http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2013-09-11/mcdonald-set-to-miss-start-of-preseason

Good that they're getting him right; upsetting though that he'll have a delayed start to his pre-season, was really hoping that he'd put on some bulk before next year.

Edited September 11, 201312 yr by Demonof94

Sorry, meant to say he HAS had shoulder surgery.

At least he will be able to keep his fitness up.

I think he is an interesting one - I see him as similar to Garland a couple years ago.

Just needs to improve that kicking and decision making and he could be a very good player.

At least he will be able to keep his fitness up.

I think he is an interesting one - I see him as similar to Garland a couple years ago.

Just needs to improve that kicking and decision making and he could be a very good player.

That's the key. Taking the game on is all well and good, but he needs to realise he's not a line-breaking midfielder

Elite endurance great work ethic and pretty good one on one considering his build.

Decision making and kicking need to improve out of sight of he's going to move beyond

being another talked up young player.

Still got a lot to prove.

That's the key. Taking the game on is all well and good, but he needs to realise he's not a line-breaking midfielder

Disagree. Our midfield need to become line breaking midfielders. Sure McDonald and Terlich often bit off more than they could chew this year but aggressive ball movement from the backline is vital. Making the right option will be much easier when he actually has some right options to kick to!

Disagree. Our midfield need to become line breaking midfielders. Sure McDonald and Terlich often bit off more than they could chew this year but aggressive ball movement from the backline is vital. Making the right option will be much easier when he actually has some right options to kick to!

I don't see the lack of options being the main issue, it's his ability to kick it to actually kick it straight - really needs to improve his disposal and peripheral awareness. Then, and only then will i be comfortable with his dashes from defence

This is one situation where I would've been happy to pull him out. Not Casey eligible, nothing to gain from playing the last 2-3 weeks of senior football. Could've played Davis or Sellar down back and had Tom back for pre-season sooner.

That's the key. Taking the game on is all well and good, but he needs to realise he's not a line-breaking midfielder

Not at all.

His absolute to very quickly assess what situation he is in, and turn defends into attack, breaking lines, is an absolute weapon.

He just needs to get better at his disposal and deciding what to do with it once he does that.

I'd be happy for him to be pumping it long to true CHF until then.

Not at all.

His absolute to very quickly assess what situation he is in, and turn defends into attack, breaking lines, is an absolute weapon.

He just needs to get better at his disposal and deciding what to do with it once he does that.

I'd be happy for him to be pumping it long to true CHF until then.

Yeah if you read my other posts, you'll see that I too, believe that he needs to imporove his disposal, and that is my major quam with how he plays. Don't get me wrong, I much prefer his dashing from defence as opposed to Chip's panacking, but the fact that he either runs himself into trouble, or turns it over a lot of the time is an issue.

That's the key. Taking the game on is all well and good, but he needs to realise he's not a line-breaking midfielder

Until he improves his kicking he needs to know his limits.

He shouldn't be trying to be do clever small kicks in the backline when he is under pressure. (he is no Jack Watts)

Watch Garland he doesn't run around like a headless chook looking for the closest person to give it off to - if under pressure and there is no good option get it out of the 50.

Hopefully Roos will end this saga and the whole handballing to someone under pressure. (then I might actually be able to cut my nails like a normal person)

Edited September 11, 201312 yr by Young Dee

considering he dominates all the running, i'm sure he will be just fine with catching up on pre-season.

Chip's "panacking"?

I reckon chippa does alright.

It's more the lack of options given to him by his soft-running teammates.

I'd give him some latitude given he's the key cog in a defense under siege for about 90% of game time.

I definitely don't see him as some who panics (or makes pancakes).

But the point is that McDonald should continue to transition like a line breaking mid.

He just needs to work on fixing disposal and decision-making skills.