A typically honest chat with Tom.  Leaving no stone unturned to get back to his best, and if he can, it will make us a better side, no matter what position(s) he plays.

Injury has played a part in Tmacs' form slump since 2018 foot problems and a knee injury in 2019 didn't help and the confidence was low. Tom has put in the hard yards over the summer and has come back slim and looking fit which is a good sign. 

He has his critics and it comes with the package however l rate him and l back him in with confidence. He has a few good years in him yet. 

Tom coming back in good shape in what he has endured over the trade period  means he is ready to prove that he has much to offer our great club.  He didn't find a new home during the trade period because it wasn't meant to be.  He is a Melbourne boy 

I've been a huge critic of Tom's last few seasons, but I'd be absolutely wrapt if he rose from the ashes in 2021. 

By the look of BB's knee, it looks like we really need Tmac circa 2018 back again. 

 

40 minutes ago, Smokey said:

I've been a huge critic of Tom's last few seasons, but I'd be absolutely wrapt if he rose from the ashes in 2021. 

By the look of BB's knee, it looks like we really need Tmac circa 2018 back again. 

 

Irrespective of BB we need a fit and firing Tmac on the Forward  line, If needed in defence, and of course in the ruck and for about 2 mins a quarter perhaps on the wing!
Absolutely Crucial to our list that  Tom regains 2018 form In whatever position or category he plays.

Top 4 if Tom goes well and a flag chance if BB can snag 45 plus goals this season.

After all the negativity regarding his 2019 season he still won 2 games of footy for us:

He kicked 6 goals to 3 qtr time against Carlton in a 5 point win. After he went off injured we fell off the rails and nearly blew a 40 point lead.

He also kicked 2 critically important last quarter goals against Freo to get us over the line when the game was in the balance at 3 qtr time.

However, I can't defend his 2020 season. He was so poor by his standards. 

With 4 months of Pre-season training under our belts, Id hope we will be playing the most expert player for each position come pre-season match against the Tigers.

Whomever shows they play each position with best statistics and team orientation should be picked 1st. If it means the nibbler over Kozzie or Tom who has been carried for 2 years, missing out to Petty Im all for it. We need to be lean and mean and no favorites. No "seeing how they go". Bring the best forward.

1 hour ago, nosoupforme said:

Injury has played a part in Tmacs' form slump since 2018 foot problems and a knee injury in 2019 didn't help and the confidence was low. Tom has put in the hard yards over the summer and has come back slim and looking fit which is a good sign. 

He has his critics and it comes with the package however l rate him and l back him in with confidence. He has a few good years in him yet. 

Tom coming back in good shape in what he has endured over the trade period  means he is ready to prove that he has much to offer our great club.  He didn't find a new home during the trade period because it wasn't meant to be.  He is a Melbourne boy 

The club could of helped him by letting the supporters know he actually was carrying injuries instead of not saying anything.

It was clear as day he wasn't even 90% fit.

Ive been critical of him but he has been absolutely professional in his approach. Hats off to him.

Won't die wondering.

 

9 hours ago, Doug Reemer said:

The club could of helped him by letting the supporters know he actually was carrying injuries instead of not saying anything.

It was clear as day he wasn't even 90% fit.

They didn't even mention it in the interview which I found odd.

We know that his foot/toe has been giving him a heap of grief. Why not mention that the problem is over/being managed

Edited February 9, 20215 yr by BAMF

36 minutes ago, BAMF said:

 

They didn't even mention it in the interview which I found odd.

We know that his foot/toe has been giving him a heap of grief. Why not mention that the problem is over/being managed

well yes and no. Yes for a few of us that would respond well to the honesty. However others would say he's weak and "making excuses" . Somehow saying this would be seen as having a lack of  drive/ heart/ ferocity/ care etc etc etc  Others would say "once he's on the field he's either 100% fit or dont play him". Its a no win game  blaming injuries as a coach or as a player. So while I, like you BAMF,  would prefer to know I can fully see why they dont come out with it. 

18 hours ago, Damo said:

With 4 months of Pre-season training under our belts, Id hope we will be playing the most expert player for each position come pre-season match against the Tigers.

Whomever shows they play each position with best statistics and team orientation should be picked 1st. If it means the nibbler over Kozzie or Tom who has been carried for 2 years, missing out to Petty Im all for it. We need to be lean and mean and no favorites. No "seeing how they go". Bring the best forward.

Damo It's not 4 months PS training its strictly Jan for 4 years and above players plus any private work Burgo gave each player. They had to have 6 weeks whatever off as Annusl leave also since late September. Late year remember due to Covid!!

You just  cant always  pick the best player in a position it doesnt always give team balance and Practice Or pre Season matches are also for Experiments! 

If he turns the clock back and fires like its 2018 then i'll tip my hat to him.

Don't think it'll happen though.

Tommy is ready to produce the goods. Remember that you don't get yourself fit and  looking slim and doing the bulk of the training if you are carrying  injuries to your knee and foot.  Tom is injury free .      

The funny thing for Tom was that the opportunity to play forward fell in his lap when we ran out of options, now with out first options (that were likely to keep him out of the forward line) injured he's got another chance to prove himself. Really hope he can take it.

A ripping pre season and now his opportunity is here as hopefully a silver lining to an injury scenario no-one hoped for. Gotta back him in.