Can your team's AFL veterans keep on kicking? Jon Pierik and Matt Murnane
The Age
January 11, 2015As the pre-season summer slog resumes and the intensity of training rises, many of the game's elder statesmen may be beginning to wonder whether this is their last campaign – either through receiving the dreaded post-season nudge from their coaches, or through their own volition.
Some may even struggle to see out the 2015 campaign, such is the growing physical and mental demands placed on them.
Some clubs will be able to cover a sudden absence while others will not cope as well if their veterans fall off the perch, having an impact on their team's finals, even premiership, aspirations.
Jon Pierik and Matt Murnane run the rule over your team's ageing talent.
RICHMONDChris Newman (33 in May)
Nathan Foley (30 September)
Ivan Maric (29 in January)
Troy Chaplin (29 in February)
WHAT WE SAY: On last year's evidence there is no reason to suggest Newman won't finish what could be the last year of his career as part of Richmond's best 22, where he wants to help erase memories of last year's elimination final disaster. Newman played 18 games in 2014, providing his usual contribution linking attack with defence. However, his spot could be influenced by whether the club stay in finals contention or have to look to the future. The Tigers launched a stunning surge to the finals last year - their veterans will need to deliver if the list is to avoid being labelled as over-rated.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/can-your-teams-afl-veterans-keep-on-kicking-20150110-12jkrp.html
