Delisted #41: Ben McNiece

[The Donners]

He's different. Better kick for starters.

They’re both improvements on Slattery.

 

[Vindicater]

I miss Slattery

 

[Yoda_]

At 26, he could be a real bargain having steadily improved in his time with our VFL > AFL squad.

 

[Lore]

His neck is finally okay again... here's hoping it stays that way and he gets a decent run at it. Not great timing to start a rookie career and get injured really. That backline is looking a little challenging to break into.

After playing two games in the AFL side, including ANZAC Day, Ben McNiece suffered an injury to his neck keeping him sidelined for the remainder of the season.

“Ben’s neck settled down well, the specialist was very happy and Ben has had an uninterrupted pre-season. He is out there training with no issues which is great news.”

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2018-01-19/injury-update-19-january

 

[eth-dog]

Needs to have a good year IMO

 

[Lore]

I wonder if it's just a week's rest or what.

“McNiece’s scan showed some mild upper hamstring irritation around where it inserts into the bone at the top of the pelvis and he also will not be available this weekend.”

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2018-03-20/skins-injury-update

 

[eth-dog]

At least it isn't his neck.

 

[Lore]

Training with the main group, possibly available next week (round 3).

“McNiece is tracking well, again he’ll do a large part of the session tomorrow,” Crow said.

“With his hamstring tendon niggle, we really want to make sure we get that as good as we can before we put him back in.

“He won’t be available this weekend, but he’ll be pushing hard to become available the following week.

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2018-03-27/skins-injury-update-rd-2

 

[Vindicater]

Good insurance player.

Saad and McKenna are clearly the mainstays as the backpockets however with Bags the next in line.

 

[Ambrosia]

Good insurance player.

Saad and McKenna are clearly the mainstays as the backpockets however with Bags the next in line.

I think both Mcniece and Dea have leap frogged Baguley in the pecking order .

 

[Bombers36]

I think both Mcniece and Dea have leap frogged Baguley in the pecking order .

I agree with this...

 

[fairbump_playon]

I agree with this...

I feel like it's McNiece vs Baguley, and McNiece is in front. Looks that bit snappier to me.

Baguley has been a fantastic servant, but his game relies on speed and agility that he no longer has.

Dea is a different type, 3 inches taller and that bit heavier, stronger in the air - I reckon they will pick and choose between Dea and McNiece at times depending on the opposition and the match ups required.

 

[Lore]

Should be in the mix against the dogs, as per original timeframe for return.

Small defender Ben McNiece is another player likely to return to the selection mix this weekend after overcoming a minor hamstring concern.

“Ben McNiece is in the same boat as Orazio in that he’s done a good session on the weekend,” Crow said.

“We’ll look to see how he goes in that main training session with a hope to making him available.”

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2018-04-03/skins-injury-update-rd-3

 

[Lore]

Didn't quite make it back last week.... but is now available this week.

While Orazio Fantasia and David Myers made successful returns against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday, Ben McNiece just missed the boat.

However, Crow said the small defender has overcome his minor hamstring troubles and is now ready to stake his claims for selection.

“Last week we had a test with Orazio, Dave Myers and Ben McNiece. Raz and Dave Myers both passed and were clear to play.

“Ben just wasn’t quite there yet, we’ll take another week with him.

“He had a good session on the weekend, he’ll train this week and we’re expecting him to be available to play.”

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/2018-04-10/skins-injury-update-rd-4

 

[eth-dog]

He' been "expected to play" for 3 weeks straight. I'll believe it when I see it.

 

[Lore]

He' been "expected to play" for 3 weeks straight. I'll believe it when I see it.

Two by my count. But ye.

 

[eth-dog]

Was my pick for BOG today. Very tidy skills and kicked a 55 metre goal (which went another 25 metres past the post.)

 

[Loonerty]

I don't know if it was just me... but did he like... wildly fling his arm at the ball a lot today? Like, a lot?

 

[bombadeer]

I don't know if it was just me... but did he like... wildly fling his arm at the ball a lot today? Like, a lot?

Hopefully, for your sake, there is evidence of this so called "wild arm flinging". Was it effective?

 

[Loonerty]

Hopefully, for your sake, there is evidence of this so called "wild arm flinging". Was it effective?

Not always.

It was weird. You know those action figures that fling their arms up when you press a button on their back? It was like that.

 

[TheFrenchCut]

I don't know if it was just me... but did he like... wildly fling his arm at the ball a lot today? Like, a lot?

It was like one of those Toby Mclean uppercut the air jobs to draw a high tackle, just while attempting to spoil the footy though.

.. yeah I think I noticed it too.

 

[yaco55]

It was a struggle today - Want to see him in another two games and play as a high defender.

 

[boncer34]

Was my pick for BOG today. Very tidy skills and kicked a 55 metre goal (which went another 25 metres past the post.)

Wait. Are you saying he kicked it 80 meters? Was there a wind?

 

[eth-dog]

Wait. Are you saying he kicked it 80 meters? Was there a wind?

Yes, a decent sized one (about a 3-4 goal wind).

 

[Old Campaigner]

Did Dea s**t in Woosha's letterbox or something?