57 minutes ago, Deeoldfart said:

Ahh!  A fire sale then?

Good get.

Good pre season or not McDonald is finished. If he is in the side it means Weideman and\or Jackson haven't come on which will be a bad outcome.

I think Tom will surprise a few people this year - in a positive way!!   The longer quarters , a decent pre season and less attention as the 2nd or 3rd tall will mean most will be pleased we didn’t trade

40 minutes ago, WERRIDEE said:

Good pre season or not McDonald is finished. If he is in the side it means Weideman and\or Jackson haven't come on which will be a bad outcome.

Everyone has an opinion on Tommy!

This is just another one writing him off !

No one not even D/Lers can say that Tommy is finished or that he is on our list never to get a Senior game agsin or in 2021!

If Tommy Is fit snd Regains  his form and undoubted skills ( which I am backing him to) then he will be an irresistible asset to our team.

This would put us in the mix for top 4 with many of the others improving due to greater coaching and game plan.

That's why we start with an open or blank cheque In selection in our season and it's so exciting waiting for Th e development of the team to gain some honours.

He’s going to become very useful if Gawn goes down

as much as I hate tom McDonald, his form asa forward as miles ahead of Jackson. What's Jackson done? 3 goals in 6 games as a forward. He hasn't earned a spot because he isn't a forward, he's a ruck. 

35 minutes ago, Dr.D said:

as much as I hate tom McDonald, his form asa forward as miles ahead of Jackson. What's Jackson done? 3 goals in 6 games as a forward. He hasn't earned a spot because he isn't a forward, he's a ruck. 

How can anyone “hate” Tom McDonald? Either a poor choice of words, or you may need some help bro. You OK?

31 minutes ago, Dr.D said:

as much as I hate tom McDonald, his form asa forward as miles ahead of Jackson. What's Jackson done? 3 goals in 6 games as a forward. He hasn't earned a spot because he isn't a forward, he's a ruck. 

Dr D you are criticising both JackO and Tommy agsin. Tommy has committed to fitness and will be ready to play we hope back at his 2018 level in whatever roles we need h I'm 2021 ie ruck forward or defence.

I again  repeat that Jacko was 18 and only is 19 years NOW and his firm alone was potentially good enough in the tuck and up forward for us to miss him in the last 6 weeks when injured. His potential and X factor are huge and even if he only kicks 15/20 goals this season his all round team contributions all over the ground will be valuable.
Open your bias up and back both in as it is crucial in 2021 that we get good years from both. I am confident this will happen and our improvement will be in Both the results and visibility also.

There is one person that l would like to see do really well and that is Tmac. Has his critics however you see it He is on the list and can play a part in our rise.

I will be following his progress this preseason till the start of the season proper with a lot of interest. I just want him to do well because when he is on he is hard to match up. IMV he is a vital part.  

Don't write him off just yet.

Edited December 31, 20205 yr by nosoupforme

Nothing wrong with backing in hard work and effort but surely thats the base level expectation of an AFL footballer. And especially a $700k a year footballer!

I hope his foot heals and he can make a contribution when needed but he is not best 22 and I don’t want him getting in the way of the younger players like Petty and Jackson who need game time. I don’t want to see him pushing Weid out of the team either.

We’ll have injuries so he’ll get game time but I’m not holding out hope that he’ll return to 2018 levels or even close. If he can cover for injuries and play half decent footy in the process that’s the extent of my expectations as far as TMac goes. Who knows, if he plays well enough when he gets his opportunities he might be able to sign a contract with another club next year and we can get his wage off the books.

At times I have been close to the action on the ground and seen the players' facial expressions and reactions, something which is often missed on the TV coverage. Tom was often obviously frustrated by injuries and his body language and facial expressions reflected this. Because of pain or limitation of movement his body was unable to do what he wanted it to do. 

Hopefully 2021 will see an injury free Tom and he will get back to his best. Feeling fit and healthy can do wonders for confidence as well.