OK speechless here. : (
What a week for McCabe
By WARREN PARTLAND
03oct05
CENTRAL District's
grand final hero Luke McCabe is undecided wif he will extend his contract with
the club into a second season.
Despite claiming the Jack Oatey Medal
as the game's best performer in yesterday's victory, the former Hawthorn
utility was reluctant to commit himself beyond the celebrations of his first
premiership.
But he can be assured Bulldogs general manager Kris Grant will be desperate
in his pursuit of a new deal with McCabe.
His performance in the heat of battle was typical McCabe, relentless in his
attack on the body and ball. It was just the reason the club was so keen to
have him back in the red, white and blue jumper he had donned as a junior.
And it is just the reason it will not want to lose him to retirement and
life on the farm at Hamley Bridge.
"I'm not sure I will play next year," McCabe said.
"I will re-assess it with the family, get through this and see about next
year." McCabe, back in the SANFL this season after an 11-year stint with
Hawthorn, will long remember the week ending October 2, 2005. On Thursday his wife Judy gave birth to
their fourth child, William.
The baby was due yesterday but was
induced to allow Luke to concentrate on the grand final.
McCabe admits to being grateful for being talked into playing again this
year. After leaving the Hawks he had resigned himself to quitting football,
believing work commitments on his farm combined with a young family would not
allow him the time.
"The body felt all right," he said. "I enjoy the training and keeping fit.
I thought it might have been a bit hard with the work and family and it would
have put a bit of pressure on my wife if I played. I did a pre-season and told
Granty 'I don't think I can do it'. (Coach) Roy Laird came down and had a
chat. He convinced me to play and I am grateful that I did.
"Judy has been tremendous and I got a lot of help from the grandparents."
