FootyGoss :: Club News - Claremont [Bandy retirement leaves Tigers on back foot]

Bandy retirement leaves Tigers on back foot

Last year’s WAFL minor premiers Claremont have been dealt a massive blow on the eve of the 2008 season with star ruckman Daniel Bandy electing to retire from football.

The Tigers had hoped the 2006 best and fairest would continue playing this season, but work and family commitments have meant the former Perth, Fremantle and Western Bulldogs big man steps away from the game after making his senior debut for the Demons 14 years ago.

Tigers’ football manager Steve Calder told Footygoss on Wednesday that Bandy had all but agreed to play on in 2008, but changed his mind in the last few days.

“It’s disappointing from our perspective,” Calder said.

“He said to us he was going to play and he’s had a change of heart at the last minute.

“It puts us just a little bit on the back foot, but we now move on.”

Calder added that losing Bandy would mean an opportunity would arise for some of the club’s younger big men such as 22-year-old ruckmen Andrew Ruck and Nick Derickx, who have each played just eight senior WAFL matches.

“One door closes, another door opens,” he said.

“They’re (Ruck and Derickx) probably the most obvious ones that will get an opportunity early.”

The Tigers are also waiting on a decision from former West Coast midfielder Rowan Jones as to whether he will play on in the WAFL this year.

Meanwhile, fringe Eagles’ utility and Claremont defender Eric Mackenzie will be sidelined for several weeks after undergoing knee surgery last week.