TOPIC:

It would be remiss of me not to post something on here about the retirements of Paul Johnson and Craig Wulf.

Love or hate Craig he gave everything he could to the East Perth Football Club and has a meritorious career. He made the best of the skills and abilities he had and when that wasn't enough was just tough at the ball and yes at the man if that was what was required. I think that the F&B award needs to be update and I can't think of a better person to be heralded by having his name attached to the award.

Paul Johnson came to us via Swannies and a couple of afl entities and he again gave more than could reasonably expected for a player. His arrival at EP was about him making a future for himself outside of football and he is to be lauded for understanding football is just part of your life. Unlike some that the club paid good money for he is one that paid it back in spades.

I know the trolls will hit on this and the alignment but there was a comment in the worst today about where to now, I think that there are players at the club who will stand up next year, Mitch Fraser is just one, Callum Hart and Tom Gorter with Shane Hille, Mitch Lague, Tom Omedei and there are others who have all shown the ability and where with all to see past the alignment and be part of the next chapter.

I don't like the alignment as you all should know but I see our development programme, the commitment by the players coming through and the belief in the club to see that we might not be the best even with the alignment but those players coming through from our development will wear the black and blue with pride and belief and carry Paul and Craig's legacy through into the future!

As an opposition supporter I have always admired the way Wulff and Johnson played and I totally endorse your comments Grump. They were both focused on the team effort rather than their own individual needs which was reflected in what they said in the interview after the game. Certainly lots to get excited about with player development with both lower grades still in the finals

Also like to congratulate Mossy.Sad way to end his career with a injury so early in the year.Losing Mossy,Shaggy and to a lesser extent Oakley Nicholls towards the end of the season robbed us of a bit of experience we really needed.Hopefully a new generation will come thru and show the same spirit.

mikeh wrote: As an opposition supporter I have always admired the way Wulff and Johnson played and I totally endorse your comments Grump. They were both focused on the team effort rather than their own individual needs which was reflected in what they said in the interview after the game. Certainly lots to get excited about with player development with both lower grades still in the finals

mike's comments go for me too grump...I never thought Wulff was a grub...rather he was very hard at it like Beros at SD or Mark Haynes at Subi. He is to be congratulated on a fantastic career. Johnson likewise was a very good player and even in the game yesterday held his own against 3 FART ruckmen. All the best to both of them.

No one could question what Wulff and Johnson gave Ep or the Wafl competition Grump.Two wonderfull players who gave it all yesterday as they did playing there first game for Ep.
I though all EP players had a red hot go yesterday including the Eagles players.They just didn't have a winning forward all day.
BC Yarran didn't look out of place with the Dockers jumper on this season.He was fantastic yesterday.

agree re Yarran gtr. he's come along well since being picked up by Freo. if we meet FART in the finals I only hope he remembers where he came from and takes a dive...

Yes I endorse all the comments about Wolff and Johnson. Wolff was one of my favorite opposition players mainly because he made the most of his abilities, not gifted with top flight skills he was just a relentless hard worker and fierce at the contest, a real warrior, wish them both well in their futures, you'd think that Wolff would be and ideal coaching candidate.

EP's junior development is obviously working well given their successful late run at the cots finals and then knocking over the highly rated SD colts. Indicates that you are at least doing the right thing with your youngsters, you also finished top in the ressies.