4 Saints retire.

[LordJimmy]

I was lucky enough to be seated near the Saints players tonight as they watched the game.

Hayes and Gwilt aren't on crutches and seem to be walking fine without any need for support. Of course, that doesn't signify that they would be anywhere near fitness for football, or have the ability/mobility to run etc but it's definitely a good sign.

Baker was talking to a woman who I'd assume is some form of significant other up the back of the aisle. You have to see him up close to appreciate the sacrifices he has made for our club - there are bumps, scars and marks all over his face and head. I was too nervous and too unwilling to bother him to say anything. At one point he was up the aisle and came back a few minutes later with a box full of meat pies. Champ.

I tried to get a photo with Hayes but he was mobbed by fans. I just got to talk to him when the third quarter started - he's a very polite bloke but was too eager to go and watch the game. I don't blame him, wasn't going to hold him up.

Lynch, Gardiner, Gamble, McQualter and a bunch of players I'd assume are our younger types were about. They were all pretty relaxed and humble.

 

[krusden]

Odd tweet from Eddy..



So has he not retired, or already been pushed out? Or just a massive blunder?

I'd say that rob has fallen behind some of the youngsters coming through so he has been advises he's not getting a contract for 2012.
Unfortunate, but at the stage we are at these are the tough calls

 

[Armitage2Riewoldt]

And after a few mintues realised I don't want to post a picture of myself on the internet.

 

[StFly]

One would be suprised if he's kept on, so I'd guessing he's been told he's been delisted.

My first thought was "Mal Michael" retire "hey GWS, need an uncontracted player? Will work for channel 9!" same deal with McQualter for mine in that he'll also draft it up.

And after a few mintues realised I don't want to post a picture of myself on the internet.

Too bad young jedi prince, I have awesome timing and saw your postables, bring 1 million credits to the Bith sporting a mohawk.

 

[saintsrfreak]

And after a few mintues realised I don't want to post a picture of myself on the internet.

We all saw it

 

[LordJimmy]

The one thing I admire Baker for the most is that he has ended his career on his own terms. He could have packed it in when they bent him over in 2007. He could have packed it in when they did it again last year. But he came back, he got the fitness and form and played like he was worth the part in three Grand Finals. The lack of premiership medallions around his neck was due to no shortcoming from him.

Club champion.

 

[MCG-Unit]

a few more that should go

Raphael Clarke- NO comment
Sam Gilbert-shit ball use
Jason Gram- as above
Brett Peake- wont get any better
Dean Polo- as above
Farren Ray- as above
Zac Dawson-can be good but
Jason Blake - been great over the years

Why not tip out even more - then who replaces them
With 2 new teams in - that's 100+ players out of the pool - the so-called bottom few will be average, unless there is some shrewd recruiting....

Massive reaction after a loss - SS has gone into meltdown.

 

[LordJimmy]

Trust me, I see no reason why we can't take on the big boys in 2012.

The talent's there.

The improvement can happen.

They know how good they can be.

Take it seriously - this year was a disaster. A peaceful, earnest off-season and the results will show.

Just cross our fingers and hope nobody important leaves.

 

[saintsrfreak]

Yep one of their top threads is titled "Rebuild or leave Ross"
Wow

 

[Flyingsaint]

I believe Bakes would have liked to go around again....... But.... whilst it would have been nice for the team to have the space and surety in their young guys to come on to enable him to be there as insurance- the need is there to make as much space as possible - especially given lists are supposedly going down by 1 player,.

Eddy was already on the rookie list so would no doubt have seen the writing a long time ago but he has worked on regardless.
Nice of Ross to mention him But I guess Ross was feeling it too to suggest it was retirement rather than delisting... he generally is very carfeul But watching him in the rooms it must be tough.

 

[LordJimmy]

Rubbish. Just look at Sydney - from one playing group to another without losing a step.

You don't need to be on the bottom of the ladder to have a secure future. If the kids deserve games, they'll earn them.

No rebuilds. We're in a better position than you'd think.

 

[Present Not Past]

Rubbish. Just look at Sydney - from one playing group to another without losing a step.

You don't need to be on the bottom of the ladder to have a secure future. If the kids deserve games, they'll earn them.

No rebuilds. We're in a better position than you'd think.

Goodes was ready to walk a couple of years ago from Sydney but was shown a future with the club. He is now seeing the benefits. Our senior players must be shown a future now - Ross, our future is now in your hands.

 

[redmonkeyman]

As reported on the fifth quarter, 4 Saints have announced retired.

The four players were Michael Gardiner, Steven Baker, Robert Eddy and Andrew McQualter.

Thank you boys for all the memories, an good luck in the future.

well done boys - great servants!!! love you Bakes!!

 

[hayes]

Wish them all the best in their post AFL life's. Bakes will always be a favourite.

 

[Fred]

a few more that should go

Raphael Clarke- NO comment
Sam Gilbert-shit ball use
Jason Gram- as above
Brett Peake- wont get any better
Dean Polo- as above
Farren Ray- as above
Zac Dawson-can be good but
Jason Blake - been great over the years

I agree with all of those bar Blake, who would be a handy back-up and mentor still.

The rest have substandard disposal and/or footy smarts and have cost us dearly.

 

[UnfinishedBusiness]

I agree with all of those bar Blake, who would be a handy back-up and mentor still.

The rest have substandard disposal and/or footy smarts and have cost us dearly.

Peakes had a pretty good season, and I think Dawson was damn useful last night - don't understand what more ppl expect from him?

 

[Fred]

It's not based on one game but overall.

 

[goodie23]

Not sure I agree with the word 'retire'. Gardiner's probably the only true retirement, sounds like Baker's been Luke Powered/James McDonalded and Eddy and McQualter are just putting a brave face on being delisted.

I like Eddy, wouldn't begrudge him another chance at another club. GWS or GC could do worse than pick up a hard body like his (provided it hasn't deteriorated)

 

[stkildathunda]

StevenBaker10 Steven Baker



Thanks for all of the messages of support. I would also like to make it clear that I did not retire.

What the hell is going on. Obviously Ross was pissed off and maybe he meant to say their services are no longer required and will be delisted or traded?

 

[HoldenMCaulfield]

What the hell is going on. Obviously Ross was pissed off and maybe he meant to say their services are no longer required and will be delisted or traded?

I hope this is some kind of joke by Baker...

If it was Lyon who actually announced the 'retirements' last night, this could however, be read as a clear rift between the players and Lyon. I obviously only rely on hearsay, but Lyon does have the reputation of having sub-standard people skills (this was also mentioned as the main reason for essentially all assistant coaches leaving last year). Success covers a lot of problems, but those not in Lyon's bubble may have been boiling for a while...

If Lyon was pissed off after the game (understandably), it would have been rather unfair to take his anger out on four players that did not play last night, would'nt you agree ?

 

[stkildathunda]

I hope this is some kind of joke by Baker...

If it was Lyon who actually announced the 'retirements' last night, this could however, be read as a clear rift between the players and Lyon. I obviously only rely on hearsay, but Lyon does have the reputation of having sub-standard people skills (this was also mentioned as the main reason for essentially all assistant coaches leaving last year). Success covers a lot of problems, but those not in Lyon's bubble may have been boiling for a while...

If Lyon was pissed off after the game (understandably), it would have been rather unfair to take his anger out on four players that did not play last night, would'nt you agree ?

Its a tough gig to tell anyone they are no longer required, maybe he was just trying let them go out in a better way. Its obviously backfired... But Bakes was told weeks ago he wasnt getting a new contract and clearly he cant see the writing on the wall.. Its a shame that players cant see it coming... Wonder if Bakes, Eddy, Mini would go to GWS as its clear they require experienced players...

 

[thomas_m18]

If Bakes, Eddy, Mini and Gardiner all want to walk away and go somewhere else, they can go for free if they'd like. Maybe we could package up a deal ala Charlie Gardiner+Steven King for Pick 91. The pick wouldn't be worth much, but it's something for basically nothing.

Bakes has a sense of humour, right? Surely, him and Rossco seem like good mates. Maybe he was just making a joke.

 

[UnfinishedBusiness]

I'm in the office right now, and I have a Saints Premiership team poster from Herald Sun 2006 on my wall - currently have 12 of that 2006 group left - 13 if you count Harvey (not saying that's necessarily a bad thing).

Anyway, just read about Baker saying he didn't retire, starting to feel genuinely sick about Saints future and not a minute later... the poster fell off the wall

 

[Monika72]

Raphael Clarke- NO comment
Sam Gilbert-shit ball use
Jason Gram- as above
Brett Peake- wont get any better
Dean Polo- as above
Farren Ray- as above
Zac Dawson-can be good but
Jason Blake - been great over the years

I don't think any of the above players were our problem. We lack fire power. We need to recruit good forward players who can kick goals and another good mid. Our backline has been the strongest part of our team.
Throw in a new forward coach as this year has been below par.
LOved our coaching panel last year, this year like our season.

 

[One 2 Roo]

Maybe Bake's future was handed to him earlier in the season, and he has used his social media as a vent of frustration??

I am sure I heard last night that Len dog read out a statement to the group on behalf of a shattered Baker, before Bakes hugged RL and said a quick thanks to the group. I am assuming if he had a prepared statement - the writing was on the wall for one of our greatest warriors.