Tom McDonald as a forward

[Demon 16 216]

I cant see it happening very often.

He was only thrown forward in the last quarter because Dawes and Hogan just werent creating contests and bringing the ball to ground.

I can see Jamar or Fitz getting a run ahead of Dawes, before we throw McDonald forward again.

[Je Roos Salem 661]

Good opportunity for him as the Lions have a very weak forward line and if they put a ruckman down there then maybe It'd be good to bring Fitzy in.

I didn't see Tom do many set shots at training but he did a lot of snaps and was struggling, Toumpas was brilliant though and actually coaching him on it.

Not sure about this, Watts is killing it in the 3rd man up role.

Agree. One knock on Watts is that he hasn't used his height enough, and he looks athletic enough to have a decent leap (And he's a handy basketballer too)

Edited July 16, 2015 by Je Roos Salem

[La Dee-vina Comedia 17,059]

Not sure about this, Watts is killing it in the 3rd man up role.

On a side issue, does anyone else think the 3rd man up should be disallowed? There are strict rules about rucking, including blocking, jumping and wrestling - yet the 3rd man up seems to make these other rules pointless.

[rjay 25,317]

On a side issue, does anyone else think the 3rd man up should be disallowed? There are strict rules about rucking, including blocking, jumping and wrestling - yet the 3rd man up seems to make these other rules pointless.

Yeah, it's becoming a bit of a joke now.

One of the games last round there were 2 men up for both sides at most stoppages.

[dee-luded 2,959]

On a side issue, does anyone else think the 3rd man up should be disallowed? There are strict rules about rucking, including blocking, jumping and wrestling - yet the 3rd man up seems to make these other rules pointless.

not disallowed, but if an infringement occurs within the rules then penalise them I'd like to see the rucks given a strong chance to survive & in the past 12 years they have been hampered & molested by rule changes.

I'd like to see the old rucking skills brought back. way too much fiddling with the original rules of the game.

[Forest Demon 4,681]

He was only thrown forward in the last quarter because Dawes and Hogan just werent creating contests and bringing the ball to ground.

And also because he was being well and truly beaten by Daniher.

Over the last 2 months, opposition forwards have continually gotten the better of him, and Dawes has given us nothing up forward, so for me it is a win-win-win drop Dawes, play Fitzpatrick in defence, and play McDonald forward. Who knows how the coaching group see it though.

[dee-luded 2,959]

And also because he was being well and truly beaten by Daniher.

Over the last 2 months, opposition forwards have continually gotten the better of him, and Dawes has given us nothing up forward, so for me it is a win-win-win drop Dawes, play Fitzpatrick in defence, and play McDonald forward. Who knows how the coaching group see it though.

well our key posi players are still very young..

the medi hype earlier, certainly put they're pics up on opposition key posi players dart boards.

[daisycutter 29,903]

On a side issue, does anyone else think the 3rd man up should be disallowed? There are strict rules about rucking, including blocking, jumping and wrestling - yet the 3rd man up seems to make these other rules pointless.

there indeed may be, ldvc, but they are rarely enforced and when enforced done in such a way as to confuse most punters this is one of my pet hates

imo all use of the arms (shepherding, grabbing, locking, pushing) should be totally banned

3rd man up has always (in my memory) been allowed and i see no problems with it

[La Dee-vina Comedia 17,059]

there indeed may be, ldvc, but they are rarely enforced and when enforced done in such a way as to confuse most punters this is one of my pet hates

imo all use of the arms (shepherding, grabbing, locking, pushing) should be totally banned

3rd man up has always (in my memory) been allowed and i see no problems with it

dc, I see you're having even more problems with your keyboard. Not only does the Shift key not work but it seems neither is your full stop key.

As to the point you're making, perhaps the problem is less about the third man up and more about the restrictions placed on ruckman (apart from the centre circle) which limits their ability to be decisive. In theory, there should not need to be a third man up in any contest, should there?

[What 18,810]

I like it.... gives us another dimension

[Nasher 33,617]

Haven't changed my view, but was really impressed today. Happy to have McDonald forward as an ace up our sleeve.

[monoccular 17,695]

When / if Frost makes it back he could free Tommy up to play forward, or vice versa. Good to have options.

[Adam The God 30,639]

Haven't changed my view, but was really impressed today. Happy to have McDonald forward as an ace up our sleeve.

What really impressed me today about Tom up forward, was his intent and speed to tackle opposition backmen. He was a threat even when they had possession. He played a good game, did Tom. Well done, Tommy Mac.

But agreed. An occasional swingman, otherwise keep him down back. We could do it today though, because they weren't tall up forward or down back.

Edited July 19, 2015 by AdamFarr

[Bitter but optimistic 22,289]

Haven't changed my view, but was really impressed today. Happy to have McDonald forward as an ace up our sleeve.

Exactly Gnashor! He's a back who we can use forward as required!

[beelzebub 23,390]

Better to have options i guess. Like Nasher/others still not my preference. ..but....

[Robbie57 2,041]

Only there for a couple of weeks to 'freshen up'

[Skuit 10,031]

Have to admit a tinge of excitement seeing Tmac head forward at the start of the game this week (contrary to my opinion), and his defensive work was spot on. But Howe, Cross, Watts and Lamumba with Garland off half-back simply aren't going to cut it most weeks of the year (including next week).

[low flying Robbo 979]

I have to say i didn't take notice of where he was lining up at centre bounces, but he kept popping up exactly where the ball was coming in to the forward line. I like it