Originally Posted by
dejavoodoo44
Like many here, I have mixed emotions about the probable departures of Dan and Gary. In regards to Dan, prior to 2017 he was a genuine star of the game. He had elite running ability, a ferocious desire to get the ball and a never say die attitude. I don't think that we would have won the 2012 premiership without him. His goal early in the final quarter, was hugely important in wresting back momentum and instilling belief in the rest of the team. While in the 2016 GF, the Bulldogs only really started to get on top, once Dan was taken out.
Unfortunately, he hasn't been the same player since then. Much of his running ability seems to have deserted him. Which is what I have found difficult to watch this year. While many of our players can really put a lot of chase down pressure on our opponents, with Dan, much of the time he was reduced to just being in the general vicinity of an opponent, while they got an easy escape.
Which I think is the nub of things. If it's possible for Dan to get back to pre 2016 GF form; then it would be great to have a champion of the club to stay. On the other hand, if there is a chronic injury problem and that means he is unlikely to recapture peak form, then we should probably be grateful that another club might be offering an attractive trade.
It's similar with Gary. Obviously there is a huge amount of talent and watching him at his best, can bring great enjoyment. But once again, injuries make him a doubtful proposition. It seems that every time that he was about to really fulfil his potential, he would find a new way to get injured and then it was back to the rehab group. Then there would be another period of regaining fitness and confidence, and as he was gaining momentum, we started to hope that he would finally have an extended period of high performance. But then it was, oh no, back to rehab.
So much the same with Dan, if in the future, he has a long injury free period, then some of us might regret that he was traded. On the other hand, if you don't really believe that will happen, then the trade is appealing.
Either way, I think both have busted a gut while they were here, having fully bought into the Swans culture, so I will certainly bear them no ill will if they do go.
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