At his peak Andrew Embley was one of the best midfielders/wingmen/half-forward in the game. I probably should've just written 'utility', but he was so much more than that. He had pace ,athleticism and the courage to take the game on and run with the ball. He was also a goal-kicking threat, along with the other stars of the middle of last-decade. I seem to recall he was part of the extended 'Fab 5' with the big 3 in Cousins, Judd, Kerr along with the less celebrated but equally as important Fletcher.
Above all, he was exciting and a pleasure to watch. He was a guy that could really set the game and the crowd alight with his inspirational runs and goals.
Of course he won the 2006 Norm Smith medal, which is the real testament to his influence. That was an extremely hard fought game with Brownlow medallists on both sides, but Embley was awarded with best on ground.
Nothing would be more fitting than for Embles to get a farewell game in Round 23 against the Crows at Subi. It will also be his 250th.
Worsfold said:
"I think to have one more game at Patersons Stadium in front of the people who have watched him over the last 14 years would be pretty good...I think he warrants that sort of respect."As for the decision to retire, I think he made the right one. I actually think his form has been okay (especially relative to our season) but he hasn't been able to hold down a position in the team. Worsfold indicated in an interview on ABC 720 Perth on the weekend that whether Embley would continue (or encouraged to) would depend on whether the difference between him and guys like Sheppard was great enough to warrant him playing on. It seems the coaching staff, and perhaps Embley, believe that guys similar to him have bridged that gap and should be given a more permanent opportunity.
It's impossible to know whether that's right or not. But after 14 seasons, 250 games and 200 odd goals we do know this: Embley is an Eagles great.
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