AFL Player #32: Ben "Buckets" McKay - Worth every penny

[VelvetSledge]

Contract: Unrestricted Free Agent 2029
My Boy Draft 2024: Pick 30, Dave

 

[MarkJohnson#1]

Superb acquisition, can tell he loves playing for the red and black. Watching Zerk-Thatcher today it’s such a huge upgrade, we wouldn’t be 4-2 without him.

 

[kelvin_sheedy]

I was one who said we should move heaven and earth to get this bloke last year.

A genuine solid big man that can mark and defend a proper KPP is worth their weight in gold.

 

[wichidi]

Looks at home. Like he has been in that back line for 6 seasons, not 6 games

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Looks at home. Like he has been in that back line for 6 seasons, not 6 games

It was his home somewhat.

For his first almost 18 years of living.

Glad he's back in the red and black.

 

[MiguelM]

I was one who said we should move heaven and earth to get this bloke last year.

A genuine solid big man that can mark and defend a proper KPP is worth their weight in gold.

Absolutely. It is one area we have been lacking forever. Even Fletch struggled against the big gorillas.

Zerk was good but not in the same weight division. McKay's highlight package against Hawkins was all I needed to want us to throw everything at him.

To me this is as big a signing as what Lloyd was. A player you can build a flag off. Scott massive reason we got him & Goldy.

When we have McKay, Reid & Ridley all in the same side it will be amazing.

 

[VelvetSledge]

Thread title updated

 

[fairbump_playon]

That’s an off day for Buckets. Just couldn’t clunck them and looked uncomfortable a few times. To be fair there were more punters looking on today than there were cumulatively in all the wins he had at North over 8 years.

 

[Happyskeret]

Worst game he played for us but I still love him. He will get used to big crowds. Not saying he played bad he has just set a high bar for himself.

 

[Skipper_]

I know he probably didn’t have his best day (not that he was awful either) but I genuinely reckon without this bloke we would be 1-6.

 

[theboxmike]

My only knock on him is that he needs to take some more grabs instead of looking to punch it every time.

I think the occasion got to him, oh well move on to the next one.

 

[Stopher]

Brotherly love...seriously though, what a mark!

 

[nylexbandit]

Wasn’t good yesterday. I do hope we’re sending a tape of the numerous occasions the last few weeks that he has been held or blocked and asking for a please explain

 

[maskmcgee]

Like that he acts the complete opposite that Hurley did. Not throwing his head back, being super demonstratively upset every time a contest didn't go his way. McKay just gets straight on the mark, gets on with it like he should.

 

[bacon buster]

Looked really shaky under the high ball a few times yesterday. Missed some chances to take an intercept mark or get a fist in. Had a complete fresh airy at one stage which may have led to the Harrison goal?

A player of Mihoceks size and speed should not be beating McKay. I have actually been impressed with his speed tho. He shut down Hill one time when he was in space.

Poor yesterday but hopefully he bounces back next week

 

[NoWuckingFurries]

First time he's been in front of a crowd that big. Struggled. Let's see if he can bounce back.

 

[HirdyLannister]

First time he's been in front of a crowd that big. Struggled. Let's see if he can bounce back.

Fixed for you.

 

[naraku]

Not his best game, maybe the occasion got to him?
Anyway, he's still done amazing work for us down back.

 

[Zabini]

I reckon he just had an off game yesterday, it happens. Ben’s been impressive this year and seems like he has a great attitude and good composure.
Cannot wait to finally see Ben and Harry line up on each other, should be a cracker.

 

[Nuggs Bunny]

Can't have had too bad of a game if Cox or Cameron didn't touch the scoreboard.

 

[MarkJohnson#1]

Harshly judged yet again IMO. Few dodgy decisions went against him and beyond that I thought he held his own. Did he even play on Mihocek?

 

[joey_jo_jo]

Harshly judged yet again IMO. Few dodgy decisions went against him and beyond that I thought he held his own. Did he even play on Mihocek?

There was some really soft blocking calls last night, based on that threshold he was very stiff with the blocks mihocek and other put on him. Still he did drop a couple of sitters but he usually gobbles those up so im putting that down to not being used to that atmosphere.

 

[TheGreatBarryB]

Elliott said after the game that it was quite breezy on the ground ..wonder if that impacted marking as Pirs had a few high balls into the forward line. The one where he infringed on Mihocek..he had his eyes on the ball running back..very tough.

 

[Godzke]

Yeah that "front-on" call against Mihocek was bullshit. That only applies when you don't have eyes for the footy, and he did. Unfortunately he goaled from that.

 

[ghostdog]

And now has played in a draw against the Pies on ANZAC Day. Would never have done that at North.

 

[Godzke]

And now has played in a draw against the Pies on ANZAC Day. Would never have done that at North.

He's also never won an Essendon vs North game