Over at West Coast, a debate has split players and coaches about veteran Chad Fletcher deserving a farewell game. Coach John Worsfold is non-committal and seemingly reluctant on the idea, while all the noises from the players suggests a swell of support for their teammate getting one final day in the sun.
And it’s a topic which has split the public too, after the local newspaper The West Australian ran a poll on whether or not Fletcher should get a farewell game, with 56 per cent for it and 44 per cent against it, after over 800 votes were taken.
But Worsfold’s stance, despite the internal pressure which is mounting, is right on the mark as the West Coast Eagles Footy Club looks ahead.
Worsfold explained on Seven News on Monday night, “We’re pretty strong on the selection policy we’ve had all year.
“We’ve never given anyone an actual farewell game if they haven’t been a consistent part of the team.
“He’ll get a game on the merits of being in our best team to go forward for the next couple of weeks if he’s in that.”
That policy, by all indications, is based on picking the best 22 available with a focus on improving youngsters, as the Eagles continue to re-build after a stint down the wrong end of the ladder.
And recent results, with the Eagles winning their last three on the trot, suggests the policy is beginning to pay off.
Fletcher is a victim of all this, having been overlooked by Worsfold for the most part of the 2009 season despite being a Premiership player. And the onballer’s WAFL form with Subiaco hasn’t been bad either, with several plus-40 possession games.
But, as Worsfold’s decision to allow Fletcher to leave the club at the end of the season clearly indicates, the number 7 simply isn’t part of the club’s future plans.
So then, why would the players want Worsfold to play Fletcher one final time?
Indeed, with season-ending injuries to Mitch Brown and Chris Masten on the weekend, perhaps the players would argue a spot has opened up for Fletcher in West Coast’s 22.
But Worsfold stated after Saturday’s win over North Melbourne that, “He (Fletcher) would be in the mix, certainly, but we’re getting great reports through from the WAFL today. Tony Notte kicked five today, Ryan Davis had 27 possessions for Swan Districts, Matt Spangher played well last night, Brent Staker was solid again playing mainly full-forward. They’re the main names. Jamie McNamara was very good last night.”
So to argue Fletcher deserves a spot in West Coast’s best 22 over these other players is rather subjective.
Therefore, it’s obvious sentiment has come into the stance of the players.
Eagles forward Quinten Lynch made his stance pretty obvious on Monday when he was asked about the Fletcher farewell game, replying, “I’ve got my opinion on that. I’m not in the match committee so I’ll keep my opinions to myself.”
I dare say, Lynch’s comments speak for the players, who undoubtedly see Fletcher as a mate who’s had a pretty rough time of late.
The circumstances of Fletcher’s lack of AFL football this year and his subsequent release from the club at season’s end have emotionally made his case for a farewell game stronger. It would be harsh not to offer him something positive before he leaves the club.
But Worsfold seems a man not interested in sentiment. He’s only worried about winning premierships.
And in a professional environment with clear targets, Worsfold is right and his stance will perhaps teach his players a thing or two about maintaining focus.
Fletcher may still play AFL footy before the year’s end, if Worsfold deems him in his best 22 in either Round 21 or 22, but offering him no guarantees is spot on.
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