Some might have missed it due to all the stuff that was going down with Hird yesterday but TMac was interviewed on SEN - Dees morale never dropped despite losses

.

What a top kid- future Captain written all over him.

Never whinges and keeps trying.

Much better questions than normal, oh wait it wasn't Watson or Andy asking them....

Fortunately Watson is now gone... but they'll probably replace him with another spud like Mark Allen.

From the time I read his bio I've had a high regard for Tom, he was prepared to do whatever he could to make it to the top level and had the dedication back then as a junior.

He is a gem and in a few years time other football watchers will come to realise it.

From the time I read his bio I've had a high regard for Tom, he was prepared to do whatever he could to make it to the top level and had the dedication back then as a junior.

He is a gem and in a few years time other football watchers will come to realise it.

Pity he is at best an average kick Robbie.

A good kick would make him All Australian in a couple of years.

Pity he is at best an average kick Robbie.

A good kick would make him All Australian in a couple of years.

He will be anyway OD, just wait and see.

I'd say a few of the players we think are bad kicks and poor decision makers, will look better when they have someone to kick too and some good decisions to make.

He will be anyway OD, just wait and see.

I'd say a few of the players we think are bad kicks and poor decision makers, will look better when they have someone to kick too and some good decisions to make.

Totally agree Robbie - I will be interested to see just how much our clearance from defence in particular will improve with:

- fitter mids and forwards

- better structure up the field

- a game plan

- non tolerance by coach AND players of laziness

- cohesion and sense of purpose

The lack of movement forward of the ball has frustrated and angered me for years.

I always put it down to a combination of lack of fitness, confusion and a bit of laziness / indifference, which hopefully have been / are being corrected.

Bring on 2014

Edited December 14, 201311 yr by monoccular

It only just occurred to me to make the connection - but Tom McDonald would seem to have the same attitude of honesty with self and determination to correct weaknesses as did Nathan Jones.

Once upon a time Jones was a promising young player suffering a bit of tunnel vision, a Moloney-like mania for trying to bull through packs instead of work smartly around them with teammates, and an unrealiable kick. One by one, almost like the was knocking them over one pre-season at a time, he came back each year with those weaknesses significantly corrected. All while still retaining the exceptional fitness and constantly being in under the packs with the force and commitment that originally made him a promising kid.

I'd argue that Tom McDonald has fewer limitations than Jones did early in his career. McDonald at least has him covered for speed, height, (defensive) reading of the play, and hair. Persistent drilling and smart training with the kicking and vision when counter-attacking could bring him right up to being a capable, dependable, versatile tall defender. A team with three of those (Frawley, Garland, McDonald) would be the envy of many other clubs.

It only just occurred to me to make the connection - but Tom McDonald would seem to have the same attitude of honesty with self and determination to correct weaknesses as did Nathan Jones.

Once upon a time Jones was a promising young player suffering a bit of tunnel vision, a Moloney-like mania for trying to bull through packs instead of work smartly around them with teammates, and an unrealiable kick. One by one, almost like the was knocking them over one pre-season at a time, he came back each year with those weaknesses significantly corrected. All while still retaining the exceptional fitness and constantly being in under the packs with the force and commitment that originally made him a promising kid.

I'd argue that Tom McDonald has fewer limitations than Jones did early in his career. McDonald at least has him covered for speed, height, (defensive) reading of the play, and hair. Persistent drilling and smart training with the kicking and vision when counter-attacking could bring him right up to being a capable, dependable, versatile tall defender. A team with three of those (Frawley, Garland, McDonald) would be the envy of many other clubs.

Like ^^^

He will need to step up big time if JF nicks off that's for sure.

He will need to step up big time if JF nicks off that's for sure.

I guess following MFC makes one a pessimist, but how about some optimism for a change.

I guess following MFC makes one a pessimist, but how about some optimism for a change.

Believe me mono I am trying to be optimistic but it is very hard.

Believe me mono I am trying to be optimistic but it is very hard.

"Like " button pushed

Totally agree Robbie - I will be interested to see just how much our clearance from defence in particular will improve with:

- fitter mids and forwards

- better structure up the field

- a game plan

- non tolerance by coach AND players of laziness

- cohesion and sense of purpose

The lack of movement forward of the ball has frustrated and angered me for years.

I always put it down to a combination of lack of fitness, confusion and a bit of laziness / indifference, which hopefully have been / are being corrected.

Bring on 2014

... and I'd add improved teaching and coaching to that list mono.

Just occurred to me but he reminds me a bit of Paul Prymke. Someone will no doubt point out why they are nothing alike but hopefully he has better results than Prymke who was forced into early retirement due to back injury.