Legendary coach Mick Malthouse penned an article for the Herald Sun on Saturday night, and asked for some of the game's biggest names to consider retiring at the end of the season.
Malthouse said after watching a lot of footy over the first eight rounds this season, he's seen enough from these players to warrant 2017 being their last season.
The three-time premiership coach has singled out eight players across five different clubs, and has given his reasoning behind each selection.
The following eight names are the players who Malthouse believes should walk away from the game at season's end, and his reasoning as to why.
The full article can be found here.
Steve Johnson - GWS
"They gained experience and flair and he has capitalised on effective delivery into the forward line. With a good list they were able to absorb his deficiencies — including his lack of ability to put genuine pressure on the opposition backs.
It has now gone pear-shaped. He has lost length in his kicking, dropped off in pace, and can’t hold a tackle. It is my observation that he has turned to using tricks to win possession because his body won’t allow for the agile moves he once displayed. Time is ticking."
Nick Riewoldt - St Kilda
"The Saints’ star has played some ripping games this year, though he has also played some poor ones, particularly against GWS where he looked every inch his 34 years and slower than he once was.
If Riewoldt played every second game with a rest in between he would be wonderful for the Saints, but that is not going to help their run at finals if other players are therefore in and out of the team. It is a dilemma for player and coach."
Josh Gibson - Hawthorn
"He is the classic definition of a player in the twilight zone.
In his three premiership seasons the Hawthorn defender contributed greatly to the club’s success. But that form is mostly in the past.
Currently, in isolation he doesn’t win enough one-on-one football to be the impact backline player the Hawks needs this season. At times he is being mercilessly beaten. The writing is on the wall."
Shaun Burgoyne - Hawthorn
"While still quick, he has dropped a yard in pace and in doing so his ball-getting power has diminished. His two biggest weapons, gone. It’s hard to come back from there."
Jobe Watson - Essendon
"His 12-month ban may well be a life ban.
The former Bombers’ captain went through hell during the club’s drug saga, and whether or not he was talked into playing on is only for himself and John Worsfold to know.
He started the season with a bang, but now I wonder if he still has the same interest in and love of the game he once had, because it doesn’t look like it. Time will tell on this one."
James Kelly - Essendon
"He helped Essendon throughout the absence of their suspended players and he has continued on well enough this year.
But, he is a good player in a team that is, at best, eighth to 12th in the league. He can’t play forever and the Bombers need to rebuild."
Lindsay Thomas - North Melbourne
"Lindsay was probably lucky not to be cut when North Melbourne delisted four of its stars last year. On reflection, I would say Brent Harvey had more going for him.
I understand why Brad Scott made the decision that he did, but now, having a veteran spend more time in reserves than the seniors doesn’t help anyone and I wonder if there could have been a fifth departure from Arden Street last season."
Brett Deledio - GWS
"Players who are prone to muscle injuries will always breakdown earlier in their career.
It’s a harsh truth for Deledio and GWS.
It’s a value thing. Does that player still provide enough value to the club to continue?
Once the warning signs appear, and they always do — less pace, less agility, less dominant, more injury prone — then the decision comes down to this: how much can he contribute to the team? What will he gain, or lose from going around again?"