Will Bruce, Membrey, McCartin now step up even further

[parkeysainter]

Well...the Saints definitely don't rely on Riewoldt anymore and to be honest we really haven't for a while anyway. Can Riewoldt's retirement ignite the big fellas in the forward line to new heights and force them to step up even further? Bruce, Membrey and McCartin are now it for the next 10 years! They have no choice but to do it!
Can it even either ignite other players such as Ross and J. Stevens in the midfield to step up even further and lead the team in a stronger fashion?

If Montagna retires, then both him and Riewoldt are no longer the old wise leaders at the head of the team anymore.
This situation reminds me of when Burke and Loewe retired in 2002 and a new group of players took over. Same with Harvey in 2008 and look what happened the next couple of years. Sometimes a couple of retirements of old champs can do wonders for the club and where it heads the next few years.

[WellardSaint]

One word-
No.
Weller is in leadership group- shadow of former self
Baroose in leadership as well...struggled for ages, dropped, came back, still can't kick straight.

It will take them time to become true leaders, to drag the team into a winning position and inspire others.
Skunk could have inspired a win over Power, but others need to feel that inspiration.

If their heads aren't in the right spot, someone could kick 4 in a row,
but others fumbling and making mistakes (Gray on his own) will lose a game.

True leadership may happen but not before 2019.

[Sainternist]

Too much bathwater was consumed by the above mentioned players after the 2016 season finished.

Only Membrey and Bruce seemed to have come realise the dangers of drinking one's own bathwater.

[St Chris]

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I present to you Exhibit A....

Robert Harvey, St Kilda legend and generational midfielder retires in 2008.
St Kilda midfielders Lenny Hayes, Leigh Montagna, Nick Dal Santo and Brendon Goddard all selected as All Australians in 2009.

Paddy, Bruce and Membrey aren't at the same level as these great mids were, but once the shadow of Banger had moved on, the next generation took the responsibility and their games grew to the next level. I would expect the same thing to happen, although our young forwards still have plenty of growing to do.

[footynut]

So with Roo & and Joey retiring, I can only imagine the extra salary cap space avaliable now!!!!!!

[bigcarl]

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I present to you Exhibit A....

Robert Harvey, St Kilda legend and generational midfielder retires in 2008.
St Kilda midfielders Lenny Hayes, Leigh Montagna, Nick Dal Santo and Brendon Goddard all selected as All Australians in 2009.

Paddy, Bruce and Membrey aren't at the same level as these great mids were, but once the shadow of Banger had moved on, the next generation took the responsibility and their games grew to the next level. I would expect the same thing to happen, although our young forwards still have plenty of growing to do.

Yep and there was similar when Plugger went to Sydney. Guys step up. They grow in their roles.

When someone as significant as Riewoldt moves on it opens up a lot of opportunities.

[bigred]

Will be interesting.

Will 2018 be considered a transition year??

Goddammit we need Paddy to be a player.

[SMS]

Exactly. Its ironic that when cganpions leave the youngsters play better. Theyll step up. Really want montagna to retire also.
Roey and joey did their job. But now the new generation will take over. Very exciting they are very young talented and have been together 4 years. Look out for the saints in 2018.

[dals_da_bomb]

Harvey retired 2008?
Jesus.

what a comforting thought however - someone will always step up.

[saintspremiers]

Harvey retired 2008?
Jesus.

what a comforting thought however - someone will always step up.

Yes after we got thrashed ina prelim against the Hawks.

Difference is that this season we may finish at best 8th and bomb out in an Elim final.

More likely finish 9th or 10th. Big difference.

With Roo and probably Joey both out, we are heavily reliant on some gun free agents to get us to the 2009/10 levels.

It will be a neverous time come the trade and free agency period methinks!

[dals_da_bomb]

I feel like ive realistically lost about 7 years that i cannot account for.
I do recall being really gutted his final game.
But i recall it like yestarday.
I imagine this is how ill feel 2028 when we discuss Roo retiring (or aussie jones.. because i seriously girl crushed hard there)