Wayne Carey and the AFL

[LostDoggy]

Apparently the AFL about to list their top 50 players of all time and obviously Wayne Carey is well in the mix. There is some talk that the AFL might also be under pressure not to include him given his off field behaviour.

Should his off field conduct even be considered when putting together a list of the best 50 players of all time?

Whilst I doubt anyone condones his behaviour I think his ability on the field should be the only thing the AFL considers. Thoughts?

[Mofra]

Depends if they are judging a player's worth to their club, which I beleive should be a consideration.

Arguably Chris Grant & Glen Archer were more valueable to their respective clubs than even their considerable on-field contributions indicate.

Ablett will be the interesting one. For all his off-field indiscretions, he always appears to be the loyal Geelong man; loyal is something Carey could never claim to be.

[LostDoggy]

Now I've been wanting to talk about this all week although I'm more interested in the Carey shananigans.

I'm sure the US sports have had this problem, with OJ and others. I don't see a problem in including him in a list, its just a name.

[The Coon Dog]

If it's a list of the BEST 50 players, he walks it in hands down.

[GVGjr]

Now I've been wanting to talk about this all week although I'm more interested in the Carey shananigans.

I'm sure the US sports have had this problem, with OJ and others. I don't see a problem in including him in a list, its just a name.

I think things are changing in the US as well though. Baseball is having a real think about if players that have crossed the line will ever get hall of fame recognition.

My gut feel says judge Carey purely on his footy exploits but I do understand that other considerations might come into play.

[BulldogBelle]

Carey and his indescretions should not be a consideration when judging him on his football ability to which the majority of footabll fans can attest to was phenomenal.

His off field behaviour leaves a lot to be desired and whilst I don't think much of him as a human being - I could never fault his playing ability.

[Max469]

Carey and his indescretions should not be a consideration when judging him on his football ability to which the majority of footabll fans can attest to was phenomenal.

His off field behaviour leaves a lot to be desired and whilst I don't think much of him as a human being - I could never fault his playing ability.

Agree Belle.

He maybe a dropkick off the field but on the field - one of the best.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I think things are changing in the US as well though. Baseball is having a real think about if players that have crossed the line will ever get hall of fame recognition.

My gut feel says judge Carey purely on his footy exploits but I do understand that other considerations might come into play.

I seem to recall some 15 or so years ago, Hall of Fame Baseballer Pete Rose got in some trouble for gambling and whilst I'm not 100% sure, I thought he was removed from the Hall of Fame?

[LostDoggy]

It will be interesting to see if Cousins makes it. You cant have one of them in and not the other. If it was purely based on on-field performances then they both will make it.

[hujsh]

It will be interesting to see if Cousins makes it. You cant have one of them in and not the other. If it was purely based on on-field performances then they both will make it.

Maybe not. Cousins was great but doesn't mean top 50 EVER.

[FrediKanoute]

It will be interesting to see if Cousins makes it. You cant have one of them in and not the other. If it was purely based on on-field performances then they both will make it.

Possibly a point of difference is that the majority of Cousins' indescretions have come whilst he has been a player. Carey, the shagging of his team captains wife aside, has largely misbehaved once he left the game, a little like Ablett.

[LostDoggy]

I think things are changing in the US as well though. Baseball is having a real think about if players that have crossed the line will ever get hall of fame recognition.

The criterias are changing and it will catch on here soon enough, the AFL will introduce some type of checklist at some stage. FWIW Carey's football spoke for itself and he should be included. Tho, his actions offield of late leave alot to be desired.

[The Underdog]

The criterias are changing and it will catch on here soon enough, the AFL will introduce some type of checklist at some stage. FWIW Carey's football spoke for itself and he should be included. Tho, his actions offield of late leave alot to be desired.

Probably wouldn't be the only champion footballer / complete ****wit in the HOF.
Although he'd take some topping in both stakes.

[mighty_west]

As a person, he's a grade A flog.

As a footballer, probably the best i have seen.

He isn't the first dickhead, and won't be the last, he'll deserve a spot on his football talents.

[hujsh]

As a person, he's a grade A flog.

As a footballer, probably the best i have seen.

He isn't the first dickhead, and won't be the last, he'll deserve a spot on his football talents.

Your opinion but i doubt anyone will agree. I would like to see the list without Cousins and then try to find him a spot. I'm pretty sure there would be better footballers than him in there.