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OSCAR McDONALD

picket fence
in Melbourne Demons

Featured Replies

4 hours ago, Mad_Melbourne said:

"Oscar played the last 14 games of 2016 and impressed with his intercepting and work in the contest. McDonald was involved in 41 defensive one-on-one contests and lost just 17% (7) - ranked 2nd at the club behind his brother Tom and seventh in the league in players involved in 30 or more contests. Of his 14 games, he didnt concede a goal to his direct opponent in 6 games and cinceded more than two just once. He averaged 6.5 intercept possessions per game, rated above average for key defenders" AFL prospectus.

Whilst I question alot of the prospectus rating systems, those stats are vital for those who question Oscar quite often. Clearly in the best 22 and this was in a season where he was often undersized.

Interesting stats. Switching to a zone defensive system does decrease the number of one on ones though. So I'm a little suspect on those contest numbers. 41 in 14 games = 3 per game so it's not a huge sample size.

There were games I was critical towards Oscar and that was mostly because I wasn't impressed by his physicality and his decision making with the ball could be shaky. Frost, Oscar and Tom do have an ability to make each other look worse because none of them are cool heads with the ball nor do they full control the ball in the air - Tom's the best in that regard and hopefully is even better without a shoulder injury this year. 

The main benefit Oscar gave to the side was his work rate. Just by covering the ground both ways he made the side better. Unfortunately that's not an easy thing to see when watching games on TV (or even live). That's where the intercept possessions can come in and he was solid at that.

Oscar's entire season to me was summarised by that run forward and tumbling kick against Hawthorn that led to a vital goal. It looked ugly. It lacked confidence and composure. But it was effective and was a base to work from.

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    1 hour ago, billy2803 said:

    I've heard the total opposite from guys that played with both at Edenhope.

    Not doubting yours at all, my info came from when they were at the Rebels, but grain of salt whenever any junior watching is concerned I suppose.  

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    28 minutes ago, Red and Blue realist said:

    Not doubting yours at all, my info came from when they were at the Rebels, but grain of salt whenever any junior watching is concerned I suppose.  

    U18 coaches are renowned for pumping up kids.  I know one at the Rebels who thought Lucas Cook would be a star for us.

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    •  
    19 minutes ago, billy2803 said:

    U18 coaches are renowned for pumping up kids.  I know one at the Rebels who thought Lucas Cook would be a star for us.

    That's very true, just got to listen to Mick Turner talk up anyone from the Falcons, they're all superstars. Either way I'm very impressed by the way Oscar improved last year and hope he does turn out as good, if not better than his brother. 

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    3 hours ago, DeeSpencer said:

    Interesting stats. Switching to a zone defensive system does decrease the number of one on ones though. So I'm a little suspect on those contest numbers. 41 in 14 games = 3 per game so it's not a huge sample size.

     

    3 per game of pure one-on-one contests seems like a reasonable sample size. Especially if you consider 6-8 defenders, number of inside 50s and how often players are able to drop into the contest. 

     

    His disposal can be shaky but his retention stats are not so bad. I think I'm willing to wear mistakes by foot if the ability to halve or win defensively is up. Main point I look to made was towards people often saying he was outbodied or poorly position led leading to him being beaten, evidence states this is not the case

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    • 4 months later...

     

    On 09/08/2016 at 9:41 AM, Lucifer's Hero said:

    Maybe picketfence can redeem himself his doubts and criticism (as ProDee graciously did with Jack Watts) when Oscar has his breakout season and agree to change his avatar to Oscar.  I am happy to volunteer to choose one. 

    I can guarantee it won't take 7 years for picket's new avatar to be needed!!!

     

    On 09/08/2016 at 10:56 AM, picket fence said:

    You are ON!

     

    @picket fence

    Hey picket, remember the above posts? 

    Now that you are well and truly on the Oscar bandwagon are you ready to change your avatar for a while? I think ProDee suffered a Jack Watts avatar for 6 months...same penance for yourself, maybe?  Here is my suggestion!

    AFOAb4TkgZ8zAAAAAElFTkSuQmCCAA==

     

    Edited by Lucifer's Hero

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    @picket fence

    Hi picket, wondering if you saw the post above about changing your avatar for a while.

    Are you going to deliver?

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    •  

    3 minutes ago, Wiseblood said:

    O-Fence?

    That's a bit O-Fence-ive 

    I'll see myself out

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