Was yesterday's news Nick Malceski's artificially reconstructed right knee had broken down after three years the death knell for LARS?
In 2008, Malceski became the first AFL player to undergo LARS surgery, in which synthetic fibres, rather than those from, say, a player's hamstring, are used to replace ruptured knee ligaments.
The surgery had been used in Europe for years but leading Australian sports doctors were sceptical about LARS when Malceski became its guinea pig. They have remained so since, even when Malceski and subsequent LARS devotees like Port Adelaide's David Rodan made quick and successful comebacks.
It was tempting to mock an overly conservative medical profession. It seemed threatened by LARS technology in the same way people once were by Galileo and his talk of the universe revolving around the sun, not the earth.
But it seems their concerns about the likely longevity of LARS ligaments may be on the money. Like Malceski, Rodan's initial LARS reconstruction has ruptured, his after only 12 months.
How happy would Carlton supporters be now that the club's doctors decided Matthew Kreuzer would have a traditional reconstruction? Or Collingwood fans that Nathan Brown was also going down this more conservative route?
On the other hand, Brisbane Lions fans are entitled to be nervous about what the future holds for defender Josh Drummond after his LARS surgery last year. Port fans are likely just as concerned about Brett Ebert.
Short of players in the last-chance saloon, can you imagine any club allowing anyone to have anything other than a traditional knee reconstruction now?
However, it should be noted Malceski and Rodan have put their faith in LARS again, both deciding to have their knees reconstructed with synthetic fibres for a second time.
Pendlebury and Rich have much to ponder
Friday's instalment on the GWS player hunt had good news for Collingwood fans - Scott Pendlebury's heart lies with the Magpies, according to the Herald Sun. But the news was not so good for Brisbane Lions fans - The Courier Mail said Daniel Rich is in GWS' sights but may headed for West Coast.
We found it particularly interesting Pendlebury told the Herald Sun he had not heard from GWS but his manager, Liam Pickering, may have and had simply not told him.
Yeah, right. Pendlebury can talk all about how his focus is on Collingwood and the 2011 season - and he did - but is he seriously saying he's not in the least bit curious to find out exactly what GWS may or may not be offering?
Meanwhile, The Courier Mail suggests the Lions face an uphill battle to retain Rich. It says foreboding signs are everywhere - the reluctance of Rich's manager, Paul Connors, to start contract talks with the Lions, and the interest of both GWS and the Eagles.
Oh, and there's the stunning revelation Rich's father favours his son going to the Eagles. Are we to take it Rich is a Daddy's boy?
The Lions, though, are not about to panic. Football operations manager Dean Warren told The Courier Mail that as keen as the club is to retain Rich, it is not going to dangle the carrot of a leadership position to do so.
Roos says Fevola not finished
Brendan Fevola must have felt light on for friends recently but he'll be buoyed by the news Paul Roos is in his corner.
The former Sydney Swans coach told the Herald Sun Fevola had "far too much to offer" for time to be called on his AFL career, saying he would tempt a lot of AFL clubs if he played a full VFL season this year.
But any clubs that want to recruit him for 2012 may have to go through GWS. The Age reports GWS, under the same concessions Gold Coast exploited so effectively last year, could list Fevola as a previously listed AFL player, then trade him to another club.
Walker proof careers can take time
The Age's piece on Andrew Walker on Friday highlighted the unrealistic pressure placed on top draft picks to become instantaneous stars.
Walker was drafted by Carlton as the No. 2 pick in the 2003 NAB AFL Draft and did nothing to dampen the expectations he'd be the club's next Anthony Koutoufides when he was close to best on ground in his debut game the following year.
Since then, however, his 103-game career has been punctuated by injury and Walker's inability to nail down a defined role in Carlton's side. It almost led to him finding a new home at the end of last year.
Neither party could sign the divorce papers when push came to shove, however.
Both Carlton and Walker seem confident he found his niche in last year's elimination final against the Sydney Swans - a forward/midfield role.
Their patience may yet be rewarded.
In short
Channel 10 wants to televise the opening game of the home and away season, Richmond against Carlton at the MCG, live, but needs AFL permission under the terms of the existing broadcasting rights agreement, The Herald Sun reports. The AFL said it will make a decision in the week or so leading up to the game.
Newly appointed Sydney Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh is not fazed by the fact his side continues to be underrated by people outside the club, The Age reports.
West Coast coach John Worsfold told The West Australian seven spots are still up for grabs in the Eagles' side that will take on North Melbourne in round one of the home and away season.
Gold Coast CEO Travis Auld say the club's experienced AFL players have been impressed by the leadership skills of youngsters like Zac Smith and Marc Lock, the Gold Coast Bulletin reports.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
