Higgins Season Over

[1eyedog]

Re: Higgins Season Over

Totally agree with this. If we can somehow get back what we had in Adelaide only 4-5 weeks ago... That Easton Wood v Tippet moment was one of my season highlights. I have faith we'll be a lot better against the Swans.

If we don't I think we are going to see a lot of Richmond-like behaviour from our fans. Especially if we only make a limited amount of changes.

[EasternWest]

Re: Higgins Season Over

Are Everitt, Jones or Hooper kids?

On what Higgins was able to produce I would have much preferred exposing one of these 3 to a 'big game' to at the very least give them a taste. Even if they failed (which Higgins did) they would have gained valuable experience which might have spurred them on to train that little bit harder over the next pre-season.

What he said.

[stefoid]

Re: Higgins Season Over

I dont get this obsession with Everitt, people alot wiser than us including a coaching panel dont think he's up to it despite repeated chances. I've seen nothing to suggest he could make a significant difference to the side. As for Hooper he hasn't played a game and the finals aren't the time to be blooding new players.
Seems like we are so desperate we are searching for anything. The team we put out was the best available. We lost. Guess what we are the 4th best team..... Bring on the Swans.

Normally Id agree with you, but I think its pretty obvious that we wont stand a chance in the PF unless we add some pace and disposal skills to the side.

And next year, I cant see Hahn getting a game - he will serve out his time as a depth player, so in the very, very likely event that we fail again in the PF, players like Hooper or Jones will benefit enormously from having played a final or two.

On that basis:

Callan/Addison, Hahn, Higgins OUT

Jones, Hooper, Wood IN

Id give Minson one last chance to redeem himself and Roughhead+Morris another week off for their injuries.

[Raw Toast]

Re: Higgins Season Over

It is a shame for Shaun that his thyroid condition deteriorated on the weekend, but to say he should not have played is simplistic and easy in hindsight. His thyroid function tests would have been monitored constantly since his diagnosis, and he would not have played unless his blood tests were completely within normal parameters.

What appears to have happened is the combination of the extra physical energy required to play at AFL finals level over VFL level, along with the rise in adrenaline levels from playing in a final, have combined to stress the thyroid gland into crisis and resulted in the deterioration of Shaun's condition. It got worse the longer the game went, which is consistent with this sort of thing and something that could not have been predicted.

Agree with this. We risked a relatively unfit Higgins in the 2008 Prelim and he was one of the key reasons we got so close.

Of course we'd select the side differently in hindsight. But it was a calculated risk just like Griffen was, and for some reason people don't seem to be complaining about that move...

[comrade]

Re: Higgins Season Over

Agree with this. We risked a relatively unfit Higgins in the 2008 Prelim and he was one of the key reasons we got so close.

Of course we'd select the side differently in hindsight. But it was a calculated risk just like Griffen was, and for some reason people don't seem to be complaining about that move...

Yes, we over-estimated Higgins ability to play under severe duress. Thankfully, Griff was mentally strong enough to stand up.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Higgins Season Over

Yes, we over-estimated Higgins ability to play under severe duress. Thankfully, Griff was mentally strong enough to stand up.

Bit unfair on Higgins. You cant take a jab for severe fatigue to get you up for the game.

[mjp]

Re: Higgins Season Over

Yes, we over-estimated Higgins ability to play under severe duress. Thankfully, Griff was mentally strong enough to stand up.

Harsh.

Playing with an injury is different to playing whilst sick. Having an injury can sometimes increase your focus on the task at hand - there tends to be less 'wasted' running, your efforts become very specific and the level of contribution is high. Playing when suffering from an illness is different again...

[Ghost Dog]

Re: Higgins Season Over

Bit unfair on Higgins. You cant take a jab for severe fatigue to get you up for the game.

Well, the question then is why did they play him? I'm really frustrated that decent second tier players like Moles have not been given a chance to prove themselves. Why bother investing in these players if we won't give them a proper run?

[The Pie Man]

Re: Higgins Season Over

If Shaun's heartrate was highly elevated (someone mentioned on the radio he looked white after the game) I don't believe there's any amount of mental toughness that will push you through that.

I'm glad they've made the call to shelve his year, his health is more important - and a healthy Higgins will benefit us long term.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Higgins Season Over

Well, the question then is why did they play him? I'm really frustrated that decent second tier players like Moles have not been given a chance to prove themselves. Why bother investing in these players if we won't give them a proper run?

No idea Ghost Dog. Just hoping it would come off i guess.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Higgins Season Over

Get him ready for next year.

Was speaking to a guy at work (Geelong supporter) and he couldn't believe how much Higgins had changed in 2 years, he said watching the game on Saturday night, he looked like a shade of his form from 2 years ago.

Injury obviously hampered him.

[Dancin' Douggy]

Re: Higgins Season Over

It is a shame for Shaun that his thyroid condition deteriorated on the weekend, but to say he should not have played is simplistic and easy in hindsight. His thyroid function tests would have been monitored constantly since his diagnosis, and he would not have played unless his blood tests were completely within normal parameters.

What appears to have happened is the combination of the extra physical energy required to play at AFL finals level over VFL level, along with the rise in adrenaline levels from playing in a final, have combined to stress the thyroid gland into crisis and resulted in the deterioration of Shaun's condition. It got worse the longer the game went, which is consistent with this sort of thing and something that could not have been predicted.

Hopefully Maxwell feels about 1mm tall after his sledging of Shaun about his lack of effort, considering the extenuating circumstances.

Thankyou

[SonofScray]

Re: Higgins Season Over

Just a dirty year for Higgins. I have been a harsh critic, and simply do not agree with the calls that he could be a captain, is a star, or a walk up start. However, I do acknowledge that a large part of why I believe this s due to his form in 2010 which was severely hampered through injury and illness, so fair play to Higgo for still getting out there. I'm certain he will be a fantastic contributor in 2011.

What I'd like Higgins to work on and improve in 2011 is his defensive efforts. He doesn't appear to play desperate defensive footy when its not in his hands. Any stats to prove me otherwise? I know his tackle count has been reasonable a few times this year. Just needs to chase harder, get involved in more contests.

I'd also like to see him take more responsibility in front of goals. He is a star quality finisher, if anything and I felt he shirked the responsibility of putting the ball through the sticks a few times this season. Most noticeably was the shocking hand pass to Grant v Hawthorn (i think) that cost us dearly.

Get him fit, address these small issues and he will go from my whipping boy to my favourite quick smart. I'm happy we've given up on him this season though. Just stunk it up something shocking.

Of course we'd select the side differently in hindsight. But it was a calculated risk just like Griffen was, and for some reason people don't seem to be complaining about that move...

Thats a mostly fair comment, which Rocket too was quick to assert in the press conference. My argument would be that Griffen had shown much better form this season and was a safer bet, with Johnno looking a little bit more likely when he got going for a few weeks. Higgo just never got the ball rolling this year, maybe one really good game this year.

[Desipura]

Re: Higgins Season Over

Yes, we over-estimated Higgins ability to play under severe duress. Thankfully, Griff was mentally strong enough to stand up.

Very harsh comment. Do you know how easy it is to play with the injuries/sickness Higgins has had?
Griffen did the injury the week prior whereas Higgins has had them all year.

[comrade]

Re: Higgins Season Over

Very harsh comment. Do you know how easy it is to play with the injuries/sickness Higgins has had?

Have I ever been asked to play a cut throat final while diagnosed with thyroiditis, despite coming off a base of no form or fitness?

No, have you?

Griffen did the injury the week prior whereas Higgins has had them all year.

So, if everyone is now saying his illness was such that there was no way we could have expected him to perform, the question must be asked why did he play?

The answer is - the MC over-estimated his ability to play through it. Physically and mentally.

The doctors would have known that the increased effort and adrenaline required to perform in a final was likely to cause issues, but we ignored that advice; I can only assume it was because we believed Higgins was strong enough to step up and contribute, especially considering the role we gave him at the opening bounce (straight to O'Brien).

Not sure why you (and others) are getting upset. It's more a compliment to Griff than a big whack to Higgins.

Pretty simple.