That would have to be the filth. They always look like they are going to win a premiership. (But never deliver)

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Cheats never prosper (except in the AFL)

If he get's the all clear to play again then I wish him good luck. He was a good player for us. People often tended to overlook the seriousness of that injury and continually bagged him.

Stevens was a class act as a player and would still walk into our side if fit. In fact not long ago he was clearly our best player. If all his neck injury needed was time and rest then we should have kept him on our list (like Sydney did with Tadhg Kennelly and Hawthorn did with Trent Croad) as an option for later.

The club must have received medical advice that recovery was highly unlikely. Even if the medical advice was that recovery was highly likely, they clearly had to accept Stevens's wish to retire. Stevo clearly appeared to have had enough. Financially, he has a thriving landscape gardening business that has set him up, so money cant be the incentive.

I dont like conspiracy theories or the thought that Stevo is being disingenuous, but this announcement has come out of left field. We all know that Stevens as a lifelong Collingwood suppporter has always wanted to play for Collingwood. I wouldnt be surprised if they pick him up.

With the national draft as good as useless for the next couple of years, recycled players will attract a premium.

Not the future of the Carlton Football Club of course but for some reason I cant help but be a little irritated by the announcement.

The medical advice came 24 months ago. It hasn't changed. It took Nick a long time and a second opinion to accept it. I highly doubt an AFL club would risk it - I highly doubt the AFL would risk it. The risk of course is having another Neil Sachse on its hands. Won't happen.

Doc, as a medical specialist myself and a best mate who is a spinal surgeon who was asked for an opinion, dont be so sure.

Rick, I understand your points and they have some merit BUT the condition that Stevens has is degenerative and any heavy knocks could easily cause serious damage.

As Doc S said he was diagnosed with it more than two years ago but decided to play on. The CFC only became aware of HOW serious the matter was after he was examined again after clashing with Judd late last year and I got that directly from the surgeon who treated him.

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#NewBlues beginning 25th August 2015

A surgeon shared medical information about a patient. Is that even allowed?

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“It is a state of mind, a system of belief, a way of seeing the world, a deep faith that, because you are Carlton, you belong to something great.” - Mike Fitzpatrick articulating what Out of the Blue means.

Stick to landscaping

He was also a different kind of player, one that could make up for lack of speed with strength and disposal.

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You want the flame? Give us the marbles!!

Meh!

Couldnt care less what he does but if he does return i hope for him and his family's sake that he doesnt re-injure his neck to
the point where it affects his quality of life.

All for a medallion and some silveware.

A fool if he returns.

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When you're a Jet you're a Jet all the way!

He's Dylan Howard. He got it out of the bin.

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Looking forward to seeing our potential realised.

Always a positive BV!!!

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#NewBlues beginning 25th August 2015

It was meant as a joke.
Lay down on your couch and we'll have a chat.

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Looking forward to seeing our potential realised.

As part of Stevens contract any medical information that may effect his playing ability has to be shared with the club.

The surgeon presented the diagnosis and possible treatments and risks for the future thus the reason he was forced to retire.

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#NewBlues beginning 25th August 2015

Not disputing the clubs right to know but the surgeon telling that info directly.

I would thought that was unethical.

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“It is a state of mind, a system of belief, a way of seeing the world, a deep faith that, because you are Carlton, you belong to something great.” - Mike Fitzpatrick articulating what Out of the Blue means.

All there in the public record just relax

His potential return from retirement might be the reason why the Blues have not officially farewelled him.

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Life is made up of 3 things: Pre-Season, Post Season & Footy Season.

i am not good at picking dry humour on the web, but surely those who imagine stevens would get a game at afl level now are joking, right?

we have looked a million times better since he retired imho.

can't even see the tiges falling for this one.

vossy might be the only one thick enough. seeing how well some of his other mature age recruits are doing...(except for fev, of course)

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"You're my boy(s), Bluuuee(s)..."

Maybe the plan was always for Nick to take a year off and then come back? We make room in the salary cap and don't need to pay him for sitting out a year and he comes back next year.

He is an assistant with the NSW/ACT under 18 state team.

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Delulio is a member of TISM

Yep, you can just imagine Nick Stevens walking into the AFL next year and dominating.

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You want the flame? Give us the marbles!!