Tom McDonald

[Pennant St Dee 13,414]

For someone playing only his 6th game, excellant performance. Started okay but grew confidence in the role and actually started to run off Riewoldt and win his own ball. Very much reminded me of a young Ashley Mcintosh last night.

From what I've seen this round it will between him and Jeremy Cameron for Rising Star this week

[Bay Riffin 1,509]

Also one of the few blokes under 20 to have continuity in his game instead of being injured.

Then loh and behold he is already playing AFL in his second year.

Will be tested to the maximum next week, but he deserves his spot after that game.

[dazzledavey36 55,991]

For someone playing only his 6th game, excellant performance. Started okay but grew confidence in the role and actually started to run off Riewoldt and win his own ball. Very much reminded me of a young Ashley Mcintosh last night.

From what I've seen this round it will between him and Jeremy Cameron for Rising Star this week

jeremy cameron has already been norminated.

[Dee Dee 1,141]

Frawley copped a bit early as well.

"Copped a bit"! Sheesh half the people on this site wanted him delisted after his 2nd year!

I was most impressed with young Tom last night, the kid's a real trier and it paid off!

[ox_5 163]

Tom was great last night. I was frustrated with his disposal early on last night and he still needs a bit of work on it, but his defensive ability, elite tank and footy smarts will get him a long way.

Great game Tom.

[dee-luded 2,959]

Sort of nice problem to have really, both can match up on bigger players , both can run, both play with spirit. Can't have too many of that type. (With Tynan, Frawley & Grimes the back half shopuld be pretty good over time - Refer Geelong). The attack at the ball and ability to finish up the other end is a problem at the moment, but we will soon have a few options with Clark, Jurrah ,Green and a fitter Silvia. Would also like to see a dangerous Trengove playing a Silvia like role there as well. He played a beauty against Essendon in that role last year.

I'd like to see Trengove get some time @ HBflank, to learn Grimes old role. To do a 'Hodge'.

[dee-luded 2,959]

"Copped a bit"! Sheesh half the people on this site wanted him delisted after his 2nd year!

I was most impressed with young Tom last night, the kid's a real trier and it paid off!

Not this one!

I was with Frawley all the way. But, I was am a little concerned about his kicking style.

[Cheesecake 92]

I admit I was one of those calling for either him or Sellars to be dropped (too top heavy). But with Frawley out, I was happy to see him stay in.

Whilst he defnitely made me eat my words, with a very solid performance, let's not get too hasty with all the superlatives that are getting thrown around. He matches up really well against Reiwoldt for size, pace and gutrunning ability, and Reiwoldt is not exactly in top form this year. Also, he made some pretty terrible decisions and disposals, particularly early (as he had the last few weeks - the reason I called for him to be dropped, along with Joel Mac).

That said, I was very impressed, and he has earned a game next week.

[Jaded No More 68,976]

When you consider the Saints had 22 more inside 50's than we did last night, and that this was his 6th AFL game, his effort was simply remarkable.

Yes the weather didn't suit big forwards, but it didn't stop a nobody rookie from nearly kicking 4 against us.

I've sat through enough games and watched Reiwoldt tear us a new one. Yesterday he was soundly beaten for most of the game.

Tom really learnt quickly how to position himself and then had the balls to take him on.

Improved disposal and he'll be a gun.

[jabberwocky 2,301]

Riewoldt types are a perfect match up for him, he has the agility and tank to mix it with them.

[Nasher 33,617]

I think yesterday showed why our coaches are the coaches and the fans are just the fans. Quite a lot of egg to be wiped off faces in the selection thread.

[dpositive 1,838]

I admit I was one of those calling for either him or Sellars to be dropped (too top heavy). But with Frawley out, I was happy to see him stay in.

Whilst he defnitely made me eat my words, with a very solid performance, let's not get too hasty with all the superlatives that are getting thrown around. He matches up really well against Reiwoldt for size, pace and gutrunning ability, and Reiwoldt is not exactly in top form this year. Also, he made some pretty terrible decisions and disposals, particularly early (as he had the last few weeks - the reason I called for him to be dropped, along with Joel Mac).

That said, I was very impressed, and he has earned a game next week.

May be a good reason to rest him next week

He is only 19 and recovery may be better than another gruelling contest

He did match up well on Reiwold (the conditions didnt suit him?)

and the pace style fo game Gut running did suit Tom

the confidence he gained could be lost if he goes against a bigger opponent who smashes him

That said he may well match and learn from HAwkins another big scalp who may bring out the best in him

Rely on the coaching staff who must now have some conficdence that their massages are getting through to continue the development and improvement.

[Jaded No More 68,976]

I think yesterday showed why our coaches are the coaches and the fans are just the fans. Quite a lot of egg to be wiped off faces in the selection thread.

I don't think that's fair.

Nobody knew Frawley wasn't going to play.

It's possible that if Frawley was fit, that Tommy Mac may not have made the team given it was a wet night, and we had to go with Sellar for a second ruck option.

I'm a huge Tommy Mac fan, and was royally [censored] about his lack of game time during the NAB Cup, but it wouldn't have annoyed me greatly if Neeld didn't play him last night, especially when Kosi was suspended. Of course Frawley not playing changed everything, and in the end was a blessing in disguise because it could be the start of a great career.

[monoccular 17,698]

My big question re Tom is - are they playing him at CHB to learn how CHFs play the game, and if so how long before he is tried in a position where we really have a huge opening, CHF?

How long is the learning process?

IMO he looks a far better CHF prospect than #4.

[monoccular 17,698]

Let him play on the top CHFs this year and learn the craft - I am not in any way talking "tanking" but this year is for development and learning, and will never be about finals.

Sure, maybe give him some time at CHF when there is no top opponent from whom to learn, and to give him a feel for the position, but think ahead.

[Biffen 12,949]

I think yesterday showed why our coaches are the coaches and the fans are just the fans. Quite a lot of egg to be wiped off faces in the selection thread.

What a stirring loss it was too.

You must be so proud.

[jnrmac 20,306]

I know the commentators thought McDonald was good but his first half was deplorable. The conditions didn't suit key forwards

Thanks for the laugh this morning, Great post. What a comedian.

[Jordie_tackles 354]

Keep him down back, allowing Frawley and him toi take the to big men, Garland and rivers playing as the 3-4th talls making 2 on 1's ect.

[Deemort 28]

Quite amusing reading this thread, what a long time a week is in football. The majority of us (me included) were calling for this kids head after his 5th game, after game 6 he is our future lol. I am genuienly wrapped for the kid, showed a lot of promise. Obviously the wet conditions did now suit big forwards, but definately out bodied and positioned Nick. His disposal will of course get better with experience and confidence but as stated above he kicked at 71% compared to a team 61% so great game tommy and good luck for the future.

[Moonshadow 17,678]

Is his contract up at years end?

Really like his development so far from only a dozen or so games. Staminar, composure and a good size too for a young fella. Had some tough learning experiences, but seems to be a good one to keep.

Anyone know if he's close to signing?

[MadAsHell 4,217]

Yeah his contract is up at seasons end. Need to sign up. I'd be happy to see him offered a 3 year deal. He's our long term CHB.

[Jordie_tackles 354]

Yeah his contract is up at seasons end. Need to sign up. I'd be happy to see him offered a 3 year deal. He's our long term CHB.

100% and to think BP and the crew had a long pause before calling out Toms name, seems one of the best value pick from the 2010 draft at this stage

[Norm Smith's Curse 2,602]

Yeah we cant afford to lose him. He has composure and good decision making - two characteristics not that common at the Dees.

[JT9 104]

Turnover king but a very good defender, dont think well lose him

[dazzledavey36 55,991]

will be in the leadership group in a couple of years.