Who do you think was the most animated player? I've asked this to two of my Parra mates and I've said I'll give you ten guesses and neither of them have picked the player.
It was Feleti Mateo.
Now Feleti has more right than anyone to have dropped his bundle. He was offered what I'd consider an almost insulting contract, but the guy bleeds Blue & Gold. So too, do so many of these boys who have come through the Eels junior system.
Which is why you don't see me getting excited by big money signings that threaten to rip the heart of our squad. Blokes like Mateo, Inu, Keating, Oake who have been rejected by the club, or who it looks like there may not be room for if we do make a big signing - lets remember these fellas were part of an outfit that took us to a Grand Final last year and its not like we're out of contention this year. I still believe we will win this competition and I still believe outside of Melbourne we have the best roster in the competition. My priority would have been keeping these blokes together.
But for all the lip service that was given to "keeping our juniors because that's part of the fabric of this club" from where I'm standing the strategy looks to be exactly the opposite.
I fully realise I'm a minority here, but in the same way I believe the fans have prematurely panicked so too does it look to me like the administration is doing the same.
If we do win the grand final this year, and we do lose any more of our juniors - who I freely admit are my favourite players - for me, at least, it will certainly be bitter sweet.
There is something to having players who bleed your colours through their veins.
Replies
It is destroying me. This whole Cronk business is about short term gain.
I can't stand the thought of losing so many of our young players for one marquee signing.
If he comes to the Blue and Gold I will welcome him, but to see Feleti and Krisnan and KK and Eric leave us... it's just all very sad.
I also think Mateo is a leader and role model for the polynesian players - and that's an area the club has not done a good job in, but thats the subject of another blog.
It's a shame though that he hasn't consistently played with that kind of passion.
Mateo.... so sad to see him go. DA is using him incorrectly IMO but.... DA got the team to the GF last year so who am I to be critical....
This Cronk stuff is nonsense. I don't think it's short term thinking to chase Cronk... Just wishful thinking. At the end of the day I think Cronk is a much greater asset than Mateo.
I was very upset when Lyon left, Schicofske, McCracken, Jason Cayless , Tim Smith, Tahu and even Michael Witt LOL... I've learmt that losses are never as bad as they seem and gains are never as good either.