Hi Phil,
I am sorry if I sounded offensive but the prediction is rather premature
A fortnight before the end of the Minor Round I would have agreed we were the worst side in the SANFL and deserved the Spoon, however, we gave Norwood an almighty scare at the Adelaide Oval on 01-09 and but for some bewildering Umpiring before half-time should have been 4-5 goals up. Chambers' inaccurate kicking for goal didn't help either.
When the 3/4 time Siren rang at the Playground we were only 14 points down against the side then favourite to win the Premiership before a goal after the siren gave your beloved Eagles a 20 point margin.
West Adelaide were unable to beat us in two attempts the 2nd of which was played on their hallowed turf at Richmond against a severely depleted Sturt team. Both of our victories against West were by margins in excess of 8 goals.
When we lost those games by over or about 100 points the side lacked discipline, knew Sticks was going or gone and had no hope of playing Finals' Footy. Injury decimated us all year. Feasty was in and out with his chronic leg problems, ditto Nelson and Whiteman.
We will more than likely lose Simon although this will be announced at our B & F on 20-10-06. One of our prime recruits, Steve Perri suffered a season ending shoulder injury early so he will be a welcome addition in 2007. Michael Bratton showed good signs until he injured his hand.
Nelson and Weatherald should play on to assist our promising juniours. Sean O'Keefe took time to adjust to the tempo of SANFL but those two games he played at Adelaide Oval and Broadspectrum were beauties. It'd be great if we could obtain the services of his great mate Kennedy again in 2007.
Ben Colreavy fought injury all year and he's a class act when 100% right.
James McLeay had a frustrating season due to early injury problems but he too oozes talent. Michael Coad is a great player but again suffered injury woes throughout 2006. Luke Jarjoura needs the right mentor and he could be a SANFL Champion. Luke Button shows promise up forward and if not taken in the draft can help Chambo and Co in the Forward line.
Having Barney French back at Oxford Terrace is a priority. If he has the right attitude to play SANFL again he MUST return to Sturt. Not South or Central, STURT
Angas Kurtze is a developing Ruckman and with DeLuca likely to play more with the Power in 2007, a French, Kurtze Rucking Combination wouldn't be the worst going around in the SANFL.
Once our strength, our backline remains our weakest point. Gone are Chaplin, Smith etc. We must recruit a solid CHB, tall Forward, one midfielder to go with Sheedy, Colreavy, etc and a Ruckman if French doesn't want to play SANFL.
I think I've covered most bases there.
I wish you an outstanding career at SA, Phil. You epitomise a quality person and a dedicated loyal SANFL person. A bit like me lol (just joking)
To your wife and young family all the very best.
You're a lucky guy
