News

Skipworth announces retirement from AFL

Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Craig Rowston for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Hayden Skipworth today announced he is retiring from the AFL after 55 games and seven seasons in the competition.

Skipworth - who turns 27 in February - said his body simply did not withstand the rigors of full-time football.

"Unfortunately my body is struggling to cope with the AFL workload and I wasn't able to play the sort of footy I wanted to play, especially in the second half of the year," he said.

"I want to thank the Essendon Football Club and its supporters for embracing me after coming from a different club. I have been made to feel welcome and, although it was my first year on the playing list, I have been at Windy Hill for three years and the club has been great.

"It's a great club and thanks to Matthew Knights and the recruitment people for giving me the opportunity. Even though it didn't last as long as I would have liked it was great to get back out there. I also want to thank my family and friends for all their support.

"It's an exciting time for the club, they have a great group of young players and if they can stick together they can go places.

"I have enjoyed working with the young player and I got more out of helping them than helping myself over the past few years. It gave me a big thrill to see them play their first game or mature as an AFL player and as a person."

To purchase a fantastic commemorative Matthew Lloyd Lithograph click here.

General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said it was disappointing for Skipworth but the club wished him well.

"Hayden had a good start to the year but, physically, he wasn't able to maintain it. He is a great club man and was very well liked and respected by the players and coaches," he said.

"Hayden was employed by Essendon to live with our young players in the Samsung Player House last year and he lived with Tayte Pears this year and his mentoring has been invaluable.

"He played a big role in the development of guys like Tayte Pears and Kyle Reimers by showing them the commitment and dedication required to be a professional footballer."

Skipworth played 44 games for the Adelaide Crows and 11 games for Essendon. He was recruited to Windy Hill with selection No.3 in the 2009 pre-season draft after winning the best and fairest award at Bendigo.

John Williams (one senior game) and rookie listed players Rhys Magin (four senior games), Tom German, Bryce Carroll and Kade Klemke have each been advised they will no longer be required by the club.

"Essendon would like to thank John, Rhys, Tom, Bryce and Kade for their hard work and we wish them all the best for their future careers," Hamilton said.

Essendon will use four picks at the 2009 NAB National Draft.

2009 departures:

Senior listed players: Matthew Lloyd (veterans list), Scott Lucas, Andrew Lovett, Jay Nash, Hayden Skipworth, John Williams.

Rookies: Rhys Magin, Tom German, Bryce Carroll, Kade Klemke.

2009 arrivals:

Mark Williams, selections No.10, 24, 26, 33.

To hear Mark Williams on SEN from Monday afternoon (12th October) click here.

PLAYER PROFILE: Hayden Skipworth
PLAYER PROFILE: Rhys Magin
PLAYER PROFILE: John Williams

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Now Ess, there is going to be a lot of handy players in the pre-season draft, please get some off them and dont waste your time like you did with the Skipworth project! Eg, Tenace, Ball, McGuire, (maybe Jesse Smith - however we already have two injury prone guys)

- Malcolm Milgate (posted 14/10/2009 11:30:09 AM)

On one level Skipworth's drafting was a a bit of a waste. I don't remember what other options we had but we got 11 games out of a draft selection. It was always a bit of a gamble and hindsight is such a questionable luxury. As the article suggests, though, Skipworth brought more than just 11 games of footy to the club and given Pears' development we probably have Skipworth to partly thank for that. In any organisation, just like in a match, the 1%ers take many forms, but they add up. I think Skipworth was worth more than what most of us supporters saw in 11 games. We should wish him all the best.

- Kris Bayne (posted 14/10/2009 11:36:04 AM)

Lucky we passed up Cousins to get 11 odd games out of skippy... NICE ONE !

- Josh McCarthy (posted 14/10/2009 11:37:28 AM)

Very well said Kris.

- Essendon Insider (posted 14/10/2009 11:38:12 AM)

Sad to see Hayden go after only 1 season. Hopefully he can continue to be a part of the club and mentor the younger guys. thanks for the year Skippy!!

- Rachelle Bransgrove (posted 14/10/2009 11:39:36 AM)

Cousins would of been a handy get with that no3 pick instead!!

- Damian Lake (posted 14/10/2009 11:40:29 AM)

Well done Skippy. Your spot on the list was reward for effort. Thanks for your work with the young players.

- Justin Woodward (posted 14/10/2009 11:41:05 AM)

So am I reading this correctly - we still have 4 draft picks plus 1 PSD pick plus Rookie selections?

- Jeff Forster (posted 14/10/2009 11:46:22 AM)

...Thank you skippy, for your input this year. Every little bit helps in the future of the EFC.

- Nick Tomaras (posted 14/10/2009 11:48:20 AM)

who will look after the children?

- John Elwood (posted 14/10/2009 11:49:32 AM)

yeh i agree kris. he played reasonably well for us, particularly early in the year, and he was a pre-season draft pick. its not like we waisted a real draft pick. ben cousins is not worth the off field dramas. he's in his 30's, if he was 25, ok sure, but seriously josh, richmond took him because richmond are and average side and could use him for a couple of years while they rebuild. what happens behind closed doors is often very valuable, so we cant say it was stupid. same with the lovett trade.

- James Brown (posted 14/10/2009 11:51:25 AM)

An honourable season by Skipworth. But I too have to ask why did we draft him in the first place?

- Geoff Cliff (posted 14/10/2009 11:53:14 AM)

Yeah, Cousins would have been GREAT, we could have paid him good money & then let him retire just when our team was ready to push for the top 4, Also GO for MaGuire injury prone for last 2 years, the Baggers need something new to complain about next year

- Mark McLachlan (posted 14/10/2009 11:58:10 AM)

Totally agree with you kris,think you covered every facet of his time with this great club.I too think the time he has put in with the young kids will be invaluable.Nice to see the insider coment on someones posts when we know they have a valid point.Thankyou Hayden for coming to our great club if not only for a short time.Best wishes.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 14/10/2009 11:58:56 AM)

well well well - what a terrific pick-up that was by the recruiting department.....we need more 11 game career players....maybe we can pick up more plums in this years draft....PS Best and Fairest at Bendigo (WOW!)

- Craig Elphick (posted 14/10/2009 12:05:34 PM)

He was obviously told he was going to be delisted. I don't think this "retirement" is fooling anyone.

- Andrew Dunsy (posted 14/10/2009 12:09:56 PM)

no way thats wrong skipworth was a mates rates pick and we should have got cousins and we would have if the club listened to its supporters for once 11 games what a waste of a pick and the thing is knights new it would happen and should retire with him.p.s and Bellchambers

- Brett Martin (posted 14/10/2009 12:14:30 PM)

think I would have preferred what skipworth taught the young kids than cousins.Who would of known what cousins would have taught them,no thanks.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 14/10/2009 12:51:31 PM)

Skippy was a very good servant of the Club in the time he had, played some good games and more particularly was a respected mentor to many of the young players on the list. Good luck to him for the future, hopefully that future might be around Windy Hill. Well done to the recruiters who now have 4 excellent picks in the National Draft, and one left hopefully to pick up Jesse Smith.

- Graham Flynn (posted 14/10/2009 1:01:24 PM)

Brett Martin, If the club listened to the "supporters" on this site then we would delist every player who is not in the top 10 Brownlow votes, sack every coach who doesn't win a flag in 2 years, They DO listen to the, possibly 35,000 plus "silent majority" who are happy with the progress we are making, it's only the noisey, loud minority of baggers, who must also have miserable home lives (to be so negative) who continually criticise, EVERY move the club makes, The people with footy nous outside the club all realise that we are headed in the right direction

- Mark McLachlan (posted 14/10/2009 1:01:41 PM)

Use the draft picks to get good young players but also target Luke Ball. Forget about Jesse Smith and Kane Tenace. Very unkown in terms injury (Smith) and ability (Tenace)

- Andrew Leung (posted 14/10/2009 1:03:48 PM)

what a waste of player skipworth was for essendon.... just shows our recruitment dept have NO idea.... lets play for another recycled dud

- Anthony Newton (posted 14/10/2009 1:07:39 PM)

Thank you Skippy,the plaudits are well deserved because he wasn't just here as a player,but played his part well as a mentor to quite a few,and a price can't be put on the value of good team spirit,morale and camaraderie.. Hopefully for Andrew Lovett's sake,the Saints will repeat and repeat the "team ethic" thing,and finally the "penny will drop"…. The Skippy goals that he scored and some clever moments,gave us an idea of the talent he must have had before the serious injuries. Like Neale Daniher's brave return to play again,i was just as pleased to see Hayden get the opportunity as well.Go Bombers!!

- Noel Shields (posted 14/10/2009 1:09:56 PM)

Well done Skippy, I thought you were ok and believe the Bombers should always consider their VFL team's B&F winner for the main team as a reward for effort, but also for the fact it is clear they can play, at least at the 2nd best level. I think AFL clubs are far too focussed on 17 year olds when some players take several years to mature into decent footballers.

- Glenn Cook (posted 14/10/2009 1:12:16 PM)

Crikey, next thing you know Knighta's group of critics will suggest that he is responsible for global disasters! Hayden had a second crack at AFL level. Only he can know what his body is capable of. It's not as if this a new thing in the world of football. The average life cycle of a player at AFL is approx 3.5 years, so those who can have long careers are the lucky ones. Injury will always be a factor in shortening careers at the elite level.

- Greg Sorenson (posted 14/10/2009 1:13:13 PM)

Cousins was too risky for a young impressionable list and look at the Richmonds results this year - Cousins played ok but with all the media attention the young Richmond list took a big toll. Skipworth was taken for the reasons mentioned in the article - his relationship and mentoring ability with our younger players - a gamble worth taking.

- Greg Kemp (posted 14/10/2009 1:15:51 PM)

we now have serious money to burn, we should have a crack at maguire and ball because our salary can cope with stars on our list, take my advice and we should see a prelim next yr carn the dons

- Ryan Edson (posted 14/10/2009 1:22:29 PM)

nicely said kris

- mark manginsay (posted 14/10/2009 1:23:27 PM)

Surely Luke Ball becomes an option. Skippy played one good game (his first) and that was it. Nice Experiment but it didnt pan out. Next!

- Neville Brooker (posted 14/10/2009 1:32:09 PM)

i think that maybe we need to keep Skippy at Bendigo in some sort of coaching/mentor role if he likes working with the crop of young fellas down there he seems to get a fair bit of respect from them,Garry O`D & skippy teaching the next tier of Essendon players in the VFL, i counld`nt think of anyone better & might just get some real results

- mawby Ian (posted 14/10/2009 1:34:49 PM)

Good luck in what life brings, Hayden. I do hope you stay around the club in some capacity. t was wonderful to be able ot watch you play, and for the young guys to learn from you. Your leadership qualities will be missed on the field, but lets hope you can employ them at the club in some other sort of capacity.

- Kymmy Hinton (posted 14/10/2009 1:45:04 PM)

Skippy had a crack and that was all that was asked of him. Nobody knew how his body would hold up, and I thought he was very good in a couple of games. Andrew D, why can`t you let the poor bloke go out on his own terms. No need for that comment, if it is not fact. If it is fact, then I wouldn`t really care. Good luck Skippy for the future.

- Cory Williams (posted 14/10/2009 1:46:38 PM)

We could of had Couisins!

- Andrew Cichello (posted 14/10/2009 1:47:51 PM)

Fantastic comments Mark Mac! You summed it up beautifully. I'm sure there are some "fans" who will be unable to credit the club for choosing Skipworth, whose true value to a young list was never going to be fully understood from a distance...

- Dennis Green (posted 14/10/2009 2:05:05 PM)

Skippy in the 2007 season for Bendigo was a standout, even when weighing up both sides on the ground (considering Bendigo were thrashed many times). He was well worth his pick and it was great to see him play. He is a quality player but if your body just cant handle the stresses of AFL - that is just bad luck. Well done Skippy - I was really looking forward to seeing you play more games next year. Best of luck.

- Stuart Scott (posted 14/10/2009 2:16:40 PM)

Adelaide dropped Robert Shirley, we should go after him and free up Welsh for his usual duties up forward or through the midfield. If Shirley gets injured we could always have Welsh back in. We should also start developing a young kid into the tagging role also, who out of our young brigade can be primed for it? Thanks Skippy. No matter what anyone else thinks, i think 11 games is great service. Thank you for everything and helping one of the rising talents in Tayte Pears grow this year. Good luck with whatever you pursue next year.

- Hardip Bassi (posted 14/10/2009 2:18:00 PM)

well done skipper, would have been good to see another year out of ya! thought he had a solid year, cant win them all.. Lets pick up christianson with one of our picks, been a bombers supporter his whole life and what a blood line! go dons!

- craig hitchcock (posted 14/10/2009 2:32:11 PM)

Well done Skippy for being honest with the club and yourself- unlucky that your body couldn't handle the rigours of AFL footy. NEED TO USE PICK 24 OR 26 AND GET BALL BEFORE COLLINGWOOD USE PICK 30!

- Mark Brooker (posted 14/10/2009 2:35:47 PM)

Hayden......... i admire you for your paasion and great sportsman ship that you have brought to our great club. Its takes alot of integrety to admit that your body is not capable at the elite level.You are a true gentleman and i hope some people in this site follows your steps. The world would become a better place . Keep your head high ......all the best where ever life takes you. Regards Michael Sammut

- Michael Sammut (posted 14/10/2009 2:38:49 PM)

It's disappointing to read so many negative comments regarding Hayden Skipworth. Do these supporters(?) know something the club officials don't? While he may not have played many games, he is probably more disappointed than anyone about this, his contribution as a whole needs to be considered. If he helped one young player to develop, as it appears he did, then he was worth it. Good luck for the future Hayden. Gayle

- Gayle Haworth (posted 14/10/2009 2:51:13 PM)

melbourne axed velenti, he was getting 20+ posies a game, we should do watever it takes to get him, he killed us when we vs casey with bendigo, he is quick and evasive and just wat we need.

- eddie pascoe (posted 14/10/2009 2:52:12 PM)

onya skippy should stick around the club as a development coach or somthing like that

- Antonino Papalia (posted 14/10/2009 2:58:18 PM)

Craig Elphick... just wondering how many AFL games you played? Or whether you won any best and fairests... at any level? As i dare say Skipworth as you well and truly covered

- Stu G (posted 14/10/2009 3:06:45 PM)

Skipworth .... all the best.

- Victor Tallis (posted 14/10/2009 3:12:45 PM)

Kris - great post! Entirely agree.

- Daniel Viney (posted 14/10/2009 3:13:02 PM)

Skipworth was a mini-revelation at the start of the year, on par with star mature age recruits such as Barnes, Murphy & Campereole. The fact that he kicked 2 goals in a final, & was a recurring runner, defender, rover & goal sneak somewhat puts other players such as Jetta, Houli to some latent shame. I will miss you Hayden & please enjoy/stay safe fishing in the outback with your well earned AFL income booty.

- Jose Bay (posted 14/10/2009 3:28:01 PM)

Many thanks to Haydn S. Not after a tirade, just trying to understand. Why give pick 58 to Hawth for 89. If it was part of the MW deal then why was it not mentioned at the time. It was explained to me that we didn't need it as we were only delisting 4 players, so what now??

- Gary Murin (posted 14/10/2009 3:29:34 PM)

Farewell Skippy, all the best for your future mate...unfortunate that the body was giving up, you were a champ

- christopher seaman (posted 14/10/2009 3:35:16 PM)

WISE MOVE SKIPWORTH NOW MORE ROOM FOR YOUNGER PLAYERS

- Dave Davo (posted 14/10/2009 3:39:13 PM)

Kris Bayne, you have just written the best post I have ever read on this site, very very well said.

- Brenton Davis (posted 14/10/2009 3:42:34 PM)

why did you retire you were Just a Bloody good Player and i am Sick of players leaving our club

- MARK JONES (posted 14/10/2009 3:48:08 PM)

KANE TENACE WOULD BE A GREAT PICK UP FOR THE BOMBERS. Hey Essendon Insider do you beleive essendon are interested in him?, hes got the Body type,speed,experience and hes 24 perfect please reply

- Benn Cooper (posted 14/10/2009 3:51:36 PM)

Totally agree re Skips value. I'd far rather someone with his strength of character, whose attributes were well known by Knighta, than a certain 30 y.o. with a sad history. Life & success is not just about the champions, it's also about those who add value, character, and depth to a club, who do the grafting and hard yards that never get credit from the incessant whingers.

- Graeme Blore (posted 14/10/2009 4:06:01 PM)

HE PLAYED LIKE 4 GAMES!

- Jack Hadaway (posted 14/10/2009 4:24:49 PM)

Skipworth's mentoring of the younger guys especially Tayte Pears was well worth it. You can't put a price on that. Well done Hayden and good luck for the future.

- Terri Xuereb (posted 14/10/2009 4:29:16 PM)

Thanks for your input to the team Skippy.Why are so many people in love with luke ball he's to slow in today's game

- Nicolaas Schrama (posted 14/10/2009 4:34:25 PM)

Well done Skipworth. Now let's get rid of BENDIGO BOMBERS!

- Stefan Hruszowski (posted 14/10/2009 5:07:37 PM)

I'm dissapointed in Hayden Skipworth leaving the club so early, but he does have a good reason. I am extremely happy with what he did bring to the club, helping with the development of younger players. Hope we can pick up Jesse Smith, who is a gun player. Essendon has a much better Medical Staff than the Kangaroos and I think he could excel at our great club.

- Andrew Bearpark (posted 14/10/2009 5:16:14 PM)

Best of luck to Haydon and his family for the future. To the EFC 2 questions How do you rate last years rookies is it normal to clear the decks so dramaticly or has someone buggered the last few draft picks. and second what is happening with Bendigo Bombers, are we keeping the affiliation or are we going to have our own VFL team? Cause 2009 was unforgivable, they are representitives of our club and it isn't good enough.

- Rueben Chambers (posted 14/10/2009 5:44:34 PM)

Could someone please tell me the reason John Williams has been delisted. The one game he played against St.Kilda last season when we got smashed by plenty he looked like he had a fair bit of talent & a very good future. I am very surprised he has been shown the door.

- Andrew Day (posted 14/10/2009 5:46:37 PM)

Well we took a work horse instead of show pony and that showed through when he did play if only for a short time his off feild contribution was great maybe he could be runner along side Rama and still train with the club if he chooses to play at a lower level best of luck Hayden

- Simon Mayo (posted 14/10/2009 5:50:32 PM)

So super coach and DUDoro picked a good VFL player over a champion AFL player. Great recruiting. NOT!!! Knights and co should be sacked immeadiately. Regards Ivar.

- Ivar Biggen (posted 14/10/2009 5:51:28 PM)

Thanks Skippy. Would like to see you stay around with a mentoring role with the new recruits every year, but whatever you do....good luck, mate! Gary Murin....We will still only use our 1st 4 picks and the 5th one will be used in the pre season draft so this makes no difference! Bit disappointed to see John Williams not make it......he looked fairly talented with a big leap, but that's footy I suppose!!!!

- Chris Crooks (posted 14/10/2009 6:03:21 PM)

Thankyou Hayden, great to see your value to the club and the mentoring of our younger players... I would suggest that if the coaching staff are really interested in Luke Ball, we would need to use pick 24 or 26 in the draft for him as Collingwood will no doubt use pick 30 (as they were going to give that to the saints anyway). Robert Shirley would be my pick for an experienced player, otherwise, Dustin Martin from the Bendigo Pioneers would be worth a punt.

- Ben Mihail (posted 14/10/2009 6:06:39 PM)

Good call Stu G.

- David Vivian (posted 14/10/2009 6:30:09 PM)

TAKE A LOOK AT KANE TENACE AND SIMON BUCKLEY GOOD HANDY DEVELOPED PICK UPS

- Cohlby Giblett (posted 14/10/2009 6:33:51 PM)

Knights has ruled out Ball and McGuire,were'nt ant of you paying attention last week.Don't need McGuire when u have Hooker,Pears,Fletcher and Hurley to play back.Tenace would be a chance,but he's not an inside player so keep that in mind.Both pick 10& 26 will be used on Mids,my tip is Jake Melksham(Calder)will be taken at pick 10 by us.Hard& tough mid who is both good inside AND out and has speed.Somebody mentioned Christiansen,yep he would also come into consideration.

- Mark Elze (posted 14/10/2009 6:35:00 PM)

GET SHANE VELENTI AND SIMON BUCKLEY GOOD PICK UPS

- Cohlby Giblett (posted 14/10/2009 6:40:39 PM)

It is my understanding that Skipworth was a mentor for Tayte Pears, so if that's the case , he has been worth his weight in gold, all the best in whatever you do, Skip.

- Richard Neudert (posted 14/10/2009 6:43:43 PM)

Skippy played a few good games but I think that he jumped before he was pushed like a couple of other players from the Bombers,Skippy didnt want to go in the draft. good luck in the future skippy Go Bombers

- Neil Missen (posted 14/10/2009 7:26:57 PM)

for all of you still whinging about Cousins, do you really want an "its all about me" type personality mixing with our younger guys. Whatever he may bring on the field would not be worth the deterimental effect it would have on the younger guys. Remember quite a few of our better young guys are from WA and probably hero worshipped him as kids, he isn't the sort of mentor I would like to have at the club regardless of how far he has (or may have) come from his dark past.

- Greg Kemp (posted 14/10/2009 7:51:34 PM)

What a waste of a draft pick. Skipworth should never have been selected in front of a player like Ben Cousins.

- John Harink (posted 14/10/2009 7:58:04 PM)

bit of a suprise! thought he was better than ordinary, but life goes on thanks for your year, and i hope he takes up a role at our club cause he has a very wise head! please draft an experienced player in smith, ball, cohglan or tenace. we need some expeirence as a lot has left us

- Leigh Robinson (posted 14/10/2009 8:01:30 PM)

Obviously Hayden Skipworth and John Williams gave it 100% & given credit for their efforts;BUT their recruiting came at the expense of Peverille &Mark Johnson respectively ;could the club have shown the loyalty they deserved? (Should have).Has the club gained by the decision?(probably not).Can the club preach "Loyalty" to any of its future champions when they reach the age of around 26 & are at their peak with other clubs chasing.(i do wonder!!!).In saying all that trading lovett &Jay Nash was handled well this yr giving both another oppurtunity &improving draft positions.(maybe somethings been learnt)??

- andrew bryce (posted 14/10/2009 8:02:33 PM)

As a 40+ year supporter,in my first full year posting in the Hangar,it has shocked me at times the negative slant some of us take,just to get noticed or to yearn for attention.. BUT THEN along comes the opinions of real,real true believers like Kris B/Diane T/Graham F/Mark Mc L/Glenn C/Ian M/Kymmy H/Cory W/Dennis G/Stuart S/Michael S/Gayle H/Graeme B/Terri X/ and many more who posted in support of the abovementioned.. Sadly,not enough space to include many more,but you all confirm to me THIS CLUB IS A MAGNIFICENT CLUB TO SUPPORT BECAUSE OF SUPPORTERS LIKE THE ABOVE,AND THOUSANDS MORE IN NUMBER.. OPTIMISM THRIVES IN THE HEARTS OF YOU ALL :-) PS….for saving of space,no surnames were included,please forgive me for this, I hope you understand…

- Noel Shields (posted 14/10/2009 8:10:21 PM)

hhhhmmm skipworth or cousins lloyd or williams kights or sheedy yeah this football club is making all the right choices

- ANTHONY BROWN (posted 14/10/2009 8:15:39 PM)

sorry jack you only think he played for 4 games.He was a true gentleman,I think he would have been loved like lloyd or lucas if he was there long enough.To say that he never gave back to the club,well I think you should listen to tayte pears or read his articles.To the people that wanted fev and cousins sorry do not want the young guys learning about drugs and drinking.If you all that critisise skipworth for wining best & fairest then going to essendon then you clearly did not watch him play.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 14/10/2009 8:27:58 PM)

To all the critics out there...imagine realising that you were no longer capable of doing that thing that you loved...then imagine your friends, family & acquaintances jumping on your facebook page and bagging you for it. Feels good, huh? Thanks Hayden for giving us 100% both on & off the field...good luck! Ignore the knockers...what did they ever do for the EFC?

- Andrew Carruthers (posted 14/10/2009 8:40:50 PM)

strange as it may sound, but with experiences guys like welsh out early in the year he probly helped us win some of those early games that in the end sraped us into the finals!! having said that i dont think he would have been in the coaching staffs mind for the best 22 next year, and the kids should be puttin up their hands to play anyways!! good luck in the future skippy!

- Travis Cusack (posted 14/10/2009 8:52:33 PM)

Will the last player to leave the club that has been destroyed by knights please turn off the lights. It doesn't surprise me that nobody wants to play under knights dribble and the 2 old carlton hacks in the coaching department. Well done to the board there will be bonding sessions and group hugs all round.

- steve rendevski (posted 14/10/2009 9:01:27 PM)

All the best Skippy, thanks for being apart of the Mighty Bombers in 2009. Cheers, Sam

- Samantha Kisielis (posted 14/10/2009 9:10:17 PM)

- Stuart Scott (posted 14/10/2009 9:19:58 PM)

Well done Hayden, your contribution to our Club was tremendous good luck in what ever you decide to do.. For all the negetive people that bag our great club...Go Join Richmond you will fit in well.

- Frank Ziovas (posted 14/10/2009 9:30:37 PM)

If only Knights had gone for youth (the reason he passed on Cousins), instead of picking a former star of the game we chose a payer 3 or 4 years younger who was delisted by Adelaide.

- Damian Pinto (posted 14/10/2009 9:46:11 PM)

So tired of hearing about cousins EFC did not want him a majority of fans did not want him please get over it. To Skippy great work with pears very sorry to see you retire good luck for the future.

- Jeff Skinner (posted 14/10/2009 9:57:40 PM)

Good luck Hayden and thanks for your service. Some great moments through the year, so it's a real shame that you could'nt go on with it. All the best Hayden and thanks again.

- Greg Sloan (posted 14/10/2009 9:59:05 PM)

Beautifully said Kris Bayne

- neil Sinclair (posted 14/10/2009 10:21:22 PM)

thank you skippy in helping in the development of the young players that u were mentoring over the time u spent with the bomber..thank u and good luck in what you imbarck next

- Mario Borg (posted 14/10/2009 10:29:18 PM)

Please does this mean we only have national draft picks or do we also have a psd pick? I'm not 100% sure where we stand with the veteran's list and amount of picks in the drafts we can have. Skippy thanx for the memories!!!

- Brian Russell (posted 14/10/2009 10:55:13 PM)

It's a shame to see him go.I'm confused though that as to why Skip didn't announce it earlier?

- Kiera Bunton (posted 14/10/2009 11:08:05 PM)

Good Luck Skippy. I would like to think that the 11 games you played, and the ability to reach 50 was a just reward for the previous two years worth of contribution to our younger list players. Pears and Reimers stand out (as Kris Bayne has pointed out so eloquently) , but I suspect many others enjoyed the benefits of your contribution. Thank-You.

- Wesley Hull (posted 14/10/2009 11:18:21 PM)

Good on yer skippy, ur a nice straight kick in the forward line. All the best.

- David Greven (posted 14/10/2009 11:49:58 PM)

See ya mate!!! Thanks for your input into the club and all that goes with it!!! All the best for the future.

- David Blazko (posted 15/10/2009 6:07:34 AM)

Good luck with whatever you move onto Skippy, I really enjoyed watching you play. He was defiantly worth the pick playing most of his game at the start of the session when the young guys needed some leadership, on and off the park. Shane you couldn't go around again! but again it shows his class to realise.

- David Kuss (posted 15/10/2009 7:47:42 AM)

Thank God for supporters like Kris. Brilliantly put. Skippy gave it all he had and has walked away with dignity having done his part and mentored some of our young kids. Thanks Skippy for putting the club before yourself. Unfortunatley it did not work out for all parties concerned. All the best mate.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 15/10/2009 8:11:36 AM)

Forget about the experienced players like Ball as they're only available in the PSD; and given we are reducing from two to one veteran in 2010, I'm not sure we have a PSD pick anyway(but we may get an extra rookie). So given the lack of 17 year olds and depth in this years draft, an alternative may be a couple of mature aged rookies but I think we'd only be looking at 20-24 years old players.

- Jeff Forster (posted 15/10/2009 9:25:29 AM)

Footy and Life is like that: trying to reconstruct elusive, rather ethereal, and by now wholly departed elephants from the footprints they have left on our minds (thank goodness for the Highlights reel). This is the lived forward; understand backward phenomena we all have to contend with. Hindsight is 20/20. All the best Hayden…Go Dons!!!

- David Husk (posted 15/10/2009 9:45:02 AM)

You can sensor my comments all you want but cousins will always be better than skipworth and the same applies to lloyd ahead of williams and the ultimate disaster sheedy ahead of knights. I don't think I will live to see another essendon flag. Sensor me all you want as this team is going nowhere...

- steve rendevski (posted 15/10/2009 9:56:50 AM)

Fair comment Mark but i hope we grab Koby Stevens(Gippsland Power)if he is still available at pick 10.

- Andrew Day (posted 15/10/2009 10:39:33 AM)

andrew bryce, I agree there should be loyalty, but I'm afraid in this day & age loyalty does not win flags,Skippy & John Williams, did not come @ the expense Of Pev & Mark J, Pev, unfortunately was the turnover king, & Mark J was playing on memories & very slow, I am not bagging either as I hated seeing them or any player leave, but the days of retaining players because we all love them are gone, the corporate $ has turned our beloved sport into a multi million dollar business, MONEY reigns supreme

- Mark McLachlan (posted 15/10/2009 10:47:06 AM)

To Ben Cooper, Essendon hasn’t ruled anything out but I would think it is unlikely we would pick up Kane Tenace because we will almost certainly use our four picks in the NAB National Draft on young, new recruits (i.e. 18-year-olds). Our only option then would be to take him in the rookie draft and I doubt he would get through to us. He would be a steal if we got him as a rookie but it would be very unlikely.

- Essendon Insider (posted 15/10/2009 10:48:35 AM)

Hey David, whatever you're on can I have some.

- Jeff Forster (posted 15/10/2009 11:31:46 AM)

Well now wouldnt it be handy to still have Pevrill now!!!!!!....never should have got rid of him a terrible decision which caused club disharmony.

- Tony Cosentino (posted 15/10/2009 12:03:41 PM)

Mark McLachlan, I have to agree. As much as respect as i have for Lloyd and Lucas, it was sad to see Lucas playing this year - the game had just got past him. I would hate to see my boyhood idol go out in the same manner. Lucas was never a quick player, but when he was in his prime, it was in an era where you could get away with not being quick, but unfortunately for him the game has evolved and players are now playing on pace rather than skill (i.e. Jetta)

- Matt Pocock (posted 15/10/2009 12:10:29 PM)

Matt there is still a place in footy for footballers rather than pure athletes. Look at Watson, Mitchell, Hodge just to name a few - none of them are quick but get by on footy smarts. Lucas has those smarts but played the majority of his career at CHF the most difficult and physically demanding position on the field and he excelled in that position. His body just couldnt cope anymore - not too many CHF play 250 games.

- Greg Kemp (posted 15/10/2009 1:55:59 PM)

Steve R & anyone else that likes living in the past,..get over it & move on,..on to the next flag & next Essendon great!

- mawby Ian (posted 15/10/2009 2:12:11 PM)

WE SHOULD TAKE A LOOK AT SCOTT HARDING FROM THE LIONS

- Cohlby Giblett (posted 15/10/2009 2:32:49 PM)

Sorry Tony dont agree with having pev in team now.The game next year definately would have passed him by.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 15/10/2009 2:38:05 PM)

Query for Essendon Insider: With all our delistings, trades, retirements and what not, can you tell us what picks we have in this years draft, Pre-season Draft and Rookie Draft. There seems to be a bit of confusion on how many we can have on our list with Vetrans retiring and what not.

- Malcolm Milgate (posted 15/10/2009 3:38:04 PM)

Luke Ball would be perfect fit for Essendon. Use pick 10,24 and 33 on young talent and pick 26 on Luke Ball. Pick 26 ideal because most likely Melb could use 34, collingwood pick 30, brisbane pick 27 and richmond pick 35! Our opportunity for some quality and still young!!

- Philip Gagliano (posted 15/10/2009 4:37:39 PM)

Good Luck Hayden for your future. I believe Joel McDonald from Brisbane may be available,he would be a very handy player for us

- John Pooler (posted 15/10/2009 4:54:44 PM)

STU G - as a matter of fact sunshine - I have won best and fairest awards in a number of sports over a number of years - just because I have won awards or not won awards does make me eligible to play that particular sport at the highest level. Skipworth was obivously delisted a number of years ago by Adelaide for a reason - maybe Essendon were not privy as to why as a younger man he could not cut it at AFL. I feel sure that in 10 years time he could possibly get another best and fairest at maybe black stump reserves - would that make an ideal pickup in that draft?

- Craig Elphick (posted 15/10/2009 5:31:03 PM)

to clarify the draft position - we have four picks 10,24,26,33. To have a PSD pick we'd have to pass on pick 33 so I don't think that would occur. Matthew Lloyd was delisted off the veterans list - we do not have another eligible veteran to replace him. (Fletcher only player over 30 and already veteran listed - closest Hille, McVeigh but not old enough yet). The extra spot from Lloyd's departure means we'll have an extra rookie draft selection (5 rookie picks in total). So in summary: 4 national draft picks 0 PSD picks 5 Rookie draft picks

- Gerard Pritchard (posted 15/10/2009 5:44:55 PM)

all the best skippy thanks for putting a black and red jumper on good luck in your next chapter in your life

- Raymond Learmonth (posted 15/10/2009 5:54:13 PM)

Wow the Essendon Insider is now commenting on comments. Regards Ivar.

- Ivar Biggen (posted 15/10/2009 7:20:57 PM)

Sad 2 c u go hayden thank u 4 all your contributions especially in showing our young players the dedication required to succeed at the top level and good luck 2 u and your family in future. We would benefit from a young gun midfielder in the draft, hopefully pick 10. Go dons!

- Nicholas Brown (posted 15/10/2009 7:27:58 PM)

id take skippy's values and mentoring over cousins anyday of the week, good luck haydos

- manuk Canik (posted 15/10/2009 7:31:48 PM)

Luke Ball wont nominate for the national draft if he wants to goto melbourne, he will nominate for the pre-season thats the catch, if he nominates for the national draft who knows where he would end up!! i dare say if he goes in the pre-season he wont be in there at pick 9 or whatever we have, with every club who didnt make finals having picks in there before us!

- Travis Cusack (posted 15/10/2009 7:44:00 PM)

Carlton has just delisted Adam Bentick, who is a good inside midfielder and is very hard at the ball. Very strong tackler to, all things which EFC should be looking for in the upcoming draft. He is only 24 and has been a good player, before getting struck by injury this year. Bentick, Smith & Ball should be strongly looked at in the draft. All are quality players. Ball will probably get away but getting Smith & Bentick would be great.

- Andrew Bearpark (posted 15/10/2009 7:51:54 PM)

Onya Skippers. You were awesome at Essendon and I would have loved to see you play more games. But all your off-field contributions have been just as valuable. Good luck with whatever you do in the future. Essendon should go for Luke Ball, which is a long shot. But realistically Shirley would be a great addition or even Nick Gill. He's only been dropped because of the emergence of Adelaide's other forwards. Gill has huge potential.

- Travis Vandermeer (posted 15/10/2009 7:54:29 PM)

Hey all you muppetts and sheep, he ain't no champ. He only played one good, not great, game for us out of eleven. WOW!!! He only added to our huge, and quickly growing, list of failed picks (DUDS). Regards Ivar.

- Ivar Biggen (posted 15/10/2009 8:18:00 PM)

theres only two guys essendon should chase in the off season. Jordan Bannister and Aaron Henneman. I also heard Vossy has just got rid of Johnny Gastev as well up in Brisbane maybe we should go after him.

- Take Em on boys!! (posted 15/10/2009 10:18:12 PM)

Best wishes to you Skippy. Have a happy retirement, and I hope you can be engaged in a future role with this club.

- Richard Hayward (posted 15/10/2009 10:24:25 PM)

I sort of agree with Ivar a bit. Skipworth didn't play many great games, but it doesn't mean anyone should discount what his face value was to the team initially. He was always going to be a utility player and a mentor to the younger kids, he was never bound for glory.

- Joseph Attard (posted 15/10/2009 10:33:16 PM)

Well done Hayden, some people just don't understand the worth of a person like you. Well played, you were brilliant with Bendigo and very serviceable with Bombers. Anthony and Ivar would be good judges on duds! Wonder how close they got to 55 AFL games!! . . . or in fact ever pulled on a footy boot! Rob Box

- Robert Box (posted 15/10/2009 10:39:10 PM)

Ivar, your the only dud here, you and your 3 other failures. WOW, muppets and sheep, WOW. Will you ever grow up? So we`ve got a huge list of failed picks have we. The only failed pick is the king muppet himself I---V---A---R. Who ever made you a Bomber fan needs a good hard talking to, because obviously you were not born a Bomber.

- Cory Williams (posted 15/10/2009 11:16:38 PM)

haha Ivar, i'm sure Hayden will roll home with his pay check bigger than your ego a happy man no matter what you think. good luck skippers.

- Andrew Fisher (posted 16/10/2009 1:25:29 AM)

Doesn't matter too much if you get censored or not Court Jester Rendevski,whatever you say,or what you are not allowed to say in the forums,most of us are on to what sort of a supporter you are,like your buddy "Sir Knight"... DUDS out of the same pod….. Oh by all means let ALL OUR SUPPORTERS post,fair enough,but really some are so out of place amongst so much growing optimism,one wonders why they bother at all.Go You Mighty Bombers!!

- Noel Shields (posted 16/10/2009 2:04:56 AM)

Noel Shields - Could not agree with you more about our positive rational thinking supporters (sometimes referred to as muppets and sheep by the leader of the SNS). As a migrant to this lovely country and not being brought up on AFL I had to make a choice. The majority in this great club just endorse the fact that I made the right choice back in 1991 and am proud to be a supporter for life of the Red and Black. GO BOMBERS

- Alan De Menezes (posted 16/10/2009 8:21:48 AM)

Gerard Pritchard, thanks for clearing that up. Another point I'm confused about - do all players who want to go into the Pre Season Draft or the Rookie draft have to first nominate for the national draft?

- Jeff Forster (posted 16/10/2009 8:33:47 AM)

Ivar - whilst I agree with some of your posts, especially about knights, I think you are failing to see the big picture in regards to skipworth. What he did on the ground was never going to brilliant, but he was selected for what he does off the ground in mentoring the young guys. He may have failed on the ground in your opiniuon, but they way pears etc have developed under his guidance is far more important. Hopefully the club will keep him in some development role.

- Greg Kemp (posted 16/10/2009 10:13:09 AM)

A number of people have written to the club asking why their comments do not get put on the website. Our simple rule is that comments which could be considered overly insulting/provoking to other people or include poor language will not been shown. The club wishes to thank all fans for their involvement and we hope you keep posting your opinions online.

- Essendon Insider (posted 16/10/2009 1:06:51 PM)

Essendon Insider you seem to have one exception to the rule, Ivar & co, if are going to censor @ least be consistant & not selective

- Mark McLachlan (posted 16/10/2009 1:35:44 PM)

I'm afraid Essendon Insider(now we know who to address our posts to,who is responsible for the censoring)it will not become any easier for you in the coming hours/days/months until you take a STAND against the supporters who insult PLAYERS/COACHES/OFFICIALS/SUPPORTERS and in effect the CLUB they say they LOVE(?),thus creating the deluge of replies by those who WHOLEHEARTEDLY TRY TO SUPPORT whatever they can(who are entitled to critisise as well,but do so in a much more RESPECTFUL manner) which has created this problem currently.

- Noel Shields (posted 16/10/2009 2:12:06 PM)

I think the rookie draft is mainly for those overlooked in the national draft they can previously played AFL (only a certain amount of games not sure how many) eg. Zac Dawson what a bargain he was dumped by Hawthorn then played in a grand final some great players have made it off the rookie list eg. Mal Micheal,Dean Cox and Brett Kirk to name a few so are surpised how some people under rate it Gerard is right regarding the vetreans list need 10 years service then half your salary is outside the cap hence why Carlton back ended Fev's contract but then traded him

- Simon Mayo (posted 16/10/2009 2:26:15 PM)

Thank you Skipworth for all the help and support you've provided to our younger brigade, I'm sure you'll take pleasure in seeing the boys you've helped mould flourish over the next few years due at least in part to what you did. Good luck in all future endeavours and once again, thanks

- Liam Doidge (posted 16/10/2009 2:41:57 PM)

Malcolm, Five players have left the club’s ‘senior’ list (Scott Lucas, Andrew Lovett, Jay Nash, Hayden Skipworth and John Williams). One player has come in (Mark Williams) and we have four picks in the NAB National Draft (No.10, 24, 26 and 33). So five players are leaving the senior list and five players are coming in. The bit that has confused people is that Matthew Lloyd was on the veterans list (with Dustin Fletcher). There is no other current player on our senior list that qualifies to go on the ‘veteran’ list in 2010 so he cannot be replaced.

- Essendon Insider (posted 16/10/2009 3:44:21 PM)

As such, we will now put an extra player on the rookie list so there will be seven Essendon rookies in 2010 (which is the AFL maximum) which will be made up of five selections in the upcoming rookie draft and two current rookies in Michael Quinn and Christian Bock. That totals 46 players on our list in 2010. As an official ‘international’ rookie (which Irish players like Quinn are not counted as) David Meli sits outside of the list of 46 players. Hope this clears up the matter.

- Essendon Insider (posted 16/10/2009 3:48:57 PM)

Don't ban Ivar from commenting. He may not be everyones favourite person, but he does bring up some good points, and some I personally believe are wrong. However these are his beliefs and we should allow them to be said, as we have the right to express our own points to. Besides that, argument is always a good thing to have, as it really brings out what a person believes. I rarely agree with Ivar, but I take his (sensible) input into account as I do with everyone else on this website.

- Andrew Bearpark (posted 16/10/2009 4:17:25 PM)

Greg Sloan, I stand corrected. I meant to say the game is more built on athleticism rahter than skill nowadays, but I agree there is still room for a Jobe Watson. I never criticised Lucas, I just felt that the game had jsut got past him. Still a champion, but unfortunately it's not much good having footy smarts when you don't get much of the footy.

- Matt Pocock (posted 16/10/2009 4:33:39 PM)

Noel, I'd rather the Essendon Insider did the censoring and not you. I think the forum is pretty clean and although some comments are annoying, so what. I live 2000km west of you and just appreciate the opportunity to read the opinions of so many people. For me this forum is about participation and education, and that involves taking the good with the bad. It's also about democracy and what has been great lately is how the positive comments are beginning to drown the negative comments. Members are 'playing their part', not by responding to the criticisms, but by energising the forum with their positive contributions.

- Jeff Forster (posted 16/10/2009 5:11:36 PM)

Hey Essendon Insider, Lloyd and Lucas did not leave the club mate. I firmly believe they were pushed out by our super coach. Regards Ivar. P.S. No need to reply as it will only be just spin. Regards Ivar.

- Ivar Biggen (posted 16/10/2009 5:22:51 PM)

Dear Essendon Insider,by not taking any substantial action against those that choose to disrespectfully insult our officials and the odd player and supporter whenever they can, you are allowing the problem to get much bigger than it should. A healthy,happy and positive environment should exist in the Club and feedback forums like these should enhance the reputation of a PROUD Supporter Base,not create the divisions of opinions that seem to appear here. The ball is in your court to clean it up a little more, the problems will not solve themselves.

- Noel Shields (posted 16/10/2009 5:30:41 PM)

Fair enough Jeff Forster,well said. But i am asking the Insider to do more about not letting as many idiotic posts get through. I don't want to see these guys become HEROES,like Ben Cousin,Campbell Brown,Barry Hall,The FEV, even Alister Clarkson...well not at Essendon anyway.. My view Jeff,suppose i'd better shut up.. i might insult one of the insulters.. :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 16/10/2009 5:49:13 PM)

Greg Kemp, why does a club need to put some dud, and waste a pick, on our senior list to be mentor off the field? It don't make sense mate. Regards Ivar.

- Ivar Biggen (posted 16/10/2009 5:52:02 PM)

ESSENDON INSIDER please advise me ASAP why you have censored my comments??? You have my email address. If you do not respond I will give you and the Club this undertaking that I will switch my AFL nominated club to my second team of the Bullies!! My post was in no way insulting to anybody it was not full of profanities it was simply my honestly held view and did not deserve censoring!!

- Wally Mayski (posted 16/10/2009 6:15:43 PM)

Can we have Bradshaw from the lions maybe?...scared of 22 rounds of jay neagle running around TRYING to find the ball....dont think you can really teach someone how to find the ball...should have a bit of a knack for it at this level...

- Ben Cobb (posted 16/10/2009 7:58:47 PM)

Skipworth played some very good football for us. It is dissapointing that he is leaving. In terms of value for money, I don't think we got as much out of him as we would have liked s from that aspect, no, he wasn't value for the trade pick he cost us. Would have preferred to pick up someone who would still be there for a few more years to come. Can't the recruiters see this? omeone daid we tradede draft pick 3 for Skippy. If so, I am absolutely horrified.

- Rita Sharrock (posted 16/10/2009 8:04:33 PM)

Alan De Menezes said it all,and said it well on what it feels like to be a PROUD Bomber SUPPORTer ,he is amongst a MULTITUDE of similar minded loyalists here,something I think is admirable in the year 2009. Sometimes our opinions differ, but what is always shared is the deep love,respect and loyalty for this magnificent club, which deserves nothing less while it endeavours to quench our thirst for continuing success .Thank you Alan for your heartfelt post. Go Bombers in 2010!!!!

- Noel Shields (posted 16/10/2009 9:36:25 PM)

Hey Wally Mayski, guess what my second, third, fourth, fifth etc etc etc favourite teams are. The mighty Essendon Bombers mate!!! Regards Ivar.

- Ivar Biggen (posted 16/10/2009 10:21:19 PM)

Andrew Bearpark, PLEASE name one good point that IVAR has made, he started rubishing & bagging Knights b4 he had even presided over a game as coach and has not stopped since

- Mark McLachlan (posted 16/10/2009 10:48:34 PM)

55 games with 2 clubs. Gee..... what an absolute champion!!! Regards Ivar.

- Ivar Biggen (posted 16/10/2009 11:04:40 PM)

Maybe this time you will post my original comment. To all those supporting Kris and the Essendon Insider what are you all smoking?? The Skipworth saga has destroyed Knight's credibility in his ability to make the correct drafting decisions for the Club. We should have done a Sheedy and pinched Cousins from Richmond. The wrong selection of Skipworth puts in doubt Knight's actions surrounding Lloydy. It is all unraveling Knighta bit by bit.

- Wally Mayski (posted 16/10/2009 11:16:21 PM)

To all the knockers of the KNOCKERS of this club and to your question of what have those KNOCKERS ever done for the club? Put simply they have paid their membership year in year out to support and keep the Club afloat. Their negative views are as valid as the POSITIVE FAIRY FLOSS and are designed to improve the success of the CLUB.

- Wally Mayski (posted 16/10/2009 11:37:21 PM)

I agree with Ben Cobb, took the words out of my mouth! We must pursue Bradshaw, especially since he has walked from Brisbane. Injury prone and an old player but could teach our young blokes a thing or two. I always reckoned he was the difference between us beating Brisbane (when he didn't play) and not!

- Rita Sharrock (posted 17/10/2009 12:34:32 AM)

i wish the armchair critics new what they were/are talking about, it is getting pretty tiresome! These are them idiots that jump on the bandwagon when its going well, the rest of the year they 'bag' their club, its getting old now but the Real supporters have been here since 1897!! Id better be careful, my grammer is decent and this is almost a positive comment! Bit of loyalty please people or log off!!!! Top 4 in 2010!!

- craig ramsdale (posted 17/10/2009 4:20:00 AM)

Good point BEN COBB,although you did say neagle "RUNNING" ,my grandmother could beat him over 10.

- Grant Sander (posted 17/10/2009 12:22:22 PM)

thanks skippy! any chance we can keep him as a Bendigo player, we need him. For the knockers - I would prefer to use our first 4 picks on young players and use our very late pick on a recycled player from another club, we have a great list. Didn't cuz get picked up before we had a pick? I am looking forward to seeing Hurley win the brownlow :)

- Kevin Jackson (posted 17/10/2009 1:08:19 PM)

Mark McLachlan, I personally believe that he is right about some players atributes, and that some players are not up to the level that they need to be to compete at this level (Leroy Jetta, Jason Laycock). I don't agree with most of his points, but when it comes to these players, in particularly Laycock, I believe he is right. I am not supporting his views on the coach, just saying that all are entitled to their opinion and he has been right before.

- Andrew Bearpark (posted 17/10/2009 2:15:55 PM)

I am begging the EFC not to pick up Daniel Bradshaw. Youth Policy is what we have chosen and is something we must stick with. We don't need a veteran player like Daniel Bradshaw in our team when he is likely to be gone when we are fighting for our next premiership. We have the forwards we need. Neagle, Gumbleton, Daniher & Hurley are all players that can play in key forward positions, and it would be better to give these younger players the chance to play in the elite level, and see if they have what it takes to be successful there.

- Andrew Bearpark (posted 17/10/2009 2:27:53 PM)

Wally Mayski, how can you criticise Knights on his drafting abilities based on just one selection? Have a look at Sheedy's last few years of selections and then at Knights first two years of selections and say which you think are better. Knights has drafted in the last two years some of the most loved players currently on the Eseendon list, in Hurley, Pears & Zaharakis. Sheedy's last few years consisted of ridiculous pick ups like Zantuck, Murphy, Alvey & Campo. Which list do you think is better?

- Andrew Bearpark (posted 17/10/2009 2:36:18 PM)

Very good points Wally M. I've been saying this for along time. The majority are Sheep and just follow the status quo! Rather than getting upset with the messenger look at the arguments presented. If there is nothing valid why waste time in reply? Debate is healthy and productive. Without it we would never advance, nor grow. The personal derogatory jibes are disappearing (as it should be), and the discussion is driven by intelligent critique based on sound argument by passionate support for the club...Go Dons!!!

- David Husk (posted 17/10/2009 2:48:23 PM)

Bradshaw is a top player, has just knocked back a good 2year contract to look for a club in Vic. where he can retire, he admitted he wants 3 years and wants the highest dollars, turns 31 next year and will be comfortably retired with a good bank balance,JUST when we are pushing top 4

- Mark McLachlan (posted 17/10/2009 2:57:22 PM)

Wally Mayski, HOW has recruiting Skippy destroyed Knights credibility, correct me if I'm wrong, he was picked in the Dec pre season draft (NOT the Nov.AFL draft) mainly used for recycled players, he cost us nothing but minimal match payments, was in the best 5/6 each week b4 injury, Cousins would have cost much more & WOW look how far he helped Richmond get, What Skippy did for Pears & possibly a few other kids will benefit the club for many years to come, another alias ????

- Mark McLachlan (posted 17/10/2009 3:24:51 PM)

To the knockers of the knockers of the knockers,all our posts are only opinions,and none of our opinions will change the results that will flow in next year,whether they be positive results or negative.But only one group (either the knockers, the knockers of the knockers,OR the knockers of the knockers of the knockers)will feel vindicated at the END of the season.. Enjoy the off season Bomber Supporters!!!

- Noel Shields (posted 17/10/2009 5:10:11 PM)

Andrew Bearpark, Point taken if not agreed with my friend, I just feel he has a vendetta against Knights beginning b4 the start of his coaching stint, he also calls people with different opinions to him DUDS as if his is the only opinion that counts, as 4 Jetta, only 21 & hopefully will live up to expectation, Laycock has more natural ability than most, big guys start to mature @ 24 onwards, There is not a bad Essendon player, just some better than others, Cheers

- Mark McLachlan (posted 17/10/2009 7:58:58 PM)

to all you clowns who keep going on about how we should have picked up cousins , I would have loved to have read your positive comments after he tore his hamstring in round one , I am sure you would have been applaunding loudly at such a magnificent waste of a draft pick.

- Geoff Clark (posted 17/10/2009 10:44:24 PM)

wally did I read your coments right,that getting skipworth has destroyed knights credibility.Go back through the years and you will find sheedy drafted quite a few duds and correct me if i'm wrong,dont think it destroyed his credibility.Do you really think its only knights decision to pick our players.Dont need to say what mark has already said as I dont think you would take any notice.You like many have made your minds up about knights no matter what truths you hear.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 17/10/2009 11:58:39 PM)

wally what has cousins done for richmond.As I see it,nothing they were supposed to be in the 8 because of him.Unless my calculations are wrong think we ended up 8th. Richmond,dont think they were in the 8.All he has done is show the young kids how to be arogant and show the bird to the camera.Dont know why we would want a 31 to come to the club either.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 18/10/2009 12:09:53 AM)

Well played Skippy. Did everything right by the club from the moment you arrived right through to your departure. The young guys will have learnt something from watching a true professional train and play. Good luck in the future!

- Luke Smith (posted 18/10/2009 1:50:18 PM)

Cousins is still playing though folks! Just by being on the park he has the opportunity to disprove all the nay-sayers. As the season went on he got better & better. Well done though Skippy, a good luck for the future.

- Daniel Milford (posted 18/10/2009 3:28:10 PM)

A quick look through the other club's delistings shows that all clubs possess the "dud" factor in selections. Even history shows that other clubs have got the number 1 choice wrong (ie: Banik, Lounder, Hutton). Players are still individuals and some cut it, some don't and some cannot be measured solely on games. Skipworth is an example of this. Stay around the club, Skippy, your skills as a person are valuable also.

- Wesley Hull (posted 18/10/2009 5:27:37 PM)

Bring back the Pev!!!!!

- David Tonks (posted 18/10/2009 5:47:11 PM)

Good on you Noel: Knock, Knock, Knocking on Heaven's Door!!!

- David Husk (posted 18/10/2009 7:35:18 PM)

Ivar, yes Skipworth was a very bad pick up, waste of a pre-season pick and a spot this year, however Sheedy has a much worse record of picking up has beens and duds from other clubs as he thought he could bring more out of them. I.e Alvey, Murphy, Zantuck, Cole and we really didn't get much from Campo and Michael

- Brent Biasin (posted 27/10/2009 1:25:22 PM)

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