While the majority of Sydney Swans were nursing Mad Monday hangovers, a tentative few waited by the phone for the inevitable call signalling the end of their Bloods career.
Those unfortunate three were today revealed to be Tyrone Leonardis, Michael Talia, and NEAFL captain Brandon Jack.
These names should surprise nobody. Leonardis failed to make his AFL debut, after being drafted with pick 51 in 2015, while Talia, acquired via trade the same year, proved to be a spectacular flop.
Despite the axe looming for some time, the name that should disappoint most Sydney fans is local product Brandon Jack, brother of former captain Kieran.
Jack got just one chance to show his value this season, against the Carlton Blues in Round 6, but failed to make an impact. That was the only AFL game he managed in the past two seasons.
Unfortunately for Jack the Younger, he never grew to an assailable size. At 182cm and 81kg, you need incredible gifts to make an impact at AFL level, and too often, he found himself bodied out of the contest even in the NEAFL.
Jack’s journey with the Swans comes to an end at 28 senior games, after being recruited in the 2013 Rookie Draft from the side he skippered this year.
One surprise did come Thursday, in the retirement of the rangy Shaun Edwards.
Despite failing to make his club debut, Edwards impressed in his one year in the NEAFL, as a tall forward with a brilliant ability to get around the ground and lay a tackle.
The blemish on the Territorian’s record was his disposal. Oftentimes he can be wasteful, especially in front of goal, 2.6 in Round 10 against the Gold Coast Suns a lowlight.
There was plenty to work with, but in his two previous stops at the Greater Western Sydney Giants and Essendon Bombers, the 23-year-old’s commitment had come into question.
Perhaps he got the tap on the shoulder from twos coach Rhyce Shaw and was asked if he really wanted it enough?
It’s tough to see any of these four getting picked up by another AFL club, but you’ll probably be able to see them run out at NEAFL level next year for Sydney University.
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