Robbo retires from Melbourne

[Old Gregg 1]

What a champion. Brought a tear to my eye on the Footy show. It's really sad that he couldn't leave on his own terms when it's obvious that he is so passionate about the club.

Good luck Robbo. We'll miss you.

[Skipper3 7]

Robbo - just saw your speach to the boys on TFS. Mate, that is why we ALL love you brother - you speak from the heart, wear that heart on your sleeve and we know you love this footy club all the way.

And we love you mate.

Whatever happens and wherever you go - you will ALWAYS be part of the MFC family Russ.

[Ron Burgundy 8,584]

Is Robbo's speech on youtube?

I'm really sad about this. I think he deserved another year, particularly with some of the battlers who'll undoubtedly be kicking around next year.

I'd hate to see Robbo at another club next year - but, for his sake, I hope he gets to one - perhaps the Swans.

Sad, sad day.

[45HG 1,539]

Bloody missed the footy show, what'd he say?

[Harry Manback 2]

just watched Robbo speak to his teammates courtesy 'The Footy Show' , the bloke is an absolute champion and told them where its at. spoke with ticker, and passion. spoke about playing on the G and for the jumper, im [censored] but if you didnt see it make sure you do. Robbo , loved watching you play , someone who knows computers better than me should put together a highlight reel in your honour

Very classy exit from an extremely classy individual.

Felt proud to be a Demon watching that. Good luck Robbo.

[Real Demon 232]

Bloody missed the footy show, what'd he say?

Probably won't do it justice to try to explain what he said.......something that needs to be watched.......very passionate, and from the heart.......no doubt it will bob up on youtube soon enough.

[#MYHEARTBEATSTRUE 27]

I got a tad emotional watching Robbo's address to the playing group,

Thanks for the memories Robbo!!!

[Pates 9,537]

Anybody that calls him selfish and doesn't think he cares about the footy club should watch the clip from the footy show. It was emotional, heartfelt, and made me even sadder that we're moving him on, especially when he pointed to Wheels and Wheats as other victims of the youth policy.

He loves the club, but more that he loves playing football with his mates. I already made sure i had the final game off from work, now i'm really glad i've done that so i can clap him off the ground one last time. He deserves a standing ovation from the entire MFC public for his contribution over the years, don't forget he gave a up a three year contract from the Bulldogs to continue with us.

[rpfc 27,646]

Bloody missed the footy show, what'd he say?

He said everything you wanted to hear, 45hotgod16...

A group of brothers brought together by winning, torn apart by the great inevitable, and sharing a common fate with one exception...

Or at least we all hope there will be one exception...

[H_T 2,941]

Funny how those people today have gone "underground" & all silent.

I think there has been some great replies from quite a few myself.

Very classy exit from an extremely classy individual.

Felt proud to be a Demon watching that. Good luck Robbo.

His speech was very good. Must admit it pulled at the heart strings, he emphasised that footy to him is fun, and reminded the boys that it goes by in a flash. Your time as a footballer goes by quick.

[healy 0]

Actually thought it was an absolute ramble, and that appeared to be the edited highlights. I turned to my girlfriend at one point and said: "What the f*** is he talking about?"

Anyway, that aside, he did bring me much joy in the stands with his spring and enthusiasm. Just a pity he couldn't kick.

[stranga 328]

Actually thought it was an absolute ramble, and that appeared to be the edited highlights. I turned to my girlfriend at one point and said: "What the f*** is he talking about?"

Anyway, that aside, he did bring me much joy in the stands with his spring and enthusiasm. Just a pity he couldn't kick.

you obviously dont share the passion. Any true Melbourne fan who has passion for the club could understand what Robbo was trying to get across, even if we arent in the inner sanctum. Th eway he felt about playing for the club is the way we feel about barracking for the club. It just reminds how much footy has sucked the last 3 years. I want that emotion back.

Edited August 20, 2009 by stranga

[healy 0]

Stranga, don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting the guy doesn't lack passion; he's easily one of the most outwardly passionate Melbourne players I can recall. I'm just not quite sure what he was trying to say, that's all. And while I'm at it, I think if he was really passionate about Melbourne then he should leave the AFL and not prostitute himself in the draft. I don't want to see him do all that fist pumping when he's playing for another team, do you?

[Jaded No More 59,158]

Stranga, don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting the guy doesn't lack passion; he's easily one of the most outwardly passionate Melbourne players I can recall. I'm just not quite sure what he was trying to say, that's all. And while I'm at it, I think if he was really passionate about Melbourne then he should leave the AFL and not prostitute himself in the draft. I don't want to see him do all that fist pumping when he's playing for another team, do you?

Firstly he was quite clearly saying that winning is, and always will be, everything. And that the best thing you can do as a footballer, and the only thing you'll remember when your career is over, is those wins you shared with the boys. It really wasn't hard to understand, I suggest you watch it again

Secondly, what Robbo chooses to do with his life now has nothing to do with his passion for our club. He chose to say with us when the Dogs offered him a 3 years deal. He chose the club and not the best personal deal. Now that the club no longer has room for him, because of the rebuilding phase we are going through, he is entitled to seek another opportunity elsewhere. At 30, he may still have something to offer another club, and anyone who begrudged him that opportunity is an idiot.

[H_T 2,941]

I'm just not quite sure what he was trying to say, that's all. And while I'm at it, I think if he was really passionate about Melbourne then he should leave the AFL and not prostitute himself in the draft.

It was quite clear what he said and he expressed his thoughts on the game well to his teammates. It's hard to say goodbye, don't you think?

How about some compassion. He's received nothing but support from Mfc and opposition supporters who have acknowledged this speech of his.

[Sir Why You Little 34,957]

Fantastic Speech Robbo. Those new guys at the club will keep those words & remember them.

All Class...

[Daemn 2]

Not sure if this has been mentioned but does anyone know what Robbo's win / loss percentage was??

I saw a great article in Herald-Sun about blokes who have not played finals including number of games (Chris Newman has played 153 games without a final) and worst winning percentages. Brad Miller was mentioned as 7th on list with a winning percentage of 35%.

It'd be interesting how Robbo rates against other past players.

Edited August 21, 2009 by Daemn

[Salems Lot 2,392]

Could it be that the delisting of Robbo points towards a greater possibility of using pick 2 for Butcher. Our forward stocks will be depleted by his loss and one could argue that a like for like would make sense. Any thoughts?

[Real Demon 232]

Could it be that the delisting of Robbo points towards a greater possibility of using pick 2 for Butcher. Our forward stocks will be depleted by his loss and one could argue that a like for like would make sense. Any thoughts?

Good observation, because looking at the remaing forward options, I'm not sure where the goals are going to come from!

[Deano74 156]

One of my all time favourite Melbourne players, the only person that would be happy he's finishing will be my wife because I wont scream out "Robbo" at the TV when he would fly for his Marks.

Oh well it will be Jurrah now!

Thanks to Robbo for his contribution to the best club in the AFL.

[Carn dees 108]

Its been ages since ive gotten that emotional after watching that.

Boy am i gana miss him

[DemonDan... 77]

Its been ages since ive gotten that emotional after watching that.

Boy am i gana miss him

Anyone whos ever questioned Robbo should:

watch the speech from the Footy Show

shut the f**k up for a while

and learn from their mistake.

-Theres plenty on this forum that could do so-

A gentleman of class, passion and wisdom -

I'd hate to see Robbo in another jumper, but after what i saw last nite-

Id feel selfish and greedy that id wished that on someone with still so much passion and drive left within themselves.

It was all over Robbos face! I REALLY hope he gets his chance with another club. What sucks the most is we have let a 30 y.o, 40+ goal forward go, due to age - but retained a 33 year old with a busted body who due to circumstance has been able to offer basically nada all year.

But i vented on another thread, so lll stop here.

[rpfc 27,646]

It was all over Robbos face! I REALLY hope he gets his chance with another club. What sucks the most is we have let a 30 y.o, 40+ goal forward go, due to age - but retained a 33 year old with a busted body who due to circumstance has been able to offer basically nada all year.

But i vented on another thread, so lll stop here.

No, no.

Continue...

Have a go at the dual AA captain of the club...

Or the FD that has given a reprieve to to that player while cutting 2500 games of experience since 2007...

[Carn dees 108]

Unfortunately as robbo said all good things must come to an end.

All the best to jmac for next year as that will be his last season, even though i dont see the logic behind jmac staying and robbo going.

Time to accept this and move on (as hard as it may be), and renew that melbourne membership because next year you dont want to miss out on seeing the terrific young talent coming through especially after this years draft!

[DemonDan... 77]

No, no.

Continue...

Have a go at the dual AA captain of the club...

Or the FD that has given a reprieve to to that player while cutting 2500 games of experience since 2007...

Nice try

Made it clear on another thread, twice, that i love J-Mac and this was NOTHING against him, rather a dig at the club / decision maker on this matter.

anyway..........