VFL Past #65: Shaun McKernan 🐴 - Returns to the Dons

[eth-dog]

Mckernan either replaces JD or Carlisle or replaces T-bell as a ruck. There is no place for him to be a relief ruck.

Incorrect. He can take Ambrose's spot.

 

[Ashton Agar]

It's a bit strange if you consider the progression.

Kommer, to Ambrose to Mckernan.

Even stranger if you take out the middle man.

Ambrose replaced Crameri.

 

[Andronicus]

Ambrose replaced Crameri.

I'd argue that the defensive pressure each were asked to provide would be more similar than the tall forward role that Crameri always played.

 

[84859300]

Surely has to be close to a call up, if he can get all his ducks in a row this afternoon.

 

[Kakkle]

23 disposals & 16 hit outs in 3 quarters of football, is seriously impressive.

 

[VelvetSledge]

It's time

 

[Whispering_Jack]

Surely they're seriously considering it - didn't they pull him off the ground at 3/4 time?

 

[eth-dog]

Surely they're seriously considering it - didn't they pull him off the ground at 3/4 time?

About 10 minutes into the 3rd.

 

[Whispering_Jack]

About 10 minutes into the 3rd.

Even earlier than I though, so this has to mean he's a genuine chance to play Friday night - especially as it was such a short break between the VFL game and Friday night's game.

 

[Ashton Agar]

23 disposals & 16 hit outs in 3 quarters of football, is seriously impressive.

Not even 3 quarters of football.

 

[Maddogm]

when he does get the call up, he's going end up being so disapointing around here, purely because he's been hyped so much that he'll never meet expectations

 

[Autobahn]

when he does get the call up, he's going end up being so disapointing around here, purely because he's been hyped so much that he'll never meet expectations

We should be all be used to that feeling by now.

 

[reincarnated]

Instead of killing Joey and Jake and poor Ambrose, let's get a ruck/forward in.

Also this means we need two fleet footed small forwards who can put some serious pressure and kick some roving goals.

For now it has to be Fantasia and Edwards.

 

[Kakkle]

Edwards lays pressure and kicks roving goals?

News to me.

 

[efcboy]

when he does get the call up, he's going end up being so disapointing around here, purely because he's been hyped so much that he'll never meet expectations

He'll be pumped up - my biggest concern is he'll go too hard and end up suspended!

 

[Keystone agony]

They need to be training him up in the VFL as the number 1 ruck. I hope this is happening and hes getting match fitness of a ruck. Surely he isnt far behind TBC in that regard anyway?

Im in the boat that he can only replace Joey or Carlisle or TBC

 

[yodellinhank]

when he does get the call up, he's going end up being so disapointing around here, purely because he's been hyped so much that he'll never meet expectations

Differing from the rest of the side how?

 

[Oh Tayteridge]

Instead of killing Joey and Jake and poor Ambrose, let's get a ruck/forward in.

Also this means we need two fleet footed small forwards who can put some serious pressure and kick some roving goals.

For now it has to be Fantasia and Edwards.

Can you get over this idea that Edwards is an immediate inclusion? He is nowhere near there in the VFL and has never been a fleet footed small forward who'll apply pressure. It's so unrealistic its scary

 

[Howard Moon]

Welcome to the side

 

[Doss]

That certainly looks like the ol' well done handshake and pat on bum.

 

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

Hopefully it improves Bellchambers output.

 

[fishardansin]

I don't blame you. If you haven't seen him play in the last few weeks you will need to let go of the perceptions of him based on his previous AFL appearances.

It's a big 'if'...but if he translates his ground level intensity, clean hands, accurate kicking and team orientation into the big leagues, he is a longish term KPF3/second ruck.

Settling that position means that we only need to give Daniher a run on ball if he needs it and provides a mature and genuine marking target to help shift some of the focus from Daniher and Carlisle which would be a really important thing for the team.

I personally think that structurally one genuine KPF and a 2nd ruck is fine. Especially with Ambrose around 193 and Laverde, Langford and Edwards around 190.

I'd be happy to bring McKernan in as that 2nd ruck/forward and send Carlisle to the backline. Play Fletch up forward while we wait for the other three. Carlisle, Hurley and Hooker is a great set up and covers all bases. If opposition goes small forward line then Hurls can take a smaller player and Carlisle forward. Having both Hurley and Carlisle back means we can swing either or forward if the need arises. Another option is having a game plan where we normally have all three down back but choose a patch in a quarter where we throw everything at the opposition with Hurley going to half forward and play the best possible midfield for game and see if we can bang a few goals quickly.

Also with an eye to the list management thread I started the club has to admit to itself that they are both more value as backmen, as is Hooker. If they don't think they can play all three down there then trade one of them for a quality KPF. However, I think they would work well as a trio, for reasons I gave above.

 

[Jade]

if he gets a game.....

im out ... good vfl player


spud at the highest level

I'm looking forward to him getting a game.

Not a superstar, but a point of difference for an underperforming ruck/forward line.

And, importantly IMO, has pressed his claims in the correct fashion, by playing some good footy in the twos.

 

[Fear Boner]

I'm looking forward to him getting a game.

Not a superstar, but a point of difference for an underperforming ruck/forward line.

And, importantly IMO, has pressed his claims in the correct fashion, by playing some good footy in the twos.

honestly we need to try something ....

 

[Howard Moon]

The penny can drop at any time for any player, maybe hes just has. Looked good in the NAB cup, has been good in the 2's. Deserves his chance.