One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: wayne on October 24, 2011, 04:19:02 PM
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Richmond defender Will Thursfield has announced his retirement from AFL football.
The 25-year-old, whose contract with the Tigers expired at the end of the 2011 season, has decided to call it quits after a 77-game league career.
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http://www.richmondfc.com.au/tabid/6301/default.aspx?newsid=125432
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From Richmond FB 'Disappointing news today as we learned that Will Thursfield has decided to retire from AFL football. Will played 77 games with the Tiges and he will go on to pursue other avenues in his life. All the best Will.'
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/125432/default.aspx
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Looks like Wayne beat me to it.
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Sad news.
Obviously know Will pretty well from Club 80 and have always found him to be a great fella.
Look forward to catching up with him over a beer soon.
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Sad news.
Obviously know Will pretty well from Club 80 and have always found him to be a great fella.
Look forward to catching up with him over a beer soon.
Very sad news indeed :'( :'( Maybe we can catch up on my boat TBR? Will likes fishing, he and I are also good mates because of this. Nothing better than Beer on a boat with rod in hand. I will send you the personal invite when I confirm with Will.
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All the best to Will whatever he does. I think he knew that he would struggle to get a game next year unless there were injuries which is what happened this year. Others younger 3rd talls had gone past Will in the pecking order. It's a shame as before the knee he was seen as the future of our defence for the next 10 years after giving Saint Crybaby a bath.
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Yeah, real shame, at 25, wanted to see him have a least one more year to try and recapture the form he had a few years back.
Anyway, all the best mate!!
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Announced on SEN
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Announced on SEN
Agh poo
Sorry folks. Mods pls delete
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great news
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All he needed to do was put on 8-10kgs of mass and he would have been set - simply too skinny for a 3rd tall - with his closing speed, what could have been...
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ah at least he had a decent run of form towards the end. cheers mate
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Wasn't the palyer I was expecting to announce his retirement
Must mean Moore is definitely going on :-\
Good luck Will and thanks :cheers
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Wasn't the palyer I was expecting to announce his retirement
Must mean Moore is definitely going on :-\
Good luck Will and thanks :cheers
Either that or he has genuinely lost his mojo and the club had no say in it, in which case if Moore goes we are shaky down back already.
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Tiger Will Thursfield calls it quits after 77 games
From: Herald-Sun
October 24, 2011 5:12PM
RICHMOND defender Will Thursfield has announced his retirement from AFL football.
The 25-year-old, whose contract with the Tigers expired at the end of the 2011 season, has decided to call it quits after a 77-game league career.
"There are some other avenues in my life I’m keen to pursue, and I just felt the time was right to step away from AFL football," Thursfield said.
"I’m proud to have played the game at the highest level over the past seven seasons, and have enjoyed my involvement at Richmond, but I’m now looking forward to taking up these opportunities."
Thursfield was elevated off Richmond’s rookie list in 2005 and made his AFL debut with the Tigers in Round 14 that season, against the Sydney Swans at the MCG.
He missed a year of football when he underwent a total knee reconstruction after damaging the anterior cruciate and medial ligaments in his left knee during the Round 2, 2006 clash with St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.
In that match, he had won rave reviews for his fine defensive performance on Saints champion Nick Riewoldt.
When Thursfield returned in 2007, he established himself as a regular member of the Tigers’ line-up, and he earned an AFL Rising Star nomination that season.
Over the past couple of years, however, injuries and form issues have combined to confine Thursfield to the fringes of senior selection at Tigerland.
In 2011, Thursfield had managed just one appearance for Richmond up until Round 15, but he finished the season with a string of solid performances.
"We wish Will all the best as he pursues the next phase of his life,” said Richmond’s general manager of football operations, Craig Cameron.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/tiger-will-thursfield-calls-it-quits-after-77-games/story-e6frf9jf-1226175451251
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He is a great fella Will, always provided leadership when playing at Coburg and was very vocal and supportive out on the field.
All the best Wilber.
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Nice bloke, ordinary footballer.
Next.
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Actually thought he was a good third tall for us this year when injuries struck down Grimes and Astbury. Thought he was a better option than McGuane to be honest....
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Actually thought he was a good third tall for us this year when injuries struck down Grimes and Astbury. Thought he was a better option than McGuane to be honest....
Cements McGuane in the backline I reckon, particularly if Moore doesn't get up.
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Actually thought he was a good third tall for us this year when injuries struck down Grimes and Astbury. Thought he was a better option than McGuane to be honest....
Cements McGuane in the backline I reckon, particularly if Moore doesn't get up.
Another season of playing him out of position :banghead :banghead FFS just put him at CHF where he plays his Carey like best football :laugh:
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Sad to see Will finish up his career.
Happy to see McGuane get more game time. Should take the best opposition forward and let Rance run off the backline
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Mate you literally have no idea do you
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Mate you literally have no idea do you
:lol :lol
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Sad news. Good Luck to him. Was very good at spoiling and played well on small forwards, Towards the end of the season was playing okay I thought like others that he was going to have a good year next year. Can't afford now for Moore to retire. I guess it means also that McGuane has been given a life line
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Good news for mcgaune >:(
Wasn't the palyer I was expecting to announce his retirement
Must mean Moore is definitely going on :-\
Good luck Will and thanks :cheers
Either that or he has genuinely lost his mojo and the club had no say in it, in which case if Moore goes we are shaky down back already.
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Good news for mcgaune >:(
He's got another year on his contract. That and no other club wanting him at the trade table are the only reasons Luke has survived. Unless there's injuries next year he'll spend all season at Coburg.
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Retiring Tiger Will Thursfield to work on growth
by: Jon Ralph From: Herald Sun October 26, 2011 12:00AM
MILLIONS of kids would give anything to play AFL, but Richmond's Will Thursfield has become the notable exception.
It was revealed the Tigers offered the fullback a one-year contract to play on next season.
But Thursfield, just 25 and in the prime of his 77-game career, decided to retire.
He played the last nine games of the season under Damien Hardwick and could have reached 100 games if the Tigers made finals next year.
Instead Thursfield, who has a landscape gardening business, told the club on Monday his career was over.
"It was something he had been thinking of," his manager Anthony McConville said yesterday.
"He gave it some really careful consideration over his time away, but he was pretty keen to hang them up and say, 'I am satisfied. I am going to move on and go out on my terms happy with what I have achieved'.
"He has been working at his landscape gardening business for the last 18 months to two years and he was eager to take those opportunities and go into the next phase (of his life)."
Defenders Luke McGuane and Daniel Connors, both of whom expressed interest in a trade during the annual meat market, will both stay at the club.
They are contracted and have sat down with coaching staff to work through their positions on the list.
Angus Graham, who also asked for a trade given the club was bringing in Adelaide's Ivan Maric, will also continue.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/retiring-tiger-will-thursfield-to-work-on-growth/story-e6frf9jf-1226176586009
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Onya mate. probably a good decision
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Anybody know the name of his business?
I have some work I might be able to throw his way.
:thumbsup
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Most interesting part of the article for mine was the last sentence about Gus.
He wanted a trade because Maric was coming to the Club ::) ::)
Toughen up Gus for crying out loud >:(
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Most interesting part of the article for mine was the last sentence about Gus.
He wanted a trade because Maric was coming to the Club ::) ::)
Toughen up Gus for crying out loud >:(
gus and blake are so similar in many ways lol
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Most interesting part of the article for mine was the last sentence about Gus.
He wanted a trade because Maric was coming to the Club ::) ::)
Toughen up Gus for crying out loud >:(
Has every right to be angry. Beefcake has been fantastic for us and we recruit Maric? Pathetic!
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Has every right to be angry. Beefcake has been fantastic for us and we recruit Maric? Pathetic!
Would think that the need to recruit Maric says more about "beefcake's" lack of improvement the last 12 months than anything else ;D ;D
Wanting an easy out, rather than being prepared to fight for the number 1 ruck spot says something I reckon
As I said he needs to toughen up ;D
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Most interesting part of the article for mine was the last sentence about Gus.
He wanted a trade because Maric was coming to the Club ::) ::)
Toughen up Gus for crying out loud >:(
gus and blake are so similar in many ways lol
Before too long Gus and Maric will be best buds and make a great combination. Gus will start fights and perform a hasty retreat so Maric can take on a clean up role.
(http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/4723/drillbitmaric.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/204/drillbitmaric.jpg/)
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It was revealed the Tigers offered the fullback a one-year contract to play on next season.
But Thursfield, just 25 and in the prime of his 77-game career, decided to retire.
Understandable as Thursty would know he'd only be back-up for a year and except for injuries spend virtually all of next season at Coburg.
Defenders Luke McGuane and Daniel Connors, both of whom expressed interest in a trade during the annual meat market, will both stay at the club.
They are contracted and have sat down with coaching staff to work through their positions on the list.
Angus Graham, who also asked for a trade given the club was bringing in Adelaide's Ivan Maric, will also continue.
Their position on the list will be at Coburg.
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(http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/4723/drillbitmaric.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/204/drillbitmaric.jpg/)
:lol
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Hope not.
The way I see it maric #1 ruck.
If grimes and astbury kick on play them with rance in the backline. Then if post has good preseason hr cam be 2nd ruck along with bench, fwd, swingman.
I would have browne and derickx no1 ruck for coburg rotating between forward line.
In a perfect wold Gus playing coburg 2s or on thr coburg bench as a back up to browne, derickx.
Most interesting part of the article for mine was the last sentence about Gus.
He wanted a trade because Maric was coming to the Club ::) ::)
Toughen up Gus for crying out loud >:(
gus and blake are so similar in many ways lol
Before too long Gus and Maric will be best buds and make a great combination. Gus will start fights and perform a hasty retreat so Maric can take on a clean up role.
(http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/4723/drillbitmaric.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/204/drillbitmaric.jpg/)
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sorry to see thursty go, was really building back to that form where he was looking to be anything ...wouldnt suprise at all to see him coaxed out of retirement in a year or two if a premiership contender is after a minder for some of the gorilla FF out there :shh
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...bit selfish of me but would've liked to see him go one more year - but would only really have been as insurance for an injury...always came across as a good bloke but unfortunately for him the younger key backs have either passed him or need to pass him which would mean a sever lack of game time...
as for gus asking for a trade - I'm with you WP...harden up, fight for a spot & prove that you've a) got what it takes and b) that it means something to you...hopefully the fact there was no trade will make him realise he has some work to do...
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Didn't know Graham wanted to be traded. Agree Graham should toughen up and use this as motivation to improve his game. McGuane can consider himself extremely lucky to be still at the club
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Didn't know Graham wanted to be traded. Agree Graham should toughen up and use this as motivation to improve his game. McGuane can consider himself extremely lucky to be still at the club
With how public it was made that we were looking for a new ruckman this year I thought that would of been motivation enough for Graham. Dermy once said somewhere that Graham is just the kind of bloke that needs a regular kick in the arse to get going. If your club saying it is looking for a new #1 ruckman to replace you isn't a big enough boot then I don't know what is.
It's wishful thinking but I'm hoping Graham's reputation for being a spud dissipates a little while he sits in the twos over the next 12 months. Big fellas, especially ruckman in their mid 20s appear to carry a bit of currency and we might be able to unload him for a little more than a box of Cheds.
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Didn't know Graham wanted to be traded. Agree Graham should toughen up and use this as motivation to improve his game. McGuane can consider himself extremely lucky to be still at the club
With how public it was made that we were looking for a new ruckman this year I thought that would of been motivation enough for Graham. Dermy once said somewhere that Graham is just the kind of bloke that needs a regular kick in the behind to get going. If your club saying it is looking for a new #1 ruckman to replace you isn't a big enough boot then I don't know what is.
It's wishful thinking but I'm hoping Graham's reputation for being a spud dissipates a little while he sits in the twos over the next 12 months. Big fellas, especially ruckman in their mid 20s appear to carry a bit of currency and we might be able to unload him for a little more than a box of Cheds.
What are Cheds?
'65
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Didn't know Graham wanted to be traded. Agree Graham should toughen up and use this as motivation to improve his game. McGuane can consider himself extremely lucky to be still at the club
With how public it was made that we were looking for a new ruckman this year I thought that would of been motivation enough for Graham. Dermy once said somewhere that Graham is just the kind of bloke that needs a regular kick in the behind to get going. If your club saying it is looking for a new #1 ruckman to replace you isn't a big enough boot then I don't know what is.
It's wishful thinking but I'm hoping Graham's reputation for being a spud dissipates a little while he sits in the twos over the next 12 months. Big fellas, especially ruckman in their mid 20s appear to carry a bit of currency and we might be able to unload him for a little more than a box of Cheds.
What are Cheds?
'65
(http://attachments.emergencyoffice.com.au/products/images_large/16357.jpg?r=1304311820)
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Geez, sounds like something you build up under folds of skin if you don't wash or something... sounds like a job for the adelaide crows FAAAAAARK o'metre
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Geez, sounds like something you build up under folds of skin if you don't wash or something...
There called Cheese sticks ;) My kids love e'm ;D
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Will appointed senior coach of Leongatha!
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huh, so much for pursuing his landscaping business, clearly leongatha were into him for some time, we've been rodgered on this one boys :o
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:lol
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No you've got it wrong bojangles! They were after a coach with a AFL profile and were having no luck. When Will retired they contacted him, I would find it hard to believe a country club could influence an AFL player to retire in todays day and age!
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No you've got it wrong bojangles! They were after a coach with a AFL profile and were having no luck. When Will retired they contacted him, I would find it hard to believe a country club could influence an AFL player to retire in todays day and age!
Nup. You've got it wrong Sugars
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No you've got it wrong bojangles! They were after a coach with a AFL profile and were having no luck. When Will retired they contacted him, I would find it hard to believe a country club could influence an AFL player to retire in todays day and age!
well believe it, they just did, must have been one heck of a contract :shh
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eff me he is actually serious here
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No you've got it wrong bojangles! They were after a coach with a AFL profile and were having no luck. When Will retired they contacted him, I would find it hard to believe a country club could influence an AFL player to retire in todays day and age!
well believe it, they just did, must have been one heck of a contract :shh
:rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin
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Ex-Tiger escapes AFL cage, more at home in the 'wild'
By Phil McLeod
Inside Football
April 11, 2012
Country footballers dream about moving to the big smoke to play in the AFL.
But for former Richmond defender Will Thursfield, who was struggling to cope with the constant demands of playing at the elite level, it was the country that provided his salvation.
Thursfield's is a rare story. After 77 senior games he had established his AFL career and was still a required player for the Tigers this season.
Yet he turned his back on a life that countless other aspiring footballers around Australia would give anything to have.
However, the 25-year-old, who is now the player-coach of the Leongatha Parrots in the Gippsland League, says he has no regrets.
"I grew up in the city, but I'm a country guy at heart," Thursfield said.
"I love getting out of town and saw it (playing in the country) as a natural progression; it's something I've always wanted to do.
"I was mentally burnt out (in the AFL) … 10 months of the year, almost six days a week of endless meetings, and the daily monotony.
"Some people love it, others find it hard, and I'd just had enough," he said.
"I enjoyed my time there (at Richmond), but felt I wouldn't mind going out on my own terms. And I have a growing landscape business to look after.
"I could have stayed there another year and who knows what might have happened."
The ex-Tiger is embracing his new challenge.
"It's my first crack at coaching and I've jumped in at the deep end a bit, but I've got some good people helping me out and that was one of the key things when I signed on," Thursfield said.
"I reckon I've got a bit to pass on and I'm loving it so far."
Thursfield said while he was working to make the club more professional in its approach, he also had to adjust to the country way life.
"The boys are mostly tradesmen or work in the rural area," he said.
"They come up after work, take their work boots off and put their footy boots on.
"They work hard the boys. They look stuffed when they come to training, but they put in as hard as anything.
"It's also about advising them on the smaller but important things, like being hydrated before training and games and about eating the right things. It's about making everything a little more professional."
The Parrots finished fourth on the ladder last year and Thursfield said they needed to strengthen their midfield if they were to go deep into the finals this season.
"We just want to be the tightest-knit group from player one to player 50," he said.
"I'm putting a big emphasis on everyone training together and doing all the hard work as one group and hopefully that translates into playing good team football.
"It's a pretty young group, but there are also some good older players so it's quite a good mix.
"We needed to increase our midfield depth and we've recruited with that in mind.
"We've also got a good full forward, which is important in country football, in Dwayne Holt who kicked 90 goals a few years ago."
The Parrots have another Richmond connection in Tas Clingan, who will be an assistant coach.
Clingan came off Richmond's rookie list three years ago and spent the previous two years playing with the Wangaratta Rovers in the Ovens and Murray League.
http://www.insidefootballonline.com/auswide.html