Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted

After a scinitillating 2006, which included a matchwinng Finals performance, McLeans 2007 season was ruined with a broken foot vs the Saints in Round 1. He missed 8 or 9 weeks, and when he came back he wasnt the same player we saw in 06' (which is understandable as he would have lost his entire fitness base while recovering)

Now in 2008, Mclean has played all 9 games and is averaging

- 25.2 possessions a game (12th in the league)

- 5.9 tackles per game (19th)

- 4.7 1st possessions per game (26th)

- 4.3 clearances per game (10th)

- 4.0 contested possessions per game (16th)

- 21.2 uncontested possessiosn per game (7th)

His numbers are close to elite level. He has only kicked 1 goal for the year, so thats one are he can improve in.

Posted

I was particularly impressed when the radio commentators on sunday pointed out that he has a disposal efficency of 90% in the first half, which happened to cover more than 20 posessions!

It's been great to watch the surge - early in the year he was turning up everywhere, doing important small things constantly, like getting to contests and helping work the ball free. Now that's gone up a level and he's doing some important big things as well.

He will have a few BOGs this year, no doubt. The tagging isn't troubling him as much as it was, that's for sure.

Posted

I'd like to say he has (arrived at elite status), but i dont think he's there yet. Statistically speaking, he's excelling at the moment, but the reality of the situation is, Brock is the #1 midfielder for the team on the bottom of the ladder, with a scoring percentage of under 70%. He's not impacting games as much as his stats would suggest, and there are still major queries over his ability to shake a tag (only 4 kicks against Adelaide tagged by Robert Shirley). Once he can overcome that, i'd say he truly has 'arrived' at elite status. I'd like to see him kicking more goals also (just one for the year so far).

He still has some way to go, but he seems to be working his butt off and is playing career-best footy, probably to prove he is worthy of a leadership position again.

Posted
Now in 2008, Mclean has played all 9 games and is averaging

- 25.2 possessions a game (12th in the league)

- 5.9 tackles per game (19th)

- 4.7 1st possessions per game (26th)

- 4.3 clearances per game (10th)

- 4.0 contested possessions per game (16th)

- 21.2 uncontested possessiosn per game (7th)

His numbers are close to elite level. He has only kicked 1 goal for the year, so thats one are he can improve in.

Where are you getting your figures from, YM?

From the MFC website, I make it:

- 24.4 possies per game (220 possies total)

- 4.1 tackles per game (37 total)

- 7.3 contested possies per game (66 total)

The rest I have not calculated, though I will add that according to my figures, he also leads the team in clangers and frees against.

He has been patchy this year. Some good games (rounds 1, 3, 9), some not so good ones (rounds 2, 6, 8).

Posted

he's bought his ticket, is on the train, but the train hasn't arrived just yet...

I think the simpilest way to answer this is how

i think the posession statistics (especially the uncontested posession) can be misleading, as we overused the ball a lot early in the season before getting tackled and giving away a free kick...

for him to be elite he needs to impact games like he did on the weekend, on a regular basis... still goes missing a little too often for mine...

Posted
I'd like to say he has (arrived at elite status), but i dont think he's there yet. Statistically speaking, he's excelling at the moment, but the reality of the situation is, Brock is the #1 midfielder for the team on the bottom of the ladder, with a scoring percentage of under 70%. He's not impacting games as much as his stats would suggest

Agree. Stats are often misleading. He will have arrived at the elite level when he is regularly breaking games open off his own boot, he is yet to do that once this season. Until then he will simply be one of many quality, serviceable mids in the comp.

Posted
Where are you getting your figures from, YM?

From the MFC website, I make it:

- 24.4 possies per game (220 possies total)

- 4.1 tackles per game (37 total)

- 7.3 contested possies per game (66 total)

The rest I have not calculated, though I will add that according to my figures, he also leads the team in clangers and frees against.

He has been patchy this year. Some good games (rounds 1, 3, 9), some not so good ones (rounds 2, 6, 8).

www.pro-stats.com.au


Posted

Brock has sure improved, but i think he still has more work to do. But if he keeps going the same way he is at the moment-He will get to the top level. He needs Consistency. Dam that first round last year. Such a waste. Those saints will pay!

Posted

These are the threads i prefer on Brocky, not this trading BS. No i don't think he's arrived just yet but he's getting there, he's now being mention as havin IMPACT on games. Certainly v Fremantle and Hawthorne (first half) he's shown he can be dangerous, and the games are getting closer together.

I have never wavered in my support of him and i'm still convinced by the end of this year he'll stake his claim to be the next (full time) captain of the MFC.

St. Kilda this week is a very good chance for him to lead from the front as he will be right into it from the start, and he can set a tone for the match.

Posted

His lack of pace and awareness on occasions is a little concerning, but he's a solid 200 gamer. He's lacked a little desperation in a couple of games this year, which surprised me, but all in all he's a fine young player. Any disappointmet I have is due to once very lofty expectations.

Posted

How old is he 21 or 22?

Nether the less, we've got a lot of exciting football coming up

Posted

This is a wierd midweek thread. Usually a player will play a blinder and everybody and their dog will post their own "OMGZORG" message claiming the player as the next god. Then, as the player returns to normal form the next week, everybody bags the crap out of them. Is Brockie good? Bloody oath. Has he arrived? No more today than yesterday or Sunday arvo.

Posted

With a few pacy midfielders around him McLean can be a great player, but he never looks a chance to run the opposition down from behind - when he's chasing, teammates up the field should try to corral or slow the player so he has a chance of reaching them. He's playing some great footy at th moment, and in a better team he would make Sheahen's top 50 easily. Had he not broken his foot last year, who knows? maybe he would have been our one rep at the State game.

Posted
His lack of pace and awareness on occasions is a little concerning, but he's a solid 200 gamer. He's lacked a little desperation in a couple of games this year, which surprised me, but all in all he's a fine young player. Any disappointmet I have is due to once very lofty expectations.

His lack of pace is not so much of an issue when he is able to get first hands on the ball, it's when we're getting smashed through the middle that he looks slow. However he was never recruited for his pace, so it's not as if we're discovering anything new here. When other players start to take some heat off him (and Jones), he'll look a fair bit faster.

As for lack of awareness, I think that when a player such as McLean whos disposal is above average, and whos understanding of where to kick is generally pretty spot on, is not presented with enough opportunities up the field, he prefers to hold up the footy than to kick and turn it over. When players are presenting forward of the ball, like they were against the Hawks, he usually hits them on the chest. When we play like a bunch of deers caught in headlights is when he looks very slow and gets caught from behind.

If he had Judd's pace he would be... well... Judd. Sadly that will just never happen, but IMO it will not stop him from being an elite midfielder. Pace is simply a buzz word going around in football at the moment. The ability to win the contested ball CONSISTENTLY has always been a requirement for top midfielders, and that will never change.

Posted

Not until he can get proper support. He is a very good player but until either Davey, Jones or someone that hasn't been discovered yet steps up then his work load is always going to be too much.

Posted

well all i can say is i'v been on this site nearly a year and my name hasnt changed.

love this guy


Posted
If he had Judd's pace he would be... well... Judd. Sadly that will just never happen, but IMO it will not stop him from being an elite midfielder. Pace is simply a buzz word going around in football at the moment. The ability to win the contested ball CONSISTENTLY has always been a requirement for top midfielders, and that will never change.

Don't talk to me about pace being a buzz word. I lamented this club's lack of pace 5 years ago, not yesterday. I'm aware of what McLean brings to the table as evidenced by numerous postings over the last few years, but his lack of pace and awareness impacts more on his game than some would like to believe. You jumped on my thoughts about Jones and McLean being judged too harshly on another forum as if they were your own when I highlighted the unfair expectations of kids leading the midfield and contested possessions, so I'm well aware of his age and the burden he carries. Unfortunately, he won't get faster and doesn't have Black's clean hands, or vision. Whilst he's hard at the contest he's just not great at getting out clean disposal in tight. But, as I said, he's a solid 200 gamer. I doubt he'll ever be elite, but hope I'm wrong.

Some peanuts here will think I'm potting him, which of course is far from the case.

Posted
Some peanuts here will think I'm potting him, which of course is far from the case.

That is not at all what I was implying. I know you're a fan of McLean, because I know how much you love hard working midfielders who win the contested ball consistently and have good disposal.

I was simply continuing the discussion and raising my views as to why I think he still has what it takes to be elite. You don't pull equal numbers to Judd in terms of possessions at 20 if you don't have what it takes to be elite.

Speaking of Black, I did a quick search and it turns out that McLean is pulling equal stats to what Black was in his 5th season. Now obviously stats are not the whole story, but it's interesting none the less.

But as if I would dare argue with you! :rolleyes:;)

Posted
maybe he would have been our one rep at the State game.

If the State game was 2 weeks later, Davey would've been our one rep.

Was in poor form at the wrong time.

And he would be in Sheahan's top 50 at this point of time.

Posted
I doubt he'll ever be elite, but hope I'm wrong.

I don't know, he's proficient in all skills without being outstanding in any but his attitude (on the park) leads me to believe that he will reach a very high level of sustained performance by sheer force of will.

May be unquantifiable, but the kid is driven.

PS. That isn't a pun.

Posted
I don't know, he's proficient in all skills without being outstanding in any but his attitude (on the park) leads me to believe that he will reach a very high level of sustained performance by sheer force of will.

May be unquantifiable, but the kid is driven.

And of course there are varying interpretations of "elite".

Posted
I don't know, he's proficient in all skills without being outstanding in any but his attitude (on the park) leads me to believe that he will reach a very high level of sustained performance by sheer force of will.

May be unquantifiable, but the kid is driven.

PS. That isn't a pun.

I agree mostly with your assessment of McLean, but I believe his ability to kick to position is unrivalled in our team and indeed, there are few in the competition who compare. If he's got an iota of space in which to size up options, he'll generally land his kick in the right spot for the leading player. For a long time, TJ was our best exponent of this art and I think McLean is better.

That said, McLean's hands aren't great and he lacks awareness at times. But you're right about his force of will. If he can maintain his focus and drag his teammates with him, we're a chance of doing something special during his career.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    TRAINING: Friday 22nd November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers were out in force on a scorching morning out at Gosch's Paddock for the final session before the whole squad reunites for the Preseason Training Camp. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS It’s going to be a scorcher today but I’m in the shade at Gosch’s Paddock ready to bring you some observations from the final session before the Preseason Training Camp next week.  Salem, Fritsch & Campbell are already on the track. Still no number on Campbell’s

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 3

    UP IN LIGHTS by Whispering Jack

    Those who watched the 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships closely this year would not be particularly surprised that Melbourne selected Victoria Country pair Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay on the first night of the AFL National Draft. The two left-footed midfielders are as different as chalk and cheese but they had similar impacts in their Coates Talent League teams and in the National Championships in 2024. Their interstate side was edged out at the very end of the tournament for tea

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Special Features

    TRAINING: Wednesday 20th November 2024

    It’s a beautiful cool morning down at Gosch’s Paddock and I’ve arrived early to bring you my observations from today’s session. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Reigning Keith Bluey Truscott champion Jack Viney is the first one out on the track.  Jack’s wearing the red version of the new training guernsey which is the only version available for sale at the Demon Shop. TRAINING: Viney, Clarry, Lever, TMac, Rivers, Petty, McVee, Bowey, JVR, Hore, Tom Campbell (in tr

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Monday 18th November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers ventured down to Gosch's Paddock for the final week of training for the 1st to 4th Years until they are joined by the rest of the senior squad for Preseason Training Camp in Mansfield next week. WAYNE RUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS No Ollie, Chin, Riv today, but Rick & Spargs turned up and McDonald was there in casual attire. Seston, and Howes did a lot of boundary running, and Tom Campbell continued his work with individual trainer in non-MFC

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    2024 Player Reviews: #11 Max Gawn

    Champion ruckman and brilliant leader, Max Gawn earned his seventh All-Australian team blazer and constantly held the team up on his shoulders in what was truly a difficult season for the Demons. Date of Birth: 30 December 1991 Height: 209cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 224 Goals MFC 2024: 11 Career Total: 109 Brownlow Medal Votes: 13 Melbourne Football Club: 2nd Best & Fairest: 405 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 12

    2024 Player Reviews: #36 Kysaiah Pickett

    The Demons’ aggressive small forward who kicks goals and defends the Demons’ ball in the forward arc. When he’s on song, he’s unstoppable but he did blot his copybook with a three week suspension in the final round. Date of Birth: 2 June 2001 Height: 171cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 106 Goals MFC 2024: 36 Career Total: 161 Brownlow Medal Votes: 3 Melbourne Football Club: 4th Best & Fairest: 369 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    TRAINING: Friday 15th November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers took advantage of the beautiful sunshine to head down to Gosch's Paddock and witness the return of Clayton Oliver to club for his first session in the lead up to the 2025 season. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Clarry in the house!! Training: JVR, McVee, Windsor, Tholstrup, Woey, Brown, Petty, Adams, Chandler, Turner, Bowey, Seston, Kentfield, Laurie, Sparrow, Viney, Rivers, Jefferson, Hore, Howes, Verrall, AMW, Clarry Tom Campbell is here

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    2024 Player Reviews: #7 Jack Viney

    The tough on baller won his second Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy in a narrow battle with skipper Max Gawn and Alex Neal-Bullen and battled on manfully in the face of a number of injury niggles. Date of Birth: 13 April 1994 Height: 178cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 219 Goals MFC 2024: 10 Career Total: 66 Brownlow Medal Votes: 8

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 3

    TRAINING: Wednesday 13th November 2024

    A couple of Demonland Trackwatchers braved the rain and headed down to Gosch's paddock to bring you their observations from the second day of Preseason training for the 1st to 4th Year players. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training today. Richo spoke to me and said not to believe what is in the media, as we will good this year. Jefferson and Kentfield looked big and strong.  Petty was doing all the training. Adams looked like he was in rehab.  KE

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!
×
×
  • Create New...