COLIN Sylvia’s retirement has underlined that work ethic, not reputation, is what’s valued at Fremantle, defender Lee Spurr says.
Sylvia retired from the AFL on Tuesday afternoon by mutual agreement with the club.
Sylvia played just six games with Fremantle after being recruited as an unrestricted free agent from Melbourne in 2013 where he played 157 games over 10 seasons.
No kids allowed at Freo
But the 29-year-old was banished to Peel Thunder in the WAFL in February after failing to meet Fremantle's training standards.
Spurr was blunt in his assessment of Sylvia's time at Fremantle.
"Colin was certainly a talent," Spurr said.
"He was a high-round draft pick.
"He came here and we have high expectations on everyone at our club to perform to standards. Draft picks mean nothing. You've got to come in and get to work and unfortunately for Colin it didn't work out."
Spurr said he had not spoken to Sylvia since the announcement on Tuesday.
"I haven't spoken to Colin as yet," Spurr said.
"I couldn't speak for other players or other people.
"Everyone moves on pretty quickly. I think people that are pretty close to Colin will reach out to him, those that had a close relationship with him. It's up to the individual really.
"I've seen Colin a few times since he left and went to Peel. I know a few players have spoken to him via text.
"He got constant support down at Peel through various development coaches and we've got a really strong relationship with Peel now we've got a lot of players down there. So a lot of players interacted with him at training and in games."
The Dockers have now moved on to the task at hand, facing Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.
Spurr said the players were really keen to perform well at the MCG.
"We get to go to the MCG twice a year and it's an opportunity for us," Spurr said.
"It's really important to play well because that's where they play the finals.
"It's where you want to be on the last day. So I think every player regardless of any team enjoys playing at the MCG. It's the home of football."
The Dockers are 4-4 at the venue under coach Ross Lyon. Sunday will be just the third time they have played there since the 2013 Grand Final. The Dockers play only one other match there this home and away season, against Richmond in round 17.
Spurr also said his team was keen to put together a four-quarter performance. Despite being undefeated the Dockers have won just three of eight second-half quarters this season.
"I think it highlights for us any team that you play in the competition, if you drop off five per cent they're going to come," Spurr said.
"It's a really close competition this year and everyone is competing.
"We need to be on our A-game for the whole 100 minutes and we haven't achieved that yet and that's something we're striving for."
