emtwenty wrote:
"Thanks" doesn't even come close.
True.
He gave me some very special memories as a fan. I will never forget the unbridled joy of the Judd thread here over that week or two when he was making his decision to join Carlton. The greatest thread in my time on this board.
I went to the first practice match he played in once he was fit (vs Bulldogs I think), there were thousands of people there. I'm pretty sure SEN broadcast the match live, it was a warm Friday afternoon and the hope in the air was palpable. Pratt opened the door to hope, Judd swept away the dust from the room.
And then the games. The final vs Sydney, the Royal Wedding game, the final vs Essendon*, the final vs Richmond. The snapped goal vs Geelong. The countless clearances, bursting out of the centre square. The calmness he brought to the disorder surrounding him on the ground; seeing an angle for a releasing handball, leading a forward to the perfect position with his pass and always, always standing up in the biggest moments of the biggest games.
There was also the stamp of legitimacy he gave to our entire list. Captain of the All Australian team, AFLPA MVP, Brownlow medals. Every other player walked taller with Judd in the team, every opposition player and fan worried about a moment, a quarter or a game of brilliance.
For the last seven years he was the main reason I've gone to games. He's been the only true champion we've had since Kouta retired. I have a feeling we may be witnessing the next champion of our club spread his wings in the competition, and that while premature the batten has passed to the next great of our club. No coincidence that it was Judd taking Cripps under his wing and teaching him the finer points of the craft.
I just hope Judd isn't lost to the club forever. While he's said he's not interested in coaching, somehow the group may still benefit from his knowledge and experience.
Thanks for adding so much to my enjoyment of this club.