Farewell Games

[Lightning McQueen]

What are some peoples thoughts on the AFL introducing "farewell games". I'd like to see players that are retiring get the opportunity to actually play a "last game". I'd like to see teams be able to name 23 for that game and the retiring player be allowed no more than say 20 minutes game time. At least they can be acknowleged for their efforts they have put in over the years and some compassion can be shown, it's not always about the money.

[Footy Smart]

You cant do that LM that 20mins in todays game with an extra player can change the game massively! wont happen!!!!

Farewell games are just a medie beat up to make everyone feel loved and special. Yes its nice for them to have a game to finish on, but not every circumstance allows this to happen. Unfortortunatly for Tyson this has been the case!

[Lightning McQueen]

It just takes me back to Jason MacCartney's final game, although I'm not a North Melbourne fan I remember that game like it was yesterday, it left me fighting them off.

[The Yetti]

What are some peoples thoughts on the AFL introducing "farewell games". I'd like to see players that are retiring get the opportunity to actually play a "last game". I'd like to see teams be able to name 23 for that game and the retiring player be allowed no more than say 20 minutes game time. At least they can be acknowleged for their efforts they have put in over the years and some compassion can be shown, it's not always about the money.

More rotations coming up!!!!
Nah. It is a man's game. Sometimes we get too much of these warm fuzzies. Imagine when you retire from work on Friday, and then you get told to come back to work for 20 minutes on Saturday.
Plus let their kids play for 5 minutes in the forward pocket as well. Surely AFL players get enough exposure. The Grand Final Cavalcade for retiring players should suffice.
Maybe we could get Jessica Watson to do another lap of Sydney Harbor.

[Booney]

Exceptional circumstances considering his fightback from the hell he went through.

[Choccies]

I think the idea has some merit but then I think of the hundreds of guys who have played, tried just as hard, did the hard yards and sacrificed and never got the luxury of a farewell game because of seasons end or injury or whatever.

I would have loved to know when my final game was going to be and then I could have gone out on my terms but I had no choice... So I accept it and move on.

[stun72]

It just takes me back to Jason MacCartney's final game, although I'm not a North Melbourne fan I remember that game like it was yesterday, it left me fighting them off.

I am not a North Melbourne fan either and I distinctly remember that game.
What made it even more special is that he fought for his life to start with after the bombing and then trained hard enough to get selected and then after the game (on the ground while being interviewed for everyone at the ground to hear) he announced his decision to retire.
A lot different to a player who says "well I am going to retire now" and then ask for a farewell game.

[A Mum]

If they have been a 'major player' in their team/the sport (ie not just played 10 games then retire or whatever) then I think they should have a fairwell game - absolutely - for themselves, their family and the fans.

But then again I'm probably one of those 'warm and fuzzies' that TY is talking about

[The Yetti]

If they have been a 'major player' in their team/the sport (ie not just played 10 games then retire or whatever) then I think they should have a fairwell game - absolutely - for themselves, their family and the fans.

But then again I'm probably one of those 'warm and fuzzies' that TY is talking about

I will remember Tyson Edwards as a fantatstic footballer in his 320 games for Adelaide not his farewell game. His ability to dodge and weave out of traffic and hit a target with either his left or right foot. I cannot remeber the last game that Ebert, Robran, Lockett, Wynne, The Roo, Bickley, Darren Jarmen, Wanganeen, Primus, Hodges, Michael Taylor or Peter Carey played.

I do remember Darren Jarman's Left foot goal from the flank in a grand final that is one of my favourite moments in Footy. I do remember Scott Hodges kicking a goal from more than fifty meteres out to put Port into a Grand final. (least favourite). I remember sitting in the stand at the MCG on Grand Final Day with a song blaring over the PA system...There's only ONE TONY LOCKETT and much to my surprise tears were tumbling from my eyes, as Lockett got out of his car and kicked a few goals. looking around I was not alone in crying...another favourite footy moment...and yes mum a warm and fuzzy moment. I remember my first league game at Footy Park and playing against Barrie Robran and with Michael Taylor.
I do remember all of these players, over a long period of time, as brilliant players and most entertaining to watch.

If the fairy tale finale to a great player's career can be co-ordinated... great. I am glad that it will happen for Edwards and boy won't ther be a fuss if Mcleod misses out on the farewell game!!!!

Surely it is the memories of their football skills and abilities or their tackling and pressure or their marking and goals they kick, we should be feeling warm and fuzzy about.
Whatever will be will be.

[Lightning McQueen]

If they have been a 'major player' in their team/the sport (ie not just played 10 games then retire or whatever) then I think they should have a fairwell game - absolutely - for themselves, their family and the fans.

But then again I'm probably one of those 'warm and fuzzies' that TY is talking about

I will remember Tyson Edwards as a fantatstic footballer in his 320 games for Adelaide not his farewell game. His ability to dodge and weave out of traffic and hit a target with either his left or right foot. I cannot remeber the last game that Ebert, Robran, Lockett, Wynne, The Roo, Bickley, Darren Jarmen, Wanganeen, Primus, Hodges, Michael Taylor or Peter Carey played.

I do remember Darren Jarman's Left foot goal from the flank in a grand final that is one of my favourite moments in Footy. I do remember Scott Hodges kicking a goal from more than fifty meteres out to put Port into a Grand final. (least favourite). I remember sitting in the stand at the MCG on Grand Final Day with a song blaring over the PA system...There's only ONE TONY LOCKETT and much to my surprise tears were tumbling from my eyes, as Lockett got out of his car and kicked a few goals. looking around I was not alone in crying...another favourite footy moment...and yes mum a warm and fuzzy moment. I remember my first league game at Footy Park and playing against Barrie Robran and with Michael Taylor.
I do remember all of these players, over a long period of time, as brilliant players and most entertaining to watch.

If the fairy tale finale to a great player's career can be co-ordinated... great. I am glad that it will happen for Edwards and boy won't ther be a fuss if Mcleod misses out on the farewell game!!!!

Surely it is the memories of their football skills and abilities or their tackling and pressure or their marking and goals they kick, we should be feeling warm and fuzzy about.
Whatever will be will be.

No offence, but who really cares what you or I remember about Edwards or any of the players you have mentioned, I was looking at it more form the individual players point of view, to walk off the ground, possibly chaired, maybe a walk around the fence and give off some hi-5's to the ones that have supported him through his quest.
As I stated in my initial post, it shouldn't be so much about the revenue, give the player that one opportunity to say goodbye and thankyou and have that special moment for the rest of their lives, having 40,000+ people cheering them on for that one last time.
I know the game is bigger than the individual but we should pay homage to those that have made this game what it is, I've never really been a Tyson Edwards fan but I have enormous amount of respect to what he has given the game.

[The Yetti]

If they have been a 'major player' in their team/the sport (ie not just played 10 games then retire or whatever) then I think they should have a fairwell game - absolutely - for themselves, their family and the fans.

But then again I'm probably one of those 'warm and fuzzies' that TY is talking about

I will remember Tyson Edwards as a fantatstic footballer in his 320 games for Adelaide not his farewell game. His ability to dodge and weave out of traffic and hit a target with either his left or right foot. I cannot remeber the last game that Ebert, Robran, Lockett, Wynne, The Roo, Bickley, Darren Jarmen, Wanganeen, Primus, Hodges, Michael Taylor or Peter Carey played.

I do remember Darren Jarman's Left foot goal from the flank in a grand final that is one of my favourite moments in Footy. I do remember Scott Hodges kicking a goal from more than fifty meteres out to put Port into a Grand final. (least favourite). I remember sitting in the stand at the MCG on Grand Final Day with a song blaring over the PA system...There's only ONE TONY LOCKETT and much to my surprise tears were tumbling from my eyes, as Lockett got out of his car and kicked a few goals. looking around I was not alone in crying...another favourite footy moment...and yes mum a warm and fuzzy moment. I remember my first league game at Footy Park and playing against Barrie Robran and with Michael Taylor.
I do remember all of these players, over a long period of time, as brilliant players and most entertaining to watch.

If the fairy tale finale to a great player's career can be co-ordinated... great. I am glad that it will happen for Edwards and boy won't ther be a fuss if Mcleod misses out on the farewell game!!!!

Surely it is the memories of their football skills and abilities or their tackling and pressure or their marking and goals they kick, we should be feeling warm and fuzzy about.
Whatever will be will be.

No offence, but who really cares what you or I remember about Edwards or any of the players you have mentioned, I was looking at it more form the individual players point of view, to walk off the ground, possibly chaired, maybe a walk around the fence and give off some hi-5's to the ones that have supported him through his quest.
As I stated in my initial post, it shouldn't be so much about the revenue, give the player that one opportunity to say goodbye and thankyou and have that special moment for the rest of their lives, having 40,000+ people cheering them on for that one last time.
I know the game is bigger than the individual but we should pay homage to those that have made this game what it is, I've never really been a Tyson Edwards fan but I have enormous amount of respect to what he has given the game.

I see you have as a footnote I AIM TO BE NORMAL.
Is it normal to ask what people's thoughts are about farewell games and then say who cares what you think? My point of what I was writing was that I will remember footballers for what they have done over their careers not a farewell game. . In answer to your request for comments. To have a farewell game with an extra player is madness. If however the retiring player is still in the best 22 and it can be co-ordinated it is a good club thing.

320 games by 40,000 people equals 12,800,000 cheers so far why another 40,000 cheers.

[Lightning McQueen]

I see you have as a footnote I AIM TO BE NORMAL.
Is it normal to ask what people's thoughts are about farewell games and then say who cares what you think? My point of what I was writing was that I will remember footballers for what they have done over their careers not a farewell game. . In answer to your request for comments. To have a farewell game with an extra player is madness. If however the retiring player is still in the best 22 and it can be co-ordinated it is a good club thing.

320 games by 40,000 people equals 12,800,000 cheers so far why another 40,000 cheers.

I also said who cares what I think, there's no need to question my integrity or personality just because your opinion differs from mine. The majority of the time they bow out because they can't crack the 1st 22 anymore. I was talking from a players point of view where you are talking from a spectators point of view.
I wasn't implying that we are not allowed an opinion, just merely stating that some player deserve a farewell match, sorry to offend you if I have.

[Drop Bear]

I wouldn't make special rules for a farewell game. If they're good enough to be in the best 22 and have announced their retirement during the year, so be it.

What's wrong with a lap of honour before a home and away game like normal?

[Psyber]

A game could be reasonably called a "Farewell Game" for a player if it honoured them, and they did a pre-game circuit, even if they didn't take part in it.
I don't think any game should be put at risk by selecting someone to play whose form doesn't justify their selection...

[jointman]

A game could be reasonably called a "Farewell Game" for a player if it honoured them, and they did a pre-game circuit, even if they didn't take part in it.
I don't think any game should be put at risk by selecting someone to play whose form doesn't justify their selection...

yeah..but there season is shot...why not give him one

[Psyber]

A game could be reasonably called a "Farewell Game" for a player if it honoured them, and they did a pre-game circuit, even if they didn't take part in it.
I don't think any game should be put at risk by selecting someone to play whose form doesn't justify their selection...

yeah..but there season is shot...why not give him one

True, but it sets a precedent that may bite them another year...

[JK]

You cant do that LM that 20mins in todays game with an extra player can change the game massively! wont happen!!!!

Farewell games are just a medie beat up to make everyone feel loved and special. Yes its nice for them to have a game to finish on, but not every circumstance allows this to happen. Unfortortunatly for Tyson this has been the case!

I agree with this.

I also think if a club is having a farewell match it set's a dangerous precedent, because if 1 gets one all should get one, and I don't think that can work.

There's no place for sentiment on the field in todays games unfortunately, it's far too professional for it and the business side of the game demands that professionalism .. A resounding "No" for mine.

[Ian]

2010's biggest dummy spit gets him another game. IMO if you aren't good enough to be selected any longer why should you be selected a one off farewell game?

[stan]

You cant do that LM that 20mins in todays game with an extra player can change the game massively! wont happen!!!!

Farewell games are just a medie beat up to make everyone feel loved and special. Yes its nice for them to have a game to finish on, but not every circumstance allows this to happen. Unfortortunatly for Tyson this has been the case!

I agree with this.

I also think if a club is having a farewell match it set's a dangerous precedent, because if 1 gets one all should get one, and I don't think that can work.

There's no place for sentiment on the field in todays games unfortunately, it's far too professional for it and the business side of the game demands that professionalism .. A resounding "No" for mine.

Look at it in terms of where the team is in the season.
Adelaide are 2 - 7 and there season is over. Hene its not going to hurt if it was handled correctly.

If it was Geelong or Collingwood then you should probbaly just walkaway.

[Dirko]

Farewell games are a pandering to today's modern overpaid, pampered footballers....

Wish they'd take a leaf out of Bruce Doulls book, and just give a small wave as your coming off the ground knowing that's it....