Hawthorn's decision to resign it's older players

[SBD Gonzalez]

How was grand final day? Still crying?

Considering that at the start of the year no-one, Swans fans or opposition, expected us to be playing and nearly winning a grand final this year, I don't think there are too many tears being shed among Swans supporters.

Considering it was supposed to be a rebuilding year after losing so much senior talent last year, and some experts tipped us to not even make the eight, I think most people would agree we exceeded expectations this year.

 

[threesixpio]

Considering that at the start of the year no-one, Swans fans or opposition, expected us to be playing and nearly winning a grand final this year, I don't think there are too many tears being shed among Swans supporters.

Considering it was supposed to be a rebuilding year after losing so much senior talent last year, and some experts tipped us to not even make the eight, I think most people would agree we exceeded expectations this year.

Lots of considering but not a lot of winning.

You guys are pretty good at not making the most of your opportunities - wouldn't you consider that true?

But rather than put that under the microscope let's look at another team who essentially retired some players and is, I'll add, rebuilding after making the most of their opportunities. That'll help the pain

 

[SBD Gonzalez]

Lots of considering but not a lot of winning.

Are you one of those tiresome winning-is-not-everything-it's-the-only thing types?

Never did get that approach to life.

Apart from anything else, it doesn't seem to grasp that to win a grand final, you first have to get to a grand final. To get to a grand final, you first have to make finals. So in 2016 we were better than 16 out of the other 17 AFL teams. That feels pretty good to me somehow.

I guess then, in your 2016, there was basically Brisbane, Essendon and the Swans, all about level-pegged?

Really don't understand some people.

 

[matey]

I'm not.

Players in the door are currently not matching what is being shown the door. Then on top of that the Hawks have lost a lot of good draft picks for this year and next, and that is going to hurt long-term.

The ones out the door are close to the end anyway and we debuted 8 players this year probably more than the Saints. Have seen some great signs for the future particularly Burton, Lovell and Sis.

Hawks are transitioning drastically and I am fully supportive of it. Our culture today is about being honest, upfront and try to do the best for the club and the individual. The club could have easily not spoken to Lewis of its plans, gone into next year and then not given him another contract.

We ain't going nowhere and many will be proven wrong.

 

[HairyO]

The ones out the door are close to the end anyway and we debuted 8 players this year probably more than the Saints. Have seen some great signs for the future particularly Burton, Lovell and Sis.

For reference, St Kilda debuted 3 players.

Swans did 8 and i think we did 7. Not sure if that includes Fitzpatrick who may push us to your 8 number.

 

[Spook]

we didnt get rid of those 3 for a packet of chips though.

??? What did you get for Kerr, Cox and cousins??? Nothing?

 

[threesixpio]

Are you one of those tiresome winning-is-not-everything-it's-the-only thing types?

Never did get that approach to life.

Apart from anything else, it doesn't seem to grasp that to win a grand final, you first have to get to a grand final. To get to a grand final, you first have to make finals. So in 2016 we were better than 16 out of the other 17 AFL teams. That feels pretty good to me somehow.

I guess then, in your 2016, there was basically Brisbane, Essendon and the Swans, all about level-pegged?

Really don't understand some people.

Sydney = the new St Kilda.

Sorry to be "tiresome" but making GFs and continually fluffing it would annoy me - 2012 sucked

 

[andrewb]

What would Hawthorn have gotten if they had have let Lewis go as a free agent last year?

 

[threesixpio]

What would Hawthorn have gotten if they had have let Lewis go as a free agent last year?

Pick 66

 

[threesixpio]

What would Hawthorn have gotten if they had have let Lewis go as a free agent last year?

But I don't think Lewis would have got as lucrative a deal. Great outcome for Lewis.

 

[Damon_3388]

Considering that at the start of the year no-one, Swans fans or opposition, expected us to be playing and nearly winning a grand final this year,

Oh come on 

You might not have gone into the year as favourites, but you were always going to be around the mark (top 4) and solidly in contention.

 

[threesixpio]

Oh come on 

You might not have gone into the year as favourites, but you were always going to be around the mark (top 4) and solidly in contention.

I actually think they did exceed expectations especially with early development of some of their younger players. But the issue is this:

(a) when you get your chance you grab it - especially if you fluffed it two years previously and
(b) splashing cash on Buddy has been great to attract people to the game in NSW (still one of the best to watch) but the rest of the team just go missing when it counts. It's disrespectful to Buddy tbh

 

[SBD Gonzalez]

Sydney = the new St Kilda.

Sorry to be "tiresome" but making GFs and continually fluffing it would annoy me - 2012 sucked

Can I just pause for a moment here and say that you, sir, are the very embodiment of the grace, humility and concern for others that is such a hallmark of Hawthorn supporters?

In a thread that is entirely about your club, you've taken the time out to derail it off talk about you, and showed that your first and only concern is the welfare and happiness of others. You guys really are the benchmark for all decent, civilised posters on BF.

But seeing as you are so concerned for how Swans fans have dealt with our GF history, well, I am but one humble part of that large cohort; I make no pompous claims to being in any way representative of the group, but perhaps if I may be so bold as to share a few of my own intimate thoughts on the matter, it will put your mind somewhat at rest.

2005 - Incredible. Still buzzing.

2006 - Almost as incredible. Disappointed of course that we lost by a mere point, but we gave it our all, we were not in any way diminished by the result, and it was another legendary contest.

2012 - Vies in my mind with 2005 as my favourite Swans GF ever, for completely different reasons. What a game. So many memorable moments from both sides. The way the momentum swung. It had everything. Truly one of the great grand finals. We won, from the underdog position to boot, but you guys gave it your all, and like us in 06, were not in the least diminished by the outcome. I honestly can't grasp why you would say "2012 sucked", unless it turns out you are one of those winning-is-not-everything-it's-the-only-thing types I referred to earlier.

2014 - Shattering. No idea what happened to us. Will go to my grave wondering WTF that was about.

But I've totally gotten over it, through a combination of a number of factors, being firstly an understanding that the fortunes of the football team that I follow don't define me as a human being. Secondly, the outcomes of the 2013 and 2015 GFs, which showed it wasn't only the Swans who were troubled by your abilities, and thirdly, our showing in:

2016 - Another incredible contest. Up until the dying minutes it was anyone's game. Capped a season packed with delightful surprises for Swans supporters. We had as many youngsters on the field that day as the Dogs. At the start of the year, who'd heard of George Hewett, Tom Papley, Sam Naismith? After losing badly to GWS, we'd absolutely smashed Adelaide and Geelong. Two finals in a row which, in hindsight, were both over by quarter time. My beloved Swans delivered another of the great grand finals of recent times. When the final siren went, I turned to my kids and said "Well, that was a fantastic match. Bummer we couldn't pull it off in the end, but in no way were we shamed by our effort."

I admit to be sllghtly irked by seeing my Swans be right in it up till the dying minutes, to be one of the two worthy adversaries in what every one agreed was another classic GF encounter, then slowly, over the next few weeks, to see the Bulldogs' fairytale grow to such absurdly inflated dimensions that an outsider could be forgiven for wondering if there was only one team on the field that day.

But that's OK, time wounds all heels, and I have no doubt that eventually our performance will be viewed by history as what it was, yet another incredible effort.

I also admit to being slightly troubled to read some weeks later that "The AFL Umpiring Department determined that the umpiring was below the expected standard, and that three or four decisions made on the day against Sydney were incorrect, most notably the decision not to penalise Easton Wood in the final quarter for the sliding tackle which forced Dan Hannebery out of the game with a knee injury" but I leave the administration of the game to the professionals and I'm sure they'll sort that out.

So that's me, in a (rather too wordy) nutshell. Hopefully I have put your mind at rest and this thread can now return to discussion of your club's future, but thank you again for your gracious concern.

 

[Wesley2]

Come on mate, you criticize him about making a thread about hawthorn "about him" then get on your soapbox?

Careful when you step down

 

[threesixpio]

Can I just pause for a moment here and say that you, sir, are the very embodiment of the grace, humility and concern for others that is such a hallmark of Hawthorn supporters?

In a thread that is entirely about your club, you've taken the time out to derail it off talk about you, and showed that your first and only concern is the welfare and happiness of others. You guys really are the benchmark for all decent, civilised posters on BF.

But seeing as you are so concerned for how Swans fans have dealt with our GF history, well, I am but one humble part of that large cohort; I make no pompous claims to being in any way representative of the group, but perhaps if I may be so bold as to share a few of my own intimate thoughts on the matter, it will put your mind somewhat at rest.

2005 - Incredible. Still buzzing.

2006 - Almost as incredible. Disappointed of course that we lost by a mere point, but we gave it our all, we were not in any way diminished by the result, and it was another legendary contest.

2012 - Vies in my mind with 2005 as my favourite Swans GF ever, for completely different reasons. What a game. So many memorable moments from both sides. The way the momentum swung. It had everything. Truly one of the great grand finals. We won, from the underdog position to boot, but you guys gave it your all, and like us in 06, were not in the least diminished by the outcome. I honestly can't grasp why you would say "2012 sucked", unless it turns out you are one of those winning-is-not-everything-it's-the-only-thing types I referred to earlier.

2014 - Shattering. No idea what happened to us. Will go to my grave wondering WTF that was about.

But I've totally gotten over it, through a combination of a number of factors, being firstly an understanding that the fortunes of the football team that I follow don't define me as a human being. Secondly, the outcomes of the 2013 and 2015 GFs, which showed it wasn't only the Swans who were troubled by your abilities, and thirdly, our showing in:

2016 - Another incredible contest. Up until the dying minutes it was anyone's game. Capped a season packed with delightful surprises for Swans supporters. We had as many youngsters on the field that day as the Dogs. At the start of the year, who'd heard of George Hewett, Tom Papley, Sam Naismith? After losing badly to GWS, we'd absolutely smashed Adelaide and Geelong. Two finals in a row which, in hindsight, were both over by quarter time. My beloved Swans delivered another of the great grand finals of recent times. When the final siren went, I turned to my kids and said "Well, that was a fantastic match. Bummer we couldn't pull it off in the end, but in no way were we shamed by our effort."

I admit to be sllghtly irked by seeing my Swans be right in it up till the dying minutes, to be one of the two worthy adversaries in what every one agreed was another classic GF encounter, then slowly, over the next few weeks, to see the Bulldogs' fairytale grow to such absurdly inflated dimensions that an outsider could be forgiven for wondering if there was only one team on the field that day.

But that's OK, time wounds all heels, and I have no doubt that eventually our performance will be viewed by history as what it was, yet another incredible effort.

I also admit to being slightly troubled to read some weeks later that "The AFL Umpiring Department determined that the umpiring was below the expected standard, and that three or four decisions made on the day against Sydney were incorrect, most notably the decision not to penalise Easton Wood in the final quarter for the sliding tackle which forced Dan Hannebery out of the game with a knee injury" but I leave the administration of the game to the professionals and I'm sure they'll sort that out.

So that's me, in a (rather too wordy) nutshell. Hopefully I have put your mind at rest and this thread can now return to discussion of your club's future, but thank you again for your gracious concern.

tldr

 

[SBD Gonzalez]

tldr

tldr

 

[DrEvil_]

Hawthorn are always happy to sell out their favourite sons. To quote bruce, its "delicious". The myth of Hawks players taking unders is just a furphy. despite, what the hawks posters droned on about over the last few years. You ended the careers of two in form legends careers at your club, for a guy with a gimp knee and a 4th to 5th in line midfielder at the swans on big cash. If you are going to sell out your own, atleast dump the out of form legends. Hawk$.

It's a golden handshake really. Mitchell and Lewis had been taking unders and now we are not going for a flag in the short term they are get their deserved coins elsewhere. Worked out great for Mark Williams too.

 

[DrEvil_]

we didnt get rid of those 3 for a packet of chips though.

True, you got rid of them for a packet of ice.

 

[SBD Gonzalez]

Come on mate, you criticize him about making a thread about hawthorn "about him" then get on your soapbox?

Careful when you step down

You couldn't be more wrong. I criticised him for derailing a Hawks thread with his wholly transparent attempt at trolling a Swans supporter. No-one mentioned the Swans until your fellow Hawks supporter did.

 

[Wesley2]

Don't blame other people for your own actions, that's what children do.

 

[threesixpio]

You couldn't be more wrong. I criticised him for derailing a Hawks thread with his wholly transparent attempt at trolling a Swans supporter. No-one mentioned the Swans until your fellow Hawks supporter did.

Swans supporter I was responding to was trolling in my view

 

[threesixpio]

You couldn't be more wrong. I criticised him for derailing a Hawks thread with his wholly transparent attempt at trolling a Swans supporter. No-one mentioned the Swans until your fellow Hawks supporter did.

It is a bit rich to admonish me about talking about the Swans in this thread given your MULTIPLE Swans related responses

PS - the post I responded to mentioned the Swans from memory

 

[SBD Gonzalez]

Don't blame other people for your own actions, that's what children do.

Swans supporter I was responding to was trolling in my view

It is a bit rich to admonish me about talking about the Swans in this thread given your MULTIPLE Swans related responses

PS - the post I responded to mentioned the Swans from memory

The guy was putting the boot into the Hawks but it was not a troll. Every thing he said could easily have been addressed.

His only mention of the Swans was the fact that you've signed Tom Mitchell. Tangential at best.

But O'Rourke Awakens decides instead to go for the cheap shot and diverts it onto the Swans, and now I'M at fault for making it all about the Swans? You guys should hear yourselves. Sheesh.

 

[yeee_haaaa!!!!!]

Considering that at the start of the year no-one, Swans fans or opposition, expected us to be playing and nearly winning a grand final this year, I don't think there are too many tears being shed among Swans supporters.

Considering it was supposed to be a rebuilding year after losing so much senior talent last year, and some experts tipped us to not even make the eight, I think most people would agree we exceeded expectations this year.

None of which means you wouldn't still be crying after losing a grand final you entered as a warm favourite. But I do agree you exceeded expectations in 2016, it really is a very average list that has the cracks papered over by buddy's brilliance

 

[threesixpio]

The guy was putting the boot into the Hawks but it was not a troll. Every thing he said could easily have been addressed.

His only mention of the Swans was the fact that you've signed Tom Mitchell.

But O'Rourke Awakens decides instead to go for the cheap shot and diverts it onto the Swans, and now I'M at fault for making it all about the Swans? You guys should hear yourselves. Sheesh.

It's hard hearing ourselves - we 're too busy reading your long-winded description of your emotional roller coaster ride as a Swans supporter in grand finals in a thread about Hawthorn.