As the season is now about judging who stays or goes at the end of the year, thought we might have a look at each player who is on a knife's edge and get opinions until the end of the season.
What should happen to Weller? Does he have a future?
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Weller playing for future
2:06:48 PM Wed 18 August, 2004
Paul Gough
Sportal
Versatile Richmond big man Luke Weller admits he is playing for his AFL future over the remaining fortnight of the season as the Tiger players prepare themselves for what shapes as a major review of the playing list.
With Terry Wallace set to take over as coach in 2005 and the Tigers having lost their past 12 games - their worst run of outs ever in a single season - Weller is just one of many Richmond players who will be under pressure to maintain their place on the list for next season.
The 22-year-old has managed just five games for the Tigers in an injury-plagued debut season at Punt Road, after joining the club from reigning premiers Brisbane this season.
Weller's one year contract - after being picked up in last year's pre-season draft - is up for renewal and he knows big performances in the last two games - against Hawthorn and Sydney - are vital as he seeks to kick-start his career with the Tigers.
"I guess you could look at it like that," he said, when asked if he was playing for his future at Punt Road over the last two weeks of the home and away season.
"Everyone will be reviewed at the end of the season."
"I haven't spoken to anyone about next year yet I just want to put my best foot forward over the last two weeks of the season and then speak to the necessary people."
Such pressure on individual players is common at all AFL clubs at this time of year - as clubs begin reviewing their lists - but even more so at a club like Richmond, which has struggled in 2004.
Weller says he has enjoyed his first year in Melbourne, except for the injuries which cost him the chance to establish himself in the team.
After an excellent performance in the Tigers' round six win over Hawthorn, he played the next two games but did his hamstring against the Bulldogs in round eight.
After returning in the VFL with Coburg, Weller injured the hamstring again and only returned to the seniors for last week's game against Adelaide - where he picked up 14 touches in a solid display.
Now he is not only desperate to consolidate his place in the side over the last two rounds but to win this week's wooden spoon battle against Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.
"No-one likes finishing last but we are trying not to think about the game in that way," he said.
"It would be just great to get a win on the board, especially for (soon-to-be-departing coach) Danny (Frawley)."
"Danny has given me an opportunity this year and it would be great to repay him with a win on Sunday."
http://richmondfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=166483
