Nic Naitanui Retires

[Truckosaurus]

Side note: might need more than two blokes if they want to chair him off.

 

[Cornelius Roy]

The end of an era and the start of a new one.

I'll never forget the huge marks Nic Nat was taking when it looked like he was about the grab the competition by the throat along with the absolute silver service he gave our mids at the CBAs but also the exact moment he did that ACL that was likened to a car crash.

The fact that he managed to come back from that and play AA level football is an enormous credit to him.

Would have loved to have seen what he could've done across a career that wasn't injury impacted but the fact of it is that it was incredible as it was and I'll look back on it fondly.

Thanks for everything Nic

 

[Obeanie1]

Was preparing for this news.

Feeling a tad empty. No AFL crowd will ever see the great man play again.

Thanks for all the memories Nic.

Now get back on the job and let's see half a dozen father sons and daughters.

 

[BeeTee]

Unique player. On his day, he was the GOAT, comparable to Polly only.

 

[Doashuey]

Nic Nat late out- but for good this time.

Absolute excitement machine, genuine one of a kind and the most competitive bloke on the field no matter who else was playing.

I suspected we had seen the last of him quite early on this season but it sucks that it is now a reality.

Hope the body holds together so you can enjoy the rest of your life NN as you sure as hell gave a lot of enjoyment to all the fans.

 

[Manbearpig77]

Those who know, know.

 

[sey666]

Naitanui late out

 

[Eastcoasteagle]

Loved going to a game to see him play, seconds tick down to centre bounce and you could see him crouching just staring at the other ruck. Gave you goosebumps.

 

[wce4premiership]

Best tap ruckman I have ever seen, probably the best clearance ruckman I have seen as well.

Such a unique player and I wish we got to see more of him at his best, but still what a highlight reel he has put together from 200 odd games.

 

[Keys]

Loved going to a game to see him play, seconds tick down to centre bounce and you could see him crouching just staring at the other ruck. Gave you goosebumps.

This

Watching him coiled up at a centre bounce ready to explode was something to behold

A sight like no other and had to be intimating for his opponent

 

[TheNewAnchor]

I’m privileged to have been a member and watched Nic, Bunga and Boots elevate themselves to legend status and for making our trips to the footy such a worthwhile experience…..superb effort fellas! While 2023 will always be the year of the apocalypse, it will also usher in a new breed of Eagles and I’m looking forward to watching our young blokes stick it up the media f***wits who’ve enjoyed feasting on our carcass during 2023.

 

[eaglesfan84]

This one sucks I know his time is up but I don't want it to be

 

[Seadog]

also i would like to personally add a massive * you to the club for completely ******* this all up giving him an extension last season rather than making him retire, not getting english last year and then this year lied through their teeth about him coming back.

if there wasn't such a massive waitlist for membership i would've given it up

Don't let the door hit you on the way out. There is a dozen other threads for whinging.

 

[Jezzza]

You sometimes hear commentators say don't focus on what the players weaknesses are but look to their strengths & what they can bring to the team. Nics tapwork & ability in the contest to get the play decisively going our way was simply elite & a joy to watch.

Thanks Nic

 

[TassieEagle]

One of my favourite ever Eagles to watch. From his 3 goal masterclass against the Hawks in the rain he was a freak. The eagle I am most disappointed didn't win a flag (along with Shep)

His time was up and the right call but I wish I could see him in his prime one last time.

It hurts seeing Nic, Bunga, and Boots all calling it quits at our lowest ebb in history but at the same time it was the right call for them all.

 

[Ace McKane]

Huge. What a truly unbelievable player/athlete.

All of the absolute bullshit about him being overrated aside - he was our most impactful player for years. Our best performances came with him in the side. The way he could absolutely dominate a game in all aspects with his strength, size and athleticism for so long I’d say is only shared similarly with the likes of Buddy.

Will be missed, no doubt a comfortable future ahead of him regardless.

 

[timeforanother22]

What a privilege it has been watching you Nic!
That game in the storm against Hawthorn, so glad I was there for that.
The win against North after the siren was on my mum’s birthday, she still talks about it.
Everytime I watched you cover the ground so quickly and mow down some poor unsuspecting mofo with a crunching tackle! Poetry.
The marks, the taps to perfection, the follow up work.
Thank you for all of it

 

[Keys]

Those people who’ve been accusing Nic of being selfish and suggesting he’d continue for a pay check and/or a handful of games owe him an apology

Says he’s been agonising over the decision for weeks and did everything he could to try to get back but just couldn’t

He has always done the right thing by the club. Contract renewals were never a drama and for a guy that was instantly recognisable not once did he do anything to harm his or the club’s reputation

Absolute role model

 

[Avalor]

Really hurts, yes, he was the greatest - a highlights reel unmatched. Thank you, Nik Nat for the memories, the enjoyment you brought to the game.

 

[Seadog]

Thanks Nic, you were a joy to watch and could create excitement in a crowd like few others.

 

[Tugga27]

Say no more.

Chris Scott mesmerised by Nic Naitanui

West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui put on a star display as the Eagles came from 22 points down to beat Geelong by nine points…

www.theroar.com.au

 

[Lach72]

Good luck to the big guy…

that 2008 draft was something

 

[Balls In]

"The problem with kicking goals against West Coast is the ball goes back to the middle". Sums it up nicely.

 

[bzparkes]

Hmm, can't believe I forgot NN's uncle is Vulcan from Gladiators.

 

[UseR2006]

Hmm, can't believe I forgot NN's uncle is Vulcan from Gladiators.

Was thinking the same thing