TOPIC:

Devonleigh wrote: Kirbs, you come across as pretty informed so I would hate to think you are off the mark by your opinion in the first paragraph, hope it’s got nothing to do with personal or sour grapes?

To say, or should I say the writer of the article says, that Farmer was going to be the same type of player at the dockers is just pure conjecture and crystal ball gazing and to suggest its Gilbert’s fault for any trades done comes across as the raw prawn.

Also suggest you;

revisit 1994 to see how many backmen were available to the recruiters from AFL ranks or even the WAFL, especially full and centre half backs.

reread my second paragraph to understand the mindset of the dockers at the time which expected total serfdom of the players at the expense of their families, careers and education.

Nothing personal whatsoever, and not directed at one person either, and my comments are not based on the inner sanctum of the Dockers at that time on what players could or could not do, as I have no knowledge of that at all.

Through that period Claremont were very dominant side, and many were drafted in to the AFL. Not saying none of these players were not deserving but in my opinion, many were under achievers from that Claremont golden era when stepping to the AFL, Delany, Ridley, Gilbert, Norrish, Kowal, Hutton a few I can recall off the top of my head.

Re Phil Gilbert, I believe he has a continued role in Footy coaching the junior squad in the South West area, and hats off to him for putting back into footy, but I still hold my opinion that Freo gave up far too much for a one dimensional backman.

Agree with your point on Gilbert being just a backman but as I said b4 the cupboard was bare for backs in 1994. Poor old Jamie Merrillo played at full back in their first game!!!! And yes it was a Claremont culture in that first squad but they knew Neeshams game plan and like water polo it started from defence.

Won’t get into those players career or education prospects of that time but just to say that the AFL clubs have now realised they have more of a duty of care to their players than just football.

Devonleigh wrote: Agree with your point on Gilbert being just a backman but as I said b4 the cupboard was bare for backs in 1994. Poor old Jamie Merrillo played at full back in their first game!!!! And yes it was a Claremont culture in that first squad but they knew Neeshams game plan and like water polo it started from defence.

Won’t get into those players career or education prospects of that time but just to say that the AFL clubs have now realised they have more of a duty of care to their players than just football.

If you take that team for gospel, a natural Full Back Stephen O'Reilley started in a back pocket, and Phil Gilbert started on the Bench. Very much doubt they lined up like that and if they did would not have been for long surely ?