LRT was huge in that 2012 final series as he was in 2005 GF. Played predominantly forward in 2012 final series but defended desperately in last quarter of GF. Also laid a memorable tackle on Luke Hodge that set the tone for the day. Very fine courageous player with an awkward but highly effective style.
He certainly was a man to step up to the plate in finals - as awkward and ungainly as he was, he was a highly effective player at his best, and always did his role for the team. One of those players that squeezed out every bit of talent he had and then some - most certainly not a player to say didn't give his all and could of been 'so much more'.
Up there in my favourite swans players of all time. Truly was enormous in the '05 decider too. And a lovely gent off the field too - I'd love to have an LRT or two to slot into the current team.
I wonder how his post-footy life is treating him - well I hope!
"You get the feeling that like Monty Python's Black Knight, the Swans would regard amputation as merely a flesh wound."
I must sit and watch the 2012 DVDs again - so many fond memories from that year. So many damn fine wins along the way, but the day I remember the most funnily enough was the loss to Hawthorn late in the season at the SCG. That was the day I truly believed we could win the flag - I remember turning to my mate on the way out and saying we could win the flag, and that it would be us and the Hawks on the last day in September. I am rarely right with my predictions, but I was that year.
"You get the feeling that like Monty Python's Black Knight, the Swans would regard amputation as merely a flesh wound."
Im more optimistic I predict 12-13 wins, many games we lost our team balance was off, dont underestimate the impact of losing Sinclair in ruck but also resting as a FWD.
If you add Sinclair and Buddy, Allir back to defense bring in a second ruck and the team balance already looks better. Reid suddenly is second tall a role he performs much better, Hayward also comes back in so we start to look better in regards to balance & depth. If I try to build a team for 2020 and and we dont have early injuries, spots become tight and on paper looks pretty good but injuries can impact results - my guess 12 - 13 wins
Naismith Parker Taylor
Lloyd Rampe Allir
Mills McCartin O'Riordan
Florent Kennedy Dawson
Hayward Reid Heeney
Papley Franklin Blakey
Sinclair Cunningham Robottom Hewett
Melican Ronke Fox Stoddart Thurlow Clark Menzel McInerney Bell Mclean
Cheers
waz
Crunching tackle and got the free kick. Such a shame that he missed the easy shot at goal - that would have made it perfect.
I particularly remember one of his goals against the pies - Morton went up to for a big contest for the mark, the ball spilled to the front and LRT swooped on the crumb and kicked it straight through. I thought...not the way I would have imagined it, but whatever works!
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