Tom McNamara - Tom is a tall defender who started the year well at Casey. He has good flexibility and is a really good kick and decision-maker. Tom missed several weeks during the middle of the year, but to see him fight back and earn some games late in the season was good. That should give him some encouragement for next year, knowing what's expected – he needs to get fitter and stronger. Already he has shown attributes that can make him a really good AFL player. To get a taste of it was really pleasing for him – Sean Wellman on Melbournefc.com.au

Injuries have hindered Tom's progress, but IMO he showed enough in '09 to warrant his retention next year. He is still very young, and I reckon he has more upside than most of the others who are being touted as possible delistings. I hope he will be rookie listed at the very least.

Yep. I think he could be a sleeper. Tall, good hands, good footy awareness. Watch this space.

Wellman's pegged him as a tall defender, but when I saw him in a match at Etihad I wondered if he could end up as a lead-up forward - seemed to lead well and kicked it nicely.

I knew he was young but I was surprised at how young - two months younger than Jetta, the same age as Maric, two months older than Strauss.

I think he's still uncontracted and it'd be pretty harsh to get ditched at his age.

Im learning ... could be another like Garland.. happy to see what he does next year.

I see a lot of promise in this kid. He was a smokey to go inside the top 25 of his draft year.

I got quiet worried when I saw him get off the Overland on crutches - I just hope this was nothing serious and he can start pre-season fully fit.

I hope we lock this bloke in soon, and get a good preseason into him. Is a lovely run and carry and kick of the footy. In 2 years he has only battled away at VFL but his AFL games were very very solid. Whilst I don't think he'll ever be a true tall defender if he can be a handy defensive player he has a great attacking game with his run and foot skills. Reminds me off a young and exciting Darren Milburn.

I really, really, really hope we keep him. Even if we have to rookie list him. I see massive potential in him. Seems to have a good (and long) kick, and good hands. Fitness will come with a few more pre-seasons, and hopefully he'll get some more game time. I definitely see a future player in McNamara.

Emma Quayle rated him at number 23 in her list of top 25 draft prospects the week before the 2007 draft. He was actually a bottom age player who had spent most of 2007 playing school footy. He is absolutely worth retaining on the list and will be, at least, a good AFL player.

why would these guy get delisted or put on our rookie list? He looks good and personally i was a little [censored] off that Mcnamara was dropped so that Wheatley got a farewell game. Anyway I believe this bloke will suprise a few people in the coming years

Very impressed with McNamara from what I saw of him this year, looks to be a talent for years to come.

why would these guy get delisted or put on our rookie list?

They probably want to keep (or believe the Club wants to keep) one of Bartram, Buckley and Cheney.

Have not put my finger on it exactly but there is something from what I saw of the Tmac at Casey and Melbourne that makes me believe he will be a footballer of high quality. Dont quite know where he fits but there is just something there. Very happy that he has been retained so I can try and work out what it is that I love so much.

Have not put my finger on it exactly but there is something from what I saw of the Tmac at Casey and Melbourne that makes me believe he will be a footballer of high quality. Dont quite know where he fits but there is just something there. Very happy that he has been retained so I can try and work out what it is that I love so much.

What I like about him is that he takes the game on. He presents well and doesn't go into his shell when the team isn't playing well. With his long arms he reminds me of a shorter version of Dustin Fletcher. I think he could be very usefull in the forward line as he is quick and not one-dimensional. He could be a very,very handy player.