No more TERRA-rising the Yarraside

Unfortunately player turnover is a harsh reality of the Hyundai A-League.  Management are limited by a small squad size and a salary cap, something very unique to world of football.  Fans in the terraces get to know the players intimately, and come the end of the season we have to say goodbye to players we have watched shine.

For me two players stand out in particular, Rutger Worm & Alex Terra.  Both players were integral parts of Melbourne Heart season 1, but whether it was through lack of form, opportunity or injury 2011/12 wasn’t kind to either player.

Alex Terra will always be the plucky little Brazilian who scored ‘that’ goal, the incredible bicycle kick on the other side of the country.  For that moment in time Terra was on back pages around the country, there was even some silly talk comparing the goal to Wayne Rooney’s stunning Derby goal.

Rutger Worm would be the first to admit he struggled this year.  On his day Worm could dance around opposition midfield’s and bedazzle with his skills, unfortunately on his bad day’s Worm looked more like a park footballer.  Luckily those days were few and far between.  From day one Rutger was my favourite heart player, involving himself with fans at every chance.  Once even driving through the city Rutger managed a wave and a toot of the horn, even though the team had suffered an agonising loss earlier that night.

The Yarraside will be a solemn place tonight with today’s announcement.  Both players were fan favourites, and gave back as much to the fans, and those in the stands gave Rutger and Alex.  Both will be missed by the Heart faithful, and will always be fondly remembered.

Of the other players Kristian Sarkies could consider himself a little unlucky.  A plethora of midfield options kept Sarkies out of the team throughout the year.  Kamal Ibrahim, Kliment Taseski & Nikola Roganovic will all be out to impress before the new Western Sydney franchise, and I expect Maycon to make a return to South America.

All seven players will go down in history as part of the first Melbourne Heart squad to make the playoffs.   As a member, and avid supporter thanks for the memories, and I wish you all great fortune for the remainder of your careers.

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