No. 31 Dan McKenna

[CatmanForever]

(Gippsland Power, 18, 195cm, 85kg)

[rizzo]

Player Info

Good overhead and agile type who can also play back. Noted goalkicker who represented Vic Country at Under 18 level this year

"Weaver: Plays club footy at FF or CHF but really found wanting there in too many big games for my liking. When shunted to CHB he looks more comfortable. Seems to prefer having someone else make the play and then being able to come over the top for the spoil or in from the side. Rather muppet-armed and spindly - a course of protein shakes and he might make a good stopper.
"
"Ant555: Dan McKenna-194cm, 82kg-Gippsland Power. (FWD / BCK). Has had a bit of an up and down year playing in a strong side. Has been used at CHF and CHB during the year. Had some good early form as a key forward but it has dropped of a little as the season has gone on. Had a reasonable time at the Champs without being a star. Has shown some sort of ability to read the play as a back man and he can spoil well if needed. Is pretty lightly built at the moment.
"
"TOA: I realised the need to go for a key position prospect here and thought McKenna was well suited. He is up and down, lacks intensity but could really turn it on in the future. Has all the elements; 194cm, v.good pace, clean hands, nice spoil and can play in any KP role. He could be something pretty special or could be another McDougall. I personally think the draft is thinning out by now and I'm looking at upside.
"
AFL Insider:
Could probably be used better as a full forward, but some teams might draft him as a prospect for the back line.
Perfect Fit For:
The Bulldogs have to get bigger, and McKenna at full forward would be a step in the right direction. He could also be an option for a tall defensive position too.
**********.net prediction:
McKenna might go late in the second round to Sydney. They need a bit of help up forward now, and in several years will have a huge space to fill when Hall is gone. McKenna could be an eventual replacement for either Barry, taking over at full forward to replace Barry Hall or going to full back when Leo Barry retires.

[rizzo]

Dan McKenna a Versatile Choice

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2007/11/25/dan-mckenna.jpg

DAN McKenna sat in his car on top of a hill on Saturday morning with his dad, two brothers and girlfriend to listen to his fate being called over the radio.

"We don't get the reception out of Melbourne so we had to go to the top of a hill and sit in the car park of the Traralgon basketball stadium,'' he said.

"I was in shock, I couldn't believe it. I've grown up as a Geelong supporter now I've got to start thinking about being ready to go Monday morning, training alongside Gary Ablett and Jimmy Bartel, it's all a bit surreal.''

McKenna, a 195cm versatile tall, was drafted by the Cats at pick 50 on Saturday after a successful first full season at Gippsland Power in the forward line following a career in the back line.

"I played all my juniors at centre half-back and in my first year at the Power I played down back,'' he said.

"This was really my first year up forward. It was interesting at centre half-forward, it can be difficult at times but it was a learning curve and I take a lot out of it.

"I think that's what they (Geelong) liked about me, my versatility, they didn't draft me necessarily as a forward or back, I can play both.''

McKenna will join Dandenong Stingrays key forward Scott Simpson at Skilled Stadium today, after Simpson was taken at No. 44 on Saturday.

"I went into the draft with no expectations. I thought I had a good year without being overly great, I played for Vic Metro,'' Simpson said.

[rizzo]

http://www.gfc.com.au/portals/0/images/players/cats/mckenna-140x200.jpg

[rizzo]

Testing

Pre Season
Height - 194.2 cm
Weight - 81.4KG
5m Spint - 1.05
20m Sprint - 3.03
Agility - 8.62
Shuttle - 12.1
Verticle Jump - 61
Repeat Sprints - NONE


Draft Camp
Height - 195.3 cm
Weight - 84.9KG
5m Spint - 1.06
20m Sprint - 3.01
Agility - 8.83
Shuttle - 13.1
Verticle Jump - 59
Repeat Sprints - 24.8