Originally, I took a look at those for whom 2008 was a good year. Now it’s the turn of those who didn’t have the best of years in 2008.
Barry Hall
Barry’s reputation plummeted as quickly as Brent Staker did. He went from poster boy of the league to poster boy for yesterday’s hero. He was rubbed out twice for a total of eight matches and he only managed 41 goals for the year. On his return, he seemed to be confused and rattled like the Australians were at Perth after the Sydney Test.
Andrew Symonds
Speaking of the Sydney Test, Andrew Symonds was right in the middle of it. For a guy who doesn’t like the limelight, Symonds couldn’t find a way to steer clear of the headlines. There was the fallout from the Sydney Test followed by the tribunal hearing. He then found himself on the outer with his teammates when he “went fishing”. The upcoming South African series looks like it will make or break his career.
Alan Lewis
The insurance broker from Cork took over the Bledisloe Cup match in Hong Kong and the Wallaby’s Test match in Cardiff. He showcased all that is horribly wrong with rugby officiating as he became the star of the show.
Tom Brady
Over the course of 2008, Brady lost not just the Superbowl but the quest for an undefeated season. He then did his knee in the opening quarter of the next season.
Craig Bellamy
The coaching guru couldn’t get either the Melbourne Storm or NSW home. For someone who has set very high standards, this felt like disappointment.
John Terry
He slipped from the penalty spot with the Champions League trophy on the line in a miss which is worth hundreds of millions.
Nick D’Arcy
The swimmer lost his ticket to Beijing and instead found himself in on and off court cases.
Lleyton Hewitt
Could be the beginning of the end for Rusty. It’s the first year he hasn’t won a title and he couldn’t get past the fourth round of a Major. He might only 27, but in tennis terms is he over the hill?
Peter Cech
The Czech goalkeeper didn’t have the best of luck in 2008. He was on duty when Chelsea lost the Champions League final on a penalty shootout. A few weeks later he was responsible for some horrible blunders which saw the Czech Republic eliminated from the Euro 2008.
Greg Bird
With respect to Todd Carney, Alan Didak, Matt Henjak and all the other bad boys, Greg Bird looks to have fallen the farthest. He played for Australia in 2007 and NSW in 2008, and unless something drastic happens, he is unlikely to play representative football again, let alone club football. A loose cannon, it looks like his time is up.
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