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Team 2025

perverse

Referee
Messages
26,690
According to the Stats some of our bench didn’t play big minutes, unaware of injuries, Jones played 52min, Croker 31min, Hetherington 24min and Gamble 15min. Except for Jones those are low so might have contributed to fatigue,
This is one of AOBs biggest weak points. He seems shithouse at using the bench and keeping fresh legs on the field throughout the 80. It's been a recurring issue since he got here, and has cost us matches.
 

aqua_duck

Coach
Messages
18,629
If Hetho cannot see he has a golden opportunity to nail down the vacant front row spot, then there is no hope for him. He is actually the perfect age now to have a solid final third of his career and become the player we have been led to believe he is. If he holds off J Saf from a starting berth then it is no brainer to move J Saf on when the time arrives. Hopgood hopefully shows he is up to it in a few years.
I thought Hethrington was much improved later in the year and after reading the article in the Newcastle Herald last week I can completely understand why he was struggling earlier in the year. For those who didn’t see the article basically his newborn son was suffering from a condition called Tracheomalacia which impacts the airways and restricts breathing during sleep, he and his wife had to insert an airway tube into the baby’s nose each night just to keep him alive, apparently he and his wife were understandably sleep deprived and the kid went through several surgeries to fix the issue which luckily they managed to do so which is around the time Hethrington started to find some form.
 

Yosh

Coach
Messages
11,921
I thought Hethrington was much improved later in the year and after reading the article in the Newcastle Herald last week I can completely understand why he was struggling earlier in the year. For those who didn’t see the article basically his newborn son was suffering from a condition called Tracheomalacia which impacts the airways and restricts breathing during sleep, he and his wife had to insert an airway tube into the baby’s nose each night just to keep him alive, apparently he and his wife were understandably sleep deprived and the kid went through several surgeries to fix the issue which luckily they managed to do so which is around the time Hethrington started to find some form.
It's so easy to be a keyboard warrior and hammer away at people these days. Hope his family is past the worst of it and his kid is healthy and happy!!! Wouldn't want to uproot his whole family and shaft him when he is going through something so serious. Hope the club deals with it the right way.
 

aqua_duck

Coach
Messages
18,629
It's so easy to be a keyboard warrior and hammer away at people these days. Hope his family is past the worst of it and his kid is healthy and happy!!! Wouldn't want to uproot his whole family and shaft him when he is going through something so serious. Hope the club deals with it the right way.
Luckily from all reports they’ve sorted the issues and the kid should be able to lead a perfectly normal life. The optimist in me hopes he can start 2025 fresh and strong because at his best he’s definitely an asset
 

Knight Tales

Bench
Messages
3,008
I thought Hethrington was much improved later in the year and after reading the article in the Newcastle Herald last week I can completely understand why he was struggling earlier in the year. For those who didn’t see the article basically his newborn son was suffering from a condition called Tracheomalacia which impacts the airways and restricts breathing during sleep, he and his wife had to insert an airway tube into the baby’s nose each night just to keep him alive, apparently he and his wife were understandably sleep deprived and the kid went through several surgeries to fix the issue which luckily they managed to do so which is around the time Hethrington started to find some form.
Very sad to read this. But very happy to read further on that his little boy is going to be ok. Will be a huge off season for him. I'd like nothing more than to see him secure a front row berth here until he retires. I actually miss that aggression he showed as a youngster. I know it got him into hot water but i feel his fiery nature has been reigned in to the point it has affected his entire game.
 
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ryan.a87

Juniors
Messages
807
Dolphins fans saying how much better he will be in a better coaching system

I’m like isn’t their next coach a former Newcastle assistant coach?……how much better is the system going to be?
 

Yosh

Coach
Messages
11,921
DSaf gone and Croker not signed. What world are we living in? Weird feeling but good to know we are going in the right direction!
 

Woody90

Juniors
Messages
2,222
Dolphins fans saying how much better he will be in a better coaching system

I’m like isn’t their next coach a former Newcastle assistant coach?……how much better is the system going to be?

I’ve actually got them in my bottom 4 next year even though most have them in their 8. Clubs never go well after Bennett leaves.
 

perverse

Referee
Messages
26,690
I don't think DSaf will play better next year because of their coaching. It'll be because he's finally out of his comfort zone and will have to prove himself all over again. He got too comfortable here years and years ago. The change will be best for both parties, but we would have never seen his best again had he stayed.

Honestly I think it will pan out to be a good deal for everyone involved.
 

Apey

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
28,267

Knight Tales

Bench
Messages
3,008
Smart deal. Sounds very O’Sullivan like. As in you want more you have to prove you are worth it. The club should always have the upper hand with off contracts going forward. O’Sullivan has that aura to him. That he can always replace you. His signing is absolutely invaluable to us.
 

Yosh

Coach
Messages
11,921
Glad to see Croker get a bit more time to prove his worth. Hopefully he plays very well and earns himself a good deal.
 

Mr_Knightside

Juniors
Messages
2,360
Croker is probably the guy who will benefit the most from DSaf leaving, in terms of game time that will become available. Hopefully he has a massive off season and basically demands regular selection and consistent game time. I think he’s got the goods to be a solid first grader at least and just needs to show it regularly.

A 1 year deal is perfect for where he’s at. If he performs well he can get a pay rise and a couple more years. If not then we let him go at the end of next year. Definitely a smart move imo.
 

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