Training 2017 Preseason Thread

[WEEVZ]

It speaks volumes that McKernan played more VFL games than AFL last year when we were missing 12 top 30 players

This! If he couldn't get a game as the 2nd ruckman on our list, I seriously doubt he'll get a chance as the 4th or even 5th in line (I'd put Daniher in the ruck sooner than play McKernan).

 

[MightyDons4]

It speaks volumes that McKernan played more VFL games than AFL last year when we were missing 12 top 30 players

Hardly, Bellchambers being suspended was nullified by bringing Leuenberger in. None of the other suspensions affected him. 2016 was cut down with injuries interrupting his form and as previously mentioned being forced to play as a deep forward. This role is reserved for blokes like Bellchambers and Jamar, not Mckernan. I'd say that Bellchambers would be equally as bad if forced to roam up the pitch and get involved in general play, purely because it doesn't suit his attributes or play style.

 

[Keystone agony]

Mckernan does look good in the limited footage ive seen. TBH hes played his best footy as the soul ruck for me. Hes just a tad too small for it but his 2nd efforts and clearance work for a bloke his size was really good.

Give him a chance as that forward but doubt he makes it now. Good backup

 

[adsla69k]

Mckernan does look good in the limited footage ive seen. TBH hes played his best footy as the soul ruck for me. Hes just a tad too small for it but his 2nd efforts and clearance work for a bloke his size was really good.

Give him a chance as that forward but doubt he makes it now. Good backup

It looked like Gleeson was on him for most of it. That might explain why he looked good. For me Langford, Leverde and Merrett looked good and obviously Watson and Heppell.

 

[7zark7]

Who was wearing 35 in the video?

 

[eth-dog]

Hardly, Bellchambers being suspended was nullified by bringing Leuenberger in. None of the other suspensions affected him. 2016 was cut down with injuries interrupting his form and as previously mentioned being forced to play as a deep forward. This role is reserved for blokes like Bellchambers and Jamar, not Mckernan. I'd say that Bellchambers would be equally as bad if forced to roam up the pitch and get involved in general play, purely because it doesn't suit his attributes or play style.

What a load of shit. You're making excuses for him when in reality he's had half a good year and 6 shit ones on an AFL list.

 

[eDPS]

 

[Liberator]

My 2 cents on Smack
An injury to Luey, or Stewart (or if Stewart is unimpressive early games) could see him in the team very quickly.
He is depth, without doubt, but he's a lot closer to the front line I think than is being discussed.

From what I've seen and read about, Stewart ain't much chop in the ruck; on the other hand, I think Smack is just too short to be an effective full-time ruckman (doesn't help that the umpires seem to despise him as well!) - but a pretty handy relief ruck/forward. Ideally he spends around 30% of the time in the ruck; Stewart would suit a smaller % of time in the middle, perhaps 10 or 15% of game time. So with Luey playing, JS is a better fit I think being (hopefully!) a better forward than Smack - though we'll have to see how he goes.

I guess I would rate Smack as a FWD slightly above consensus here...
He is not yr hard-leading point of focus FF, but is agile in his own rubbery, unco-looking way. Though he is a bit sporadic, he can use it pretty well around goal.

In short: Leuy down, or even if Stewart goes down, Smack is a very good chance to play. Our ruck stocks are so thin that Smack has to be considered as pretty close to first drop.

Bellchambers is an imponderable, with his injuries, last playing well in ... a while ago. Getting our ruck balance right this year will be tricky: let's just say that I hope that Luey plays every game!

 

[eDPS]

Smack to me is a confidence player, when his confidence is up he plays a lot better, many forget he came top 10 in our best and fairest the year before. We sadly saw more of his worst last year but I think if he stays injury free and builds confidence in the VFL he could make an impact but if that confidence is broken at all we can probably right him off

 

[astrowizzle]

Smack seems to have a bit of X factor about him., if wooshaaa and co can get that out of him I would be very excited

 

[calyam]

McKernan will only get a game at AFL level this season if there is an emergency. He will need both Luey and Bellchambers out with injury.

He will be great for the VFL team though.

 

[LB#16]

 

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

Damm straight the Doggies are proof of this.

 

[eDPS]

 

[JayDon]

Smack seems to have a bit of X factor about him., if wooshaaa and co can get that out of him I would be very excited

Woosha might like 'the presence' he brings!!! Don't poke the bear!!! Make Smack impose himself to worry onballers and challenge the bigger opposition. Smack can be the dangerous 'x factor'. Dean Wallis like???

 

[vaughany]

Any updates on how Hocking is tracking?

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

 

[EnolaGay]

Smack is a 'break glass in case of emergency' player for us. He's had his chances and isn't up to it, simple as that (be it mental or physical). Go to the Crows forum and you'll find lots of similar posts to those previous about him 'almost there' etc. He ain't.

 

[VelvetSledge]

Any updates on how Hocking is tracking?

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Very well. Strong through the hips, strong through the shoulders, improved his tank.

 

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

Very well. Strong through the hips, strong through the shoulders, improved his tank.

More of this Hocking please.

 

[Keystone agony]

Whens the intraclub? And its being streamed on our website yeh?

 

[JT_the_Man]

Whens the intraclub? And its being streamed on our website yeh?

Wednesday I think.

 

[efcboy]

Wednesday I think.

9.30am

 

[Paul_Barnard]

Woosha might like 'the presence' he brings!!! Don't poke the bear!!! Make Smack impose himself to worry onballers and challenge the bigger opposition. Smack can be the dangerous 'x factor'. Dean Wallis like???

Smack is nothing more than a depth player unfortunately..
Its the same cycle with him.. He comes in and plays angry game which gets us excited, named in the squad then next week and gives away 8 ruck infringements, then by his third game in the side he resembles Caspar the ghost and its back to the VFL the week after..
The ability is there but shouldn't need to play with a chip on your shoulder each week to be a good player..

 

[Lance Uppercut]

Very well. Strong through the hips, strong through the shoulders, improved his tank.

How are his thighs looking Robert?

 

[Keystone agony]

Interesting both Collingwood and us are only allowing for an 8 day turn around before the next game. I wouldve thought maybe a bit longer due to it being the first game ie: 10/12 days