4 hours ago, Pickett2Jackson said:

Great, thanks.  

Looks to be moving well in this one   https://www.instagram.com/p/CHZcPiPH-[censored]/

 

Encouraging footage. Looks leaner. Spun and swivelled without any obvious sign of discomfort. There’s hope yet perhaps!

Keep up the hard work TMac.

6 hours ago, Pates said:

He’s a Demon for 2021, let’s get behind him now. I think swinging back to defence is the best path for both club and player; we have Brown as our clear FF, Weid and Jacko as our developing forwards, and M Brown as experienced coverage. There’s no place for him there (I know I started a thread asking the question). 

Train him with the defenders from the start of pre-season as the second tall defender, Lever moves to being solely an interception marker. Tom can continue on his path of getting leaner as May will take the main tall forward. His (hopefully improved) marking ability can be used for a bit of variety with kick outs. 

Am I totally convinced it’ll work? No. But I think it’s the best opportunity to play him regularly and get return from his contract. 

 

4 hours ago, 58er said:

Where does this leave our future star Harry Petty?  CHF or CHB ?

It will be interesting to see what happens in training in Early 2021.

Hope Goody and coaches have an open mind and don't  label one or the other categorically like he has Joel Smith.

I would be quite happy to have both as swingman as Tommy Must be a reserve ruck also it looks like.

Agree with 58er here, I would certainly have Petty ahead of McDonald for our tall defender coverage.

Personally the fact we couldn't move Tom on makes me think we'll have to pull the pin on Mitch Brown. Even though he played some solid football, I just think he's the one that will have to make way and will be delisted with Oscar.

Tom will be tall forward depth, but could also become a handy utility at a pinch.

One of TMacs features as both defender and forward was his endurance. This seemed to be affected by his foot injury? or the change to body shape?  His disposal on backline was always seen as frightening, but his initial accuracy as a forward was outstanding.

So his complexity and ability to change has already been evidenced.

My question is , is the foot ? Injury? addressed and solved, is his body type?  muscle type ? Whatever stable?

can he regain his running ability.

We have seen the value of Langdon on th wing, not a speedster but able to run and link. Could TMac be the link on the other side.

can run into forward line and add an option and fade back to add an extra body.

Big for a winger but perhaps can be that variable point of difference with our team reminiscent of the Tigers centre line Burke Barrot and Clay who were all tall, ran all day and revolutionised the way the game was played.

6 hours ago, JV7 said:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHg5hJSHxVd/

 

5 hours ago, Pickett2Jackson said:

Great, thanks.  

Looks to be moving well in this one   https://www.instagram.com/p/CHZcPiPH-[censored]/

 

Thanks for those.

He looks like he is practicing forward leading patterns, particularly in the first video.

great to see t mac, lever, and weed working together

Tmc probably will be one of the most expensive “Plan B” players in the league.  
 

Plan B for full back behind May. 

Plan B behind Brown, Jacko and Weid for a key forward post. 

Plan B behind Maxy to support Jackson. 

I can see a world where T Mac regains form and Weid is in the 2's, however unlikely 

I remember reading an interview with TMac in late 2018 (I think) where he talked about sometimes getting mentally bogged down by structures and how sometimes Goodwin would give him licence to run and roam through the midfield or the wings for 5 minutes to get some ball, and find his mojo, before heading back forward.

I do wonder how much the shortened quarters affected that this year and also whether not having Casey meant that he didn't have the opportunity to "find his own form". 

5 hours ago, dpositive said:

One of TMacs features as both defender and forward was his endurance. This seemed to be affected by his foot injury? or the change to body shape?  His disposal on backline was always seen as frightening, but his initial accuracy as a forward was outstanding.

So his complexity and ability to change has already been evidenced.

My question is , is the foot ? Injury? addressed and solved, is his body type?  muscle type ? Whatever stable?

can he regain his running ability.

We have seen the value of Langdon on th wing, not a speedster but able to run and link. Could TMac be the link on the other side.

can run into forward line and add an option and fade back to add an extra body.

Big for a winger but perhaps can be that variable point of difference with our team reminiscent of the Tigers centre line Burke Barrot and Clay who were all tall, ran all day and revolutionised the way the game was played.

Langdon not a speedster? How fast do you want him to be? Moves like Jayden Hunt across the ground. He's quick mate have no doubt.

3 hours ago, adonski said:

I can see a world where T Mac regains form and Weid is in the 2's, however unlikely 

Agree. Most on here reckon The Weid is a champion which I have not seen. Maybe in the making but right now he will need to fight for his spot ( which is not a bad thing) and when plays must deliver or else, if TMac gets himself fit and firing I reckon he will be the other forward. I also repeat from my previous messages that he can also cover in defence thus allowing Lever to do what he does best.

Stuffed if I can see why the manic love of Harrison Petty?? Smith was played out of position last year and in my book is a forward, but given the acquisition of Ben Brown that wont happen! I would seriously entertain T Mac back at true CHB if he slims down and gets more mobile!. ( over to our wiz conditioner) The other contemplation I have is to play Jackson on a wing!!!! Oscar is gone at Dees I believe! With Brown now on board competition for spots is very fierce.... the way it should be. Melksham is on notice and I reckon Mitch Brown is therabouts!

Edited November 15, 20204 yr by picket fence

I remain bullish about Tom. At his best he’s easily best 22. The club could flip forward craft on its head playing 4 talls. Jackson, Brown, Tom, Weideman. Is that even possible?

9 hours ago, dpositive said:

One of TMacs features as both defender and forward was his endurance. This seemed to be affected by his foot injury? or the change to body shape?  His disposal on backline was always seen as frightening, but his initial accuracy as a forward was outstanding.

So his complexity and ability to change has already been evidenced.

My question is , is the foot ? Injury? addressed and solved, is his body type?  muscle type ? Whatever stable?

can he regain his running ability.

We have seen the value of Langdon on th wing, not a speedster but able to run and link. Could TMac be the link on the other side.

can run into forward line and add an option and fade back to add an extra body.

Big for a winger but perhaps can be that variable point of difference with our team reminiscent of the Tigers centre line Burke Barrot and Clay who were all tall, ran all day and revolutionised the way the game was played.

My only worry (as it is a worthwhile experiment to have TMac as a winger/runner/endurance athlete) would be that if the foot problems are only masked, as in a short-term fix, it must also be realised that the amount of running - particularly forceful speed running, will do a foot injury very little good indeed over a very short period of  time. He would be risking, quite seriously, that prior complaint leading to more lay-time in the team seats as an observer. 

 

47 minutes ago, Docs Demons said:

Agree. Most on here reckon The Weid is a champion which I have not seen. Maybe in the making but right now he will need to fight for his spot ( which is not a bad thing) and when plays must deliver or else, if TMac gets himself fit and firing I reckon he will be the other forward. I also repeat from my previous messages that he can also cover in defence thus allowing Lever to do what he does best.

Reckon you've misrepresented the view of quite a few here, Doc. I haven't read anyone claiming that Weideman is a champion, only that he is tracking upward, which for a KPF at 23 is somewhat expected.

I do agree that competition for his spot will be handy and welcome, but I'd prefer not to be paying lots for his back up. And let's be clear, McDonald is the back up here. That may change, but at this point, it's Weideman's position to lose.

I wouldn't have McDonald anywhere near my backline, but each to their own.

2 hours ago, Deemania since 56 said:

My only worry (as it is a worthwhile experiment to have TMac as a winger/runner/endurance athlete) would be that if the foot problems are only masked, as in a short-term fix, it must also be realised that the amount of running - particularly forceful speed running, will do a foot injury very little good indeed over a very short period of  time. He would be risking, quite seriously, that prior complaint leading to more lay-time in the team seats as an observer. 

 

His foot is either fixed or it’s not. In the Instagram shots he seems to be moving very well. Here’s hoping the foot injury is no more

If TMac is good to go then I think BB could also help him be a better forward. 
 

His goal kicking is pretty accurate which has not been that common in our forward line of late. 

TMAc could provide the ideal Big Man Interchange package. He has experience at both ends of the ground. Remember he was touted as a possible AA at one stage, then went as a FWD , but has been injured the last year and a half. Prior to his injury he was THE endurance athlete of the club.  SO !!!!!!  he is big enough and strong enough and quick to cause some damage coming down the ground. OH... by the way he is a very good lead and a good overhead competitive mark. I am really looking forward to TMac's 3rd coming.

This forum seems to give everyone a chance as long as his name does not start with McD...

8 hours ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Tmc probably will be one of the most expensive “Plan B” players in the league.  
 

Plan B for full back behind May. 

Plan B behind Brown, Jacko and Weid for a key forward post. 

Plan B behind Maxy to support Jackson. 

Surprising how much depth you need during 22/25 games in a season.

PlanB can be sufficient but often Plan C is needed like in 2019!

7 hours ago, dimmy said:

This forum seems to give everyone a chance as long as his name does not start with McD...

We all have an awareness of this; it is a legacy of a series of gifted games at the expense of others. Such observations do not necessary refer to TMac ... so the '3rd coming' can be anticipated should the injuries and related mobility effects be overcome.

11 hours ago, Roost it far said:

I remain bullish about Tom. At his best he’s easily best 22. The club could flip forward craft on its head playing 4 talls. Jackson, Brown, Tom, Weideman. Is that even possible?

Very possible and in theory, very potent IMO. It will be essential to have a good spread of highly capable 'mediums and smalls' to anticipate and provide the on-ground linkages and crumbing, occupying strategic elements of the forward line to be 'ready to pounce' on those ground balls or outside opportunities. 

Such a set-up will contribute enormously to tiring and overpowering any opposition.

With Yze's assistance, the Coach can finally develop game plans that are meaningful and effective. I can remember quite clearly Yze's capacity to score (at times, almost freely) from such play set-ups and to utilise our very able range of utilities around the ball - one step ahead of the milling throngs.

As for our possible talls, these players all have scoring options and structural responsibilities; as a separated 'bank' of receivers, it would be a nightmare for opponents to consistently overcome for 100 minutes of football. Just watch the AFL change the traditional 25-minute quarters to a lesser duration.

11 hours ago, Roost it far said:

I remain bullish about Tom. At his best he’s easily best 22. The club could flip forward craft on its head playing 4 talls. Jackson, Brown, Tom, Weideman. Is that even possible?

 

The opposition would run it out of our backline at will.  We would get slaughtered.

Tom needs to make it his aim to take back the CHB position.

8 hours ago, dimmy said:

This forum seems to give everyone a chance as long as his name does not start with McD.

I don;t think OMcd deserves the levels of criticism he gets but he deserves a fair share of it.

I think everyone wants to see TMac come back leaner and fitter and ready to fight hard for a spot in the team. But remember he's earning $700k a year. If you earn the big dollars i expect big performances and output. If you don't perform in that pay grade expect to be heavily criticised. 

1 minute ago, Better days ahead said:

I don;t think OMcd deserves the levels of criticism he gets but he deserves a fair share of it.

I think everyone wants to see TMac come back leaner and fitter and ready to fight hard for a spot in the team. But remember he's earning $700k a year. If you earn the big dollars i expect big performances and output. If you don't perform in that pay grade expect to be heavily criticised. 

I hear what you are saying, AND I disagree.

Do you know the full context @Better days aheadfor your entitlement  to be able to 'heavily criticise' him?

He is/was  a marketable commodity, and the deal was made at a time when he was tracking beautifully. He presumably has been cruelled by injury. He didn't ask for that, and I am sure he is ALSO disappointed with his output.

AND, he and his manager negotiated the best outcome for Tom and his family at the time... this is actually the reason you try to get as much as possible financially... so that when you do get significantly injured, it may be a long time (if ever) that you get back to playing your best.

Big coin doesnt mean yer sitting on yer ar$e.

 

21 minutes ago, Engorged Onion said:

I hear what you are saying, AND I disagree.

Do you know the full context @Better days aheadfor your entitlement  to be able to 'heavily criticise' him?

He is/was  a marketable commodity, and the deal was made at a time when he was tracking beautifully. He presumably has been cruelled by injury. He didn't ask for that, and I am sure he is ALSO disappointed with his output.

AND, he and his manager negotiated the best outcome for Tom and his family at the time... this is actually the reason you try to get as much as possible financially... so that when you do get significantly injured, it may be a long time (if ever) that you get back to playing your best.

Big coin doesnt mean yer sitting on yer ar$e.

 

I never said he was sitting on his ar*e.

I had no problem with the contract given at the time. He was worth it given his output. I would have done the same in his shoes.

Injuries happen. No fault of TMac.

I thought it was the weight that is the issue now anyways but he seems to be working hard to get fighting fit again so kudos there. But hard work is the minimum expectation imv.

I feel absolutely entitled to expect a $700k player to deliver much more that what TMac has delivered over the past 2 years. Cap is precious and we have a lot tied up in TMac. He’s not a role player getting paid accordingly. When you’re in the high pay grade expectations and levels of scrutiny are much higher so yes I will be more critical of TMac or other well paid players when their form drops away for a period of time.

On 11/15/2020 at 2:19 AM, JV7 said:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHg5hJSHxVd/

Yep that’s the vision i was watching. 
TMac could not do that excercise repeatedly if he had ankle and foot injuries