I am writing this full of raw emotion. As a long-time and passionate Adelaide Crows supporter, I am devastated by Phil Davis’ decision to leave the club and commit to the Greater Western Sydney Giants.
That’s the short response to the news that will have Crows’ fans gasping and lost for words over the next few days as the news sets in. I’m afraid the long response doesn’t get any more positive than this.
When Phil was drafted with pick ten in 2008, the move was billed as a masterstroke and an absolute drafting coup by Matt Rendell, Adelaide’s head man in drafting and recruiting.
The tall, athletic and footy wise key position player from North Adelaide (the team I follow in the SANFL- that’s right, twice bitten!) was overlooked by other clubs under injury concerns, unrelated largely to the ailments that have left him sidelined for the better part of this season.
He loomed as the perfect replacement when Nathan Bock (in a seemingly trend starting move) announced his defection to the Gold Coast Suns, and was described as our biggest hope in the backlines.
He won nomination for the rising star award, some might say belatedly, after shutting Cameron Mooney out of the Crows inspiring win against Geelong at AAMI Stadium last year, and quickly earned more respect with a no-compromise nature to defending, shutting much older and experienced players out of games, and showing his guts when, while backing up for a mark against Fremantle, ran afoul of the man mountain Sandilands and was concussed (fairly and without malicious I might add).
The name now leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, and leaves my head and heart divided.
With my Crows’ fans cap on, I say the boy is chasing cash and fleeing hard times. GWS will give him a longer contract, bigger pay-pack and the chance to be coached by two of the games greats.
He’ll also reach his prime and maturity at the same time his new club is looking finals bound. Funnily enough, I say the same thing with my rational footy commentator hat on, and it’s all small comfort.
Depending on how you approach his decision and with which hat you wear, the reasons are either completely sane or responsible for a young up and coming star of the comp, or a despicable and lowly act.
Unfortunately, I don’t see my emotions being reconciled anytime soon.
Perhaps the worst thing about the news is the fact that it came almost totally from thin air. I had heard a rumour – and I say one rumour, from one source – but never believed it. Perhaps I have been so caught up with an imagined future without Taylor Walker that I was blinded to the potential of another young star being lured to the Greater West.
But now, I will close with my commentator cap on. Good luck, Phil. GWS will give you a long-term contract, give you a prestigious role as a young leader at the club, a permanent role at either full or centre half back, and a healthy retirement fund.
Just some friendly advise: don’t leave your car parked at West Lakes when you come over in the future. Crows’ fans have long memories, and have been scorned already by some expansionist upstart club.
Don’t expect a pleasant homecoming.
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