Farewell Aaron vandenBerg

[RalphiusMaximus 6,112]

Interesting choices.  Lockhart and Bradtke are the real surprises for me.  I think it possibly says a lot for how Deakyn Smith is coming along that they have moved Jay on given that he held his own pretty well at AFL level and Hibberd isn't going to play on for too much longer.  Also thought Bradtke had shown a bit and as a cat B rookie we had plenty more time to work on him. 

I'll be very surprised if Nev doesn't make the call in the next few weeks as well. 

Also wouldn't be at all surprised to see Vanders wind up at the Saints or Collingwood.  Both could use his power and he'd be a cheap pickup. 

Edit:  Well [censored].  I look a few lines down the homepage and there it is, Nev has called it. 

Edited September 27, 2021 by RalphiusMaximus

[Mel Bourne 4,541]

1 hour ago, MadAsHell said:

Loved Vanders, but to be fair I think we all saw this coming. With Sparrow and Jordon really coming on along with Woewodin as a Father/Son, Vanders didn't fit our age profile as a depth midfielder.

A bit in shock re: Lockhart. Really thought he'd get a 1 year extension. Was expecting to see Hore's and or Mitch Brown's name instead. I hope they both get picked up by someone else. 

Me too. Given Nev could potentially depart this year (edit-has departed!), as well as seeing the early signs of Pig slowing down (though he played great last Saturday) I would have thought we'd be getting Jay ready for more game time in 22.

Edited September 27, 2021 by Mel Bourne

[London Demon 259]

Always loved AVDB for his hardness at the ball. He was never that quick to begin with but the foot issues slowed him up. He stayed loyal when offered by the Swans art end of 2018. Gave  his all. Wonderful clubman. So very sorry to see him go. 
Lockhard a shock. Very unlucky. 

it’s a hard business I know.  Probably the right decisions but it’s upsetting nonetheless.
 

 

[Rodney (Balls) Grinter 11,064]

Loved watching Vanders play at his best.  Those bone crunching hits in the 2018 finals series in particular set the tone along with others like Lewis and Viney.  If you put that infamous WC PF asides, our performance in finals of late has been outstanding and having guys like AVB who lead, showed an ability to step up, rather than shrink away from the moment have set a standard for others like Trac, Clarry, Dogga and Fritta to follow.

Also really respect that like Fritta and Pig Dog Hibbard, he worked his way up to a league standard as an amature while holding down a job through, the local leagues as a rookie after being over looked as an junior.

[rpfc 29,024]

14 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

A bit of a dampener on things could have waited a while. Always remember Vanders in the 2018 series. Good luck to all.

No, have to have exit interviews and released by tomorrow. Players wanted a clean break. I doubt it would be a surprise to any of them. 

[rpfc 29,024]

Vanders was great and I am so happy for him he got that opportunity, his ankles couldn’t get him the platform to play consistent footy but wee done to him.

[Deesprate 1,324]

Not a premiership player but a premiership clubman. Will still be linked to history and reunions in 2061! Loved this guy if you had to go in the trenches he is your man. I hope most of the delisted guys can get away from Victoria. Being delisted and lockdown talk about hitting reality.

[Robbie57 2,042]

Good luck Vanders and thank you. I assume he will try and get home to NSW but as someone said above the Suns would be a good option. 

 

[goodwindees 2,586]

I just want to set the record straight with AVB's departure.

In his End Of Season meeting he was asked to "wait for 2 - 3 weeks before the Club would come back to him and, in all likelihood make him an offer.  The length and value of that offer could only be determined after some other discussions had taken place."

To be honest, AVB went into the meeting with a pre-determined decision to call time on his Demon journey, and he very respectfully informed Goody of his decision.

Goody then asked AVB "if there was anything he could say to change his mind, but AVB said "that he had thought long & hard and had decided that it was best for him to move on".

Simon then asked AVB if he wanted to tell the Players himself, and that was done.

Go Dees.

[roy11 4,075]

1 minute ago, goodwindees said:

To be honest, AVB went into the meeting with a pre-determined decision to call time on his Demon journey, and he very respectfully informed Goody of his decision.

Guess he wants the chance to play more footy and knew he was deep in the queue with us.

Hoping he gets picked up but also hope he never plays against The Dees/Casey. He's still a tackling beast. 

[goodwindees 2,586]

The fact is that his Manager fielded several queries late in the Season when other clubs saw that he wasn't getting a game. 

That said, AVB bought out his family members and owns a significant business in Bega that he oversees remotely.  He also has a Commerce degree which might surprise many, and has a strong desire to get into Investment Banking/Finance. 

So don't be surprised to see him hang up the boots and keep his body in some sort of condition that he will be able to walk properly after 50.

Go Dees.

 

 

[Demonland 74,422]

 

[roy11 4,075]

Imagine he will break a lot of people in the VAFA, hopefully not himself. 

[spirit of norm smith 16,679]

He will crunch a few.  Loved his attack on the footy and the tackle. His body just let him down.  

[640MD 3,568]

A favorite player of mine, simply put our blokes walked taller, went harder when Vanders was in our side.

Glad my old side are not in A grade for this reason,  we are however getting higher than I ever played. 

[durango 2,024]

Vanders career was ruined by injury but he help shape the 2021 team and eventually a premiership.

He will always remember being on the list of the premiers and will always have a team photo of the 45 players on the list.

[deebug 1,754]

All the very best for the future Vanders🥰

[Cards13 9,117]

He’ll make them stand taller that’s for sure..

[Demonland 74,422]

 

[DeeZone 10,584]

On 9/29/2021 at 2:14 PM, goodwindees said:

I just want to set the record straight with AVB's departure.

In his End Of Season meeting he was asked to "wait for 2 - 3 weeks before the Club would come back to him and, in all likelihood make him an offer.  The length and value of that offer could only be determined after some other discussions had taken place."

To be honest, AVB went into the meeting with a pre-determined decision to call time on his Demon journey, and he very respectfully informed Goody of his decision.

Goody then asked AVB "if there was anything he could say to change his mind, but AVB said "that he had thought long & hard and had decided that it was best for him to move on".

Simon then asked AVB if he wanted to tell the Players himself, and that was done.

Go Dees.

Thanks Goodwindees, very happy to read this, loved his attack on the ball and the man who had it. He was great in 2018 also great that he is going to VAFA as well, hope his body holds up with the lighter training loads. Good luck AVB you deserve it.💕❤️💙

[Demons1858 1,820]

Would be good back up in the mid season draft if a team with finals aspirations has a few injuries to cover