Mega Thread The Big Roughy IS IN THE CLEAR!!

[Ned Ryerson]

Must admit I have been pretty pessimistic about the big champ playing again but all the talk is very positive. Hard to imagine the reaction from the players, club and fans if he runs out with the side next year.

I won't be remotely ashamed to shed a tear the day he dons the brown and gold again and runs through the banner.

 

[Argy]

I won't be remotely ashamed to shed a tear the day he dons the brown and gold again and runs through the banner.

It would be good if a few fans can get to the next open training session and show our support.

 

[Davo23]

I won't be remotely ashamed to shed a tear the day he dons the brown and gold again and runs through the banner.

They will make a fortune out of selling tissues at the game.

I'll certainly need some.

 

[Ned Ryerson]

They will make a fortune out of selling tissues at the game.

I'll certainly need some.

Might invest in these for the occasion.

 

[Gold Member]

I won't be remotely ashamed to shed a tear the day he dons the brown and gold again and runs through the banner.

Join the club!

 

[OzJohnnie]

I want that just as much as everybody. Until I hear the great man himself, or his doctors say that they hope he will play in Round 1 or in 2017 at all, then I am tempering expectations. Anything I have read about his treatment is that it will go through to June-July of next year. Look if immunothreapy is so non-debilitating at the later stages that it allows an athlete to compete then I will do cartwheels all the way to the MCG for his first game back. The cautious/realist/skeptical side of me is prevailing and I just wonder if it is possible for him to come back prior to his treatment ending.

If you read Jack's full comments - they definitely read as more of a 'I wish this was so' rather than 'take it to the bank - he'll be making the Bombers defenders wish they were still suspended':

"Like everyone else, I'm hopeful he'll be there for round one but I guess his health is more important than anything else," Gunston said on Monday.

"That's (just) my hope. I miss playing with the big fella. I don't know where's he at or what situation he's in but it's good to see him out there training.

I am willing to get on the Roughy in 2017 bandwagon - but expecting it in Round 1 may be a little too optimistic.

I just watched the interview and you're right. He's saying this is what he wishes happens and then makes clear he has no particular insight in to Rough's current status. He said Rough will let the world know when Rough thinks the world should know.

 

[OzJohnnie]

That said...

Roughy to captain round one!!!eleventy!!111!!11

 

[Killer Power]

Great news hearing the big guy is back on deck. One of my favourite opposition players, well except for when he tore us apart in the 2014 prelim. But anyway I look forward to seeing him play round 1 for you guys.

 

[Furn2]

Take this with a grain of salt but I've been told Roughie will be announced as the new captain at the AGM.

 

[Ned Ryerson]

Take this with a grain of salt but I've been told Roughie will be announced as the new captain at the AGM.

Would be very interesting if that transpired - as it means that if Rough comes back during the year but is out for a few months at the start, and with Jordan Lewis elsewhere - that whoever the new VC is will be on-field captain to begin the season. Captain Gunner to run first through the banner against the Bombers?

 

[onthemoney]

Take this with a grain of salt but I've been told Roughie will be announced as the new captain at the AGM.

Goosebumps. I guess I had just assumed he wouldn't be up for it at the moment and that may well be the case, but if he is, wow.

 

[tige19]

Take this with a grain of salt but I've been told Roughie will be announced as the new captain at the AGM.

Has got my vote if Hodgey wants to relinquish.. Rough has at least 5 seasons left in him and is an excellent leader.

 

[PhatHQ]

Take this with a grain of salt but I've been told Roughie will be announced as the new captain at the AGM.

This I wouldn't be against.
If he is fit & healthy it's a no brainer.
I have bouced the Shiels/Gunston potential captain ball for a while but with Lewis out of the picture Rough is the next in line.

 

[Ned Ryerson]

Gunner doing the media today could be a sign that he's been given the promotion to be VC.

 

[HODGEYROAD]

Gunner doing the media today could be a sign that he's been given the promotion to be VC.

If so very good decision IMO.

 

[bananatigz]

Great to hear the big fella is training, sounds like he's going pretty well at the moment. One of my favourite players in the AFL, superstar on and off the field.

I'll be there the day he runs through the banner for you blokes for the first time no question

 

[Hawk Hawkins]

Take this with a grain of salt but I've been told Roughie will be announced as the new captain at the AGM.

Get me the tequila and lemon just in case this is true!

 

[tige19]

Gunner doing the media today could be a sign that he's been given the promotion to be VC.

I see Gunno as 100% captain material, if either he or Ruff get it then we would be in great shape, both exceptional leaders. Gunno really excelled this year, his aggression has gone on in leaps and bounds and players love playing with guys who throw them selves around a bit, I also noticed Gunno giving Hodge like constructive sprays during the games, this shows he is comfortable as a leading voice and his position within the game. Big tick for both.

 

[Tyrone Time]

The club really needs to hose down the expectation. It's just great for his mental health and well being that he's down the club, keeping involved.
For me, it's a great good news story but talk of captaincy and Round 1 are just building unreal expectation and can backfire if he has a hiccup.
As for Gunston, hasn't really handled the attention on field being No.1 banana forward. Worse thing you could do is heap further expectation on him.
Hodgey in his final season to keep stuff routine and maybe Burgers and a Shiels type for VC. Simple, vanilla and routine.

 

[HairyO]

The club really needs to hose down the expectation.

Maybe they are. Players wouldnt be out and about making incorrect statements about his recovery. Its highly likely the news is good. Maybe not Round 1 good, but early 2017 good.

 

[Tyrone Time]

Maybe they are. Players wouldnt be out and about making incorrect statements about his recovery. Its highly likely the news is good. Maybe not Round 1 good, but early 2017 good.

Fair enough. Sorry for my pessimism, but 18 months ago we were told my father had been clear for 2 years and it was onward and upwards.
He didn't make last Christmas. Apologies for my over caution after what we went through.

 

[tige19]

Fair enough. Sorry for my pessimism, but 18 months ago we were told my father had been clear for 2 years and it was onward and upwards.
He didn't make last Christmas. Apologies for my over caution after what we went through.

I don't think anyone is having a shot at you dude, but positive thoughts and comments aren't a negative. Sorry for your loss champ

 

[Mojo]

Take this with a grain of salt but I've been told Roughie will be announced as the new captain at the AGM.

Not sure how accurate this can be, Furn. The captaincy is voted by the playing group after the Christmas break.

 

[dermott]

I strongly doubt the club would consider burdening Rough with the responsibility of captaincy while he is still undertaking immunotherapy treatment. I hope we see him play again this year but taking on the captaincy as well seems fanciful to me.

 

[Ned Ryerson]

I strongly doubt the club would consider burdening Rough with the responsibility of captaincy while he is still undertaking immunotherapy treatment. I hope we see him play again this year but taking on the captaincy as well seems fanciful to me.

Could possibly be named as club captain with Gunston to take on on-field captaincy duties with a full handover in 2018.