Well, I just read this article Bolstered Blues set for 'dangerous' Demons and realised that i was relieved to get Houlihan back.

Then I realised what a turn up that was. Never thought I would ever think that.

That's when i knew that I needed to say Sorry to Hoops.

For years I have thought him a lazy, laconic, waste of talent - I have derided his skills - He is 'Silky' the persian cat to my crew on the terraces - and questioned his courage and commitment.

But I simply, now, want to apologise for all the years of invective hurled from the sidelines.

He is becoming increasingly important to our structure, fights hard for the ball, pops up at the right time, and can be relied upon to kick important goals. I guess he is maturing beautifully.

So Hoops/Hooligan/Hot Lips/Silky - Let me apologise and say sorry for all the crap I have yelled at you in anger and frustration, thank you for the good times, and look forawrd to the great times.

Well done on all your hard work and perserverence, and for changing my view.

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"Two roads diverged in a wood,
and I,
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference."

Robert Frost

Good on you Doc.
I had to do that with JR last year..and feels good to cleanse your soull doesn't it!

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That’s not a political statement — it’s a harsh reality, and we must act,” she said. “He is a clear and present danger to the things that keep us strong and free. I support impeachment.”

We gave Simon Beaumont the same nickname but for opposite reasons to Houla. (sorry club 29)

My old footy jumper circa 2000 has the #33 on the back...thought he was going to be a star after this efforts in Round 20 against Essendon* in the game Kouta did his knee again...

I think he has reinvented himself more times than Madonna, but this current guise seems to be doing the job.

Keep up the good work Ryan

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Cheerio to my friends KN, BC, TT, GP, DK, AE, MS, SC, TC, JL, MO & LF

A couple of things to note, until operations on both hips last year, he was playing in chronic pain, and he is finally being played in position.

I reckon he is crucial to our forwardline structure, and we have really missed him the last 2 weeks.

We have to have another Visy Boat Cruise

Houlihan, Walker and Betts never been fitter and playing great football.

Book in the next cruise please or just send all the players to the Richmond gym

Good stuff Vet .

Not many have the guts to admit when they're wrong .

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Get the facts first.
Then you can distort them at your leisure.

Hey... keep the great man out of this !

I've certainly been a harsh critic on Tinkerbell. Finally in his 2009 season did he use his mature body and this year that has continued. I'm looking forward to having his class up forward again.

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--------------------------------------------------------"The only one that could ever love me..."

Speaking of crucial to our structure, did anyone else sign contentedly on the weekend every time you saw Walker take another gut-busting run off half-back?

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"I had to eat"

these posts are making me miss Teen Spirit.
He wrote a really funny post on why girls love Houla..likening him to a dolphin.
Where are you Teen???

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That’s not a political statement — it’s a harsh reality, and we must act,” she said. “He is a clear and present danger to the things that keep us strong and free. I support impeachment.”

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dane's trolling again

I still have nightmares about the ball falling on to Ryan's boot & going out on the full at the G in the dying seconds of a game against Norf a few years ago. Then watching Wells slot through a goal from the boundary line to win them the game

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Cheats never prosper (except in the AFL)

Ahh...the "silky" fan club is expanding.

Great thread.

I've always been a fan of Houla. I'm a glass half full type.

I've seen him make mistakes and seen him pull out of a (THAT) contest once, but I haven't strung him up and quartered him.
He's human, and all players make mistakes. I mentioned a few years back, just be patient with Houla because when Houla hits his straps when he's around 26-28 and the kids grow around him, he will be leading the charge and that's when everyone will sit back and admire the skills this guy was born with.

There's a few anti Houla posters I'm still waiting to hear from in this thread, you know the ones, those that criticised his hair and looks.

Moral to the story: Don't bag our players. Bag the opposition.

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue

The ball ,actually did 'fall' on his foot. That was sad, but typical of our luck at the time.

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue

I have to put my hand up for this one. Hoops I am sorry for all my snide little jibes, although most were under my breath

He has turned into a top defensive forward, who must be respected, because he can convert and is creative . Playmaking defenders hate that.

i can say i have never bagged Ryan and could never understand all the posters wanting to trade him over the last couple of years......

He is a genuine talent who we need at this cub .

Not all players are tough nuts...and its taken time to build on his slight frame .

Remember what fev said at the first NAB cup game last year when interviewed by Bucks...he knew who had the skill with the ball .

Alwayys

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We are Carlton....F##K the rest!

How about we skip on the Boat Cruise and send the team straight to the Richmond gym next pre-season. After seeing the results too Houla,
Walker & Betts, you'd think it would be a no brainer !!!!!!!

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BRING BACK PERFORMANCE BASE PAYMENTS !!!