I don't think that the problem is that Stewart is incapable of being effective on the opposition's best defenders.
What that looks like in my mind is him being unable to get separation on the lead (not happening) and being monstered in wrestling matches (also not happening). He's hardly being dominated or even defeated by opponents.
McKernan has basically played as the number 1 tall in the side anyway. Being the player who is regularly closer to goal means that he's getting the attention from the player that an opposition wants to keep closest to goal (who is usually the best 1v1 defender).
I don't think that Stewart has been helped by some of the delivery to him in the last few weeks which is more of a problem because his possession rate has been dropped. We haven't been getting a lot from our half forwards in the last few weeks, particularly close to goal, as we are now defending the ball and the middle of the ground much more aggressively. That's usually the downside of getting numbers to the ball and having the numbers of a 'pressing team'. Most pressing teams don't move the ball forward particularly well.
I am very surprised that it took two weeks of average form to result in such a hard working player to be dropped. To bring in Brown on the back of a poor performance indicates to me that this could be a confidence thing with Stewart more than punishment for form.
What that looks like in my mind is him being unable to get separation on the lead (not happening) and being monstered in wrestling matches (also not happening). He's hardly being dominated or even defeated by opponents.
McKernan has basically played as the number 1 tall in the side anyway. Being the player who is regularly closer to goal means that he's getting the attention from the player that an opposition wants to keep closest to goal (who is usually the best 1v1 defender).
I don't think that Stewart has been helped by some of the delivery to him in the last few weeks which is more of a problem because his possession rate has been dropped. We haven't been getting a lot from our half forwards in the last few weeks, particularly close to goal, as we are now defending the ball and the middle of the ground much more aggressively. That's usually the downside of getting numbers to the ball and having the numbers of a 'pressing team'. Most pressing teams don't move the ball forward particularly well.
I am very surprised that it took two weeks of average form to result in such a hard working player to be dropped. To bring in Brown on the back of a poor performance indicates to me that this could be a confidence thing with Stewart more than punishment for form.
I think he’s actually still looked pretty good when getting his hands on the ball - that hasn’t been happening enough of course.

