given of themselves. They have earned our respect. Let's not dance on their grave.

He's never been able to earn my respect and this year has been the final straw. He's been a good player, but he's not part of our future plans and therefore, why continue to play him? He's only list clogging really.

[BAMF 4,353]

He's never been able to earn my respect

Your a very hard man to please Adam.

Robbo was a Daniher man. Time to replace him with a Bailey man.

But he was good, and he still has my respect.

[Lord Travis 10,742]

I agree.

Robbo has given us many years of excitement and pleasure, he won a B&F, led our goal kicking more than once and was an integral part in many of our wins over the journey (finals included). Not many other players currently on our list can boast these credentials, so while I think he needs to retire, let's not sit here and spit on him, because he has given his all to this club and we should be thanking him for his contribution.

I realise that not everyone is a Robbo fan, certainly not to the degree that I am, but the sheer hatred towards him this season seems in poor taste.

Hopefully all the guys who hang up the boots at season's end will get the send off they deserve, regardless of their recent form.

God you are so smart and awesome.