Admittedly, I’m late on doing a write-up for this, but I was holding out in the event that there were more retirements announced so that I could maybe wrap them all up in one. Since no answers have emerged as to the fate of Scott Burns in particular, I’ll pay tribute to the two players who have confirmed their retirements.
First off the bat, Ryan Lonie. Lonie has struggled over the past couple of seasons with injury and form, not to mention off-field family matters that have inhibited Ryan from performing to his best. It is generally considered inappropriate to draw attention to some of the more forgettable aspects of a player’s career once they have announced their retirement, but Ryan has been one of the more maligned Collingwood players in recent history.
I only mention this because perhaps through acknowledging some of the scrutiny that has been directed towards Lonie, we can put what was otherwise a respectable career into perspective. Lonie was one of the players who was met with ridicule from Collingwood and opposition supporters in the fall out of the 2003 Grand Final. A lack of courage under fire – perceived or otherwise – was one of the biggest accusations aimed in Lonie’s direction throughout the latter part of his career.
The fact of the matter is that Lonie was drafted – and succeeded for the most part – primarily to use his most damaging tools to further our ends; those tools being his exceptional long kicking and ball carrying ability. Injuries and unfortunate timing prevented Lonie from employing these tools to their full effect towards the end of his career; but lest we forget his exceptional 2002 season, in particular the finals campaign that saw us come so close.
Lonie played an instrumental part in our side that year, made even more impressive by the fact that it was only his second year of senior football. Lonie used his aforementioned skill set to devastating effect during that year, to the point where a goal was almost a foregone conclusion whenever he received the ball on the run from outside 50.
At his best, Ryan Lonie was one of the more exciting players to watch. His early form offered so much promise and in fairness to Lonie – like many before him – he probably fell victim to unrealistic expectations. Whilst it became apparent that this was probably going to be Ryan’s last year with Collingwood, it surprised many when he decided to retire as opposed to reviving his career elsewhere. I personally believed that Lonie still had something to offer in another environment, especially for a team in need of a player possessing his exploits.
With that said, Ryan Lonie has provided us with some memorable moments during his time in the AFL. He should be commended for reaching the highest level of this grand sport and for his services to the Collingwood Football Club. I extend my gratitude and sincere appreciation to Ryan and his left boot; may life after football treat you well.
The next player I would like to pay tribute to is a little harder to come to terms with. Shane Wakelin crossed over to Collingwood from the Saints at the end of 2000, debuting in the black and white in Round 1 of 2001 against Hawthorn. From the very first minute that Wakes donned the black and white, he has been one of my favourite players. Dependable, talented and professional are just three shining attributes that sum up Shane Wakelin the footballer.
For the past eight seasons Wakelin has served the Collingwood Football Club admirably, being instrumental in our defensive setup throughout this time. An uncanny defender, Wakelin made a habit of beating opponents who were often larger or more mobile by being superior at reading the play and deceptively strong in one on one contests. Even in his final year, he performed well beyond expectations (memorably taking the scalp of Barry Hall on both occassions our sides met) and caused many to believe he had the potential to continue beyond 2008 with such an impressive showing.
What’s most respectable about Wakelin and in particular his 2008 season, is that he was set to hang up the boots at the conclusion of 2007. Being the clubman that Wakelin is, he put his hand up to go around once more after James Clement unexpectedly retired. Most were content with having Wakelin’s experience to help guide our younger brigade in the back half, but Wakelin went one better by playing a large part in pushing the Magpies into September action for the third consecutive year.
However, it was in his last game against St. Kilda in the Semi-Final last Saturday night where Wakelin showed the true extent of his exceptional character. In what was his final moments as an AFL footballer, Wakelin organised the Collingwood players into a guard of honour to pay tribute to Robert Harvey, his former team mate at St. Kilda who had announced his retirement earlier in the season. Despite St. Kilda advancing in the finals and still having at least one game more than Wakelin to play, it was Harvey who Wakelin decided to focus on.
It was one of the more selfless acts seen upon a football field, one that astutely sums up Wakelin’s career. He went about his business expecting little fanfare or accolades and as such, was largely underrated by the footballing public. The fact is, Wakelin’s departure will leave a bigger void in Collingwood’s defence than I think many people – especially outside the club – can comprehend. Players of Wakelin’s ilk are irreplaceable, both on and off the field. As a player, Wakelin was accountable and more often than not beat – or at least broke even with – his opponent whilst using the ball well and providing reliable rebound from defence. As a person, he provided an exceptional example that is invaluable for a club’s environment; especially for the younger players who are not only finding their feet in the football world, but also the world at large.
Wakelin began his career at the Saints, but I think it’s safe to say that it is the Collingwood faithful who will remember him most dearly.
I would like to thank both Shane Wakelin and Ryan Lonie for their contributions to the Collingwood Football Club. It’s always sad to farewell players, but we can always find solace in the memories they have left us.
