Overlooked Free Agent Departures
14 Nov 07
With the AFL's free agency period now entering the third week a lot of attention has been given to high profile signings throughout the league.
Turn over is a part of life in the AFL. Each year the league sees around 200 players enter free agency. And each year teams are celebrated for signings and maligned for departures.
Lost in the shuffle are the departures of no less important parts of the on-field product. For 2008 the Soul will be without two of the most talented, charismatic, professional, and dedicated members. Two team captains that have moved on to pursue other callings.
So important are these two veterans that they have had their jersey numbers retired. One, a part of the team from the earliest incarnation, became literally married to the sport. And one whose dedication and passion resulted in a meteoric rise to leadership and fan favorite status. Both have been all-star representatives of the team on separate occasions. Both embody the very core concept of their team.
When the 2008 season finally begins the numbers 3 and 23 will be absent from the field. Absent from the stands. But not absent from the hearts and minds of many fans.
Having trouble remembering who wore those numbers? You should be ashamed.
Lisa (far left) and Lindsay (far right) join Nina and Jenn as the only Soulmates with retired jersey numbers.
With the completion of the open-call tryouts last Saturday both Lisa and Lindsay have fulfilled their contractual obligations to the Soul. And like Nina and Meg before them, their departure keeps the tradition of "Dream Team Soulmate rep leaves squad" going. Though in fairness Lisa waited a couple of season before moving on.
Best of luck to Lindsay and Lisa. You two will certainly be missed.
Thank You!