I don't want to rain on the spirits of those wishing Shack all the best, because i agree with that sentiment entirely. For a player looking to make an impression on the game for his new club, this must truly be a devastating blow and i wish him all the very best in his recovery. I look forward to seeing him return in 2011 for another crack.
BUT, there is way too much doom and gloom going around about what this means for our chances and the lack of support for those youngsters who will benefit from the opportunity as a result. This is what happens in footy. A contact sport, unfortunate injuries result, young guys step up to take the place of those we expected to have been there. Our season was never going to be about going through an entire season using only 17 players and whilst i am certainly sad for Shack, I'm excited about Oake or Pele or Lasalo or Horo stepping up in his place. Shackleton is a good honest worker who would have made 25 tackles and 10 hit ups a game, but he was not going to be pivotal to us winning the comp either. Surely one of the young options can step up and cover that off.
Again all the very best to Shane Shackleton. I don't mean to dismiss his impact at all, but I am looking forward to seeing who gets named in the No. 17 jumper tomorrow and am excited to see that kid take the next step.
