Player Watch #44: Shaun McKernan - Out for 6 to 7 weeks with a high grade hamstring tear - 6/4

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He shows surprisingly good midfield awareness. Has a baulk and has composure with ball in hand. Hits up targets and gets his own contested ball too. Is not a great tap ruck though which leaves a question mark over him.

The return to 4 on a bench will help him.
 

Eleven 38

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He shows surprisingly good midfield awareness. Has a baulk and has composure with ball in hand. Hits up targets and gets his own contested ball too. Is not a great tap ruck though which leaves a question mark over him.

The return to 4 on a bench will help him.
2nd ruck doesn't have to be a great tap ruckman. As long as you make it up elsewhere which he does.. just need that other guy we just signed to be the number 1
 

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Going out on a limb here - but Smack is at least an equal replacement of Ryder around the ground. A bit short on hit outs, but his disposal and ability as a link up player is very good.
 

YEMOC NAYR

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Going out on a limb here - but Smack is at least an equal replacement of Ryder around the ground. A bit short on hit outs, but his disposal and ability as a link up player is very good.
100%. Height is his problem which is why I see him hopefully transitioning into a CHF who pinch hits in the ruck which will be handy as belly will likely want to rest in forward 50 next year with new interchange cap.
 
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Shining light at the end of a dark season

Ahead of Bellchambers. I know he's been injured, but no guarantees of him getting back to 2012-2013 form
 

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He shows surprisingly good midfield awareness. Has a baulk and has composure with ball in hand. Hits up targets and gets his own contested ball too. Is not a great tap ruck though which leaves a question mark over him.

The return to 4 on a bench will help him.
Plays as an extra midfielder which I was really impressed with.

Averages 18 possessions and 23 buyouts this year which are impressive enough for an undersized ruck.
 

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Was tentative to keep him on the rookie list an allow us an extra national draft pick but yesterday confirmed how valuable he will be when required to call upon at a moments notice.
 

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Going out on a limb here - but Smack is at least an equal replacement of Ryder around the ground. A bit short on hit outs, but his disposal and ability as a link up player is very good.
Ryder could dominate centre bounces with his leap. Funnily enough i think McK is taller than Ryder, but doesn't have the same leap.
But i think he is the best ruck we have on our list at the moment.

What we do from a #1 perspective next year will be interesting
Bellchambers' injury may mean he has to play FF/CHF and use his height and strength as a marking tall.
McK is the ideal #2 ruck. Very serviceable and good with clearances i've noticed. Smart enough up forward. And won't take anywhere near the best 2 defenders if we have Joey and Belly up forward.
Giles probably becomes depth or our #1. The former if we recruit a starting ruck (Martin, Smith, Leuenberger, Lobbe)

Has been a good pick up and really shown something at the end of the season
Egan to be our #1 assistant to whoever ends up coaching next year. Has done well with the boys late in the year.
 
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