I didnt want to enter this bullshit argument becuase Im sick of seeing players slagged off by those who wish but cant do what he does but hey WTF.

Lance a few years ago was injured and out of shape and continued that way for a while. Sure the bloke probably does have issues with discipline when hit comes to what he eats and drinks but so do a lot of people.


Two preseasons ago he worked his but off to show up at preseason in good shape - remember the training with tyre etc. He had a reasonable year that year.

Last preseason he showed up a bit overweight but still with a reasonable base of fitness behind him and had a good preseason which led to a B&F.

This preseason he has show up in exemplary shape and raring to go.
He is 27 years old and potentially could play to 33 if he continues to do the right thing.

For those that dont know we hit our physical peak at 27-28 in life and Lance at this stage in life is in the best shape he has ever been.

Now for those who argue that this is exactly the reason we should have traded him - its all down hill from now, the bloody window of opportunity has gone, think for a minute about the window of opportunity our club is about to enter.

If Lance has a big season again this year and Yes its a BIG IF (but he really hasnt done much wrong the last few years so ill give him the benefit of doubt) think of the positives. We are a team desperately lacking in experienced footballers yet starting to brim with young talent. Walker, Simmo, Murphy, GIBBS, Bower and co can learn alot from a smart footballer. They are the modern footballers that he isnt but they can also learn how to set themselves up and read the play from a bloke who really is one step (and needs to be) ahead of the opposition.

Dont tell me he's a bad influence becuase of his diet or he leaves the training track early. For starters the club employ's dieticians who monitor what the kids eat (actually every player) and instruct them about nutrition. Now if we dont have a dietician thats not Lances F@%&#! fault.
Secondly if as many here claim Lances body cant withstand the rigours of all the training is it any wonder he leaves the track early? - It's called preventative maintenance and most clubs allow for it with their players. The coaching staff are responsible for when, where, how long and how intense we train so if their not complaining why is everyone here? - Again its their fault as it is their responsibility for when trainings seesions start and finish not a players. All the players are required to do is show up and train as hard as they can and from what Ive read the last few years Lances has fullfilled this requirement.

If our young players are influenced by Lances behaviour around the club then their sheep and god knows we have enough sheep for supports without needing any as players.

Great post Mark No 3.

The difference with Murphy and Sticks was that Sticks had played Senior footy for Glenelg prior to 1986. Murphy is only 19 and has played 13 games.You cant give him the captaincy now. 2years time maybe.

Sticks was about 23 24 when he took over from Sellers and had played about 5 years of Senior footy. The SANFL was a stronger comp at that time than its now.

I, like a lot of others are getting sick of people backing there posts with, 'I heard from someone', or 'An inside source told me'. In reality we have have little idea of the players feel about Lance and whether he is respected. Lance has had a great past 2 seasons, and contrary to Synbad's revisionist history, regularly took the number one forward, and led the defence and marshalled the players. This type of on field leadership has put him in a good position to become captain.

The effect any of our seniopr players will have on the captaincy will be felt for years at end.,

and thats why it must be shared.. so the responsibility is shared...

The problem is too few feel responibility...and that needs to be addressed..

What are your thoughts on Scotland being captain, Synners?

IMHO Stevens is a class act & should be given a crack at the captaincy, so long as he runs through the banner.

I think the Fev is dynamic enough. Isnt time for the club to have the gonads to make a tough decision. Fev could become a fine captain