Past #41: Matt McGuinness - delisted end '22 - 0 NM games/goals - thanks Matty






A talented utility, McGuinness could not have done much more for Tasmania Devils in the NAB League Boys competition this year. He was unlucky not to make the Allies side as an overager, but put together a really consistent year with his intercept marking, versatility and composure under pressure among his key strengths. Must build more size on his frame, but possesses an elite vertical leap, recording 89cm on the running vertical jump at the State Draft Combine. In doing so, McGuinness turned an area of improvement (he recorded just 72cm at the Rookie Me Combine 12 months ago) into a strength and added an extra string to his bow. The fact McGuinness can play at either end is a massive benefit, but it is his ability to win the ball and penetrate defensive zones coming off half-back with the bulk of his disposals coming from marks where he is perched back inside defensive 50 and provides a reliable head there. He still has some great athletic capabilities with a 3.03-second 20m sprint, but his endurance is a massive area of improvement, recording just 19.4 at the combine.

STRENGTHS: Intercept marking, penetrating kick, skills, composure, versatility

IMPROVEMENTS: Strength, ground balls, endurance
 
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Pykie

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Awesome.

As a Cat B is awesome, we can let him develop without any list space pressure.

I've got a good feeling about him, he's grown in the last 12 months, is a really nice user and now a very good size.

Looked really good in the intra club as a raw 18 year old last year as well. Playing a HBF and wing.
 

And, as revealed earlier by the Mercury, North Melbourne announced it has rookie-listed Lauderdale defender Matt McGuinness as an academy selection.

The 19-year-old missed out on being picked up in 2018, but according to North’s National Recruiting Manager, Mark Finnigan, he worked incredibly hard to realise his AFL dream.

“It’s a real credit to Matt, the Tassie Devils’ program and our Next Generation Academy, which gives us exclusive access to players with indigenous and multicultural backgrounds,” Finnigan said.

“Our NGA has allowed us the scope to pick Matt as a Category B Rookie and we’re delighted to have him at Arden St.

“We hope young boys and girls in Tasmania can now see the pathway from our NGA to elite football, with the likes of Tarryn, Mia King (AFLW) and now Matt, all playing at North Melbourne.

“With Michael Firrito recently appointed head coach of our NGA, we’re really excited to see what the future holds and hope more talented kids will join our NGA.”

Matt McGuinness playing for the Devils. Picture: SOLSTICE DIGITAL
Matt McGuinness playing for the Devils. Picture: SOLSTICE DIGITAL


McGuinness played for the Allies alongside Tarryn Thomas last year, and has plenty of upside.

“He’s an athletic, tall defender who showed great improvement this year, and was a strong performer in the NAB league as a 19-year-old,” Finnigan said.

“We feel there’s plenty of potential in him and development. It’s a great story of persistence and he really worked at his game to improve and put himself in a position to get on an AFL list.”
 
When I saw him in the intra club I turned to the guy next to me and said "he looks like a 200 game player. We def have to draft this kid!"

Glad we got him for nothing. 195cm with his agility...:D
So apart from Gould is he the one you really wanted from this draft?
 
Said it in the draft thread that it is a ripper pick up.

He is a beautiful kick for a guy his size, and moves really well. Could see him playing that Nick Hayes interceptor style role in the future.
As much as I'd love to think you were keeping tabs on me during the 90-00's in South Launnie ressies, crashing packs and soaring 1ft or so off the ground....

In reality I know you mean Nick Haynes.

On SM-G965F using BigFooty.com mobile app
 
As much as I'd love to think you were keeping tabs on me during the 90-00's in South Launnie ressies, crashing packs and soaring 1ft or so off the ground....

In reality I know you mean Nick Haynes.

On SM-G965F using BigFooty.com mobile app

I'd have drafted you purely on performance off field.... Launceston Casino says "Hi'

But geez they were some very tough games in the two's back then!
 

TurnoverMerchant

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Can anyone give me a hint as to how this kid plays? I've heard his name, but have not seen him in action
 
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