VFL Past #65: Shaun McKernan 🐴 - Returns to the Dons

[Beerfish]

Feel for the bloke tonight. Wish he could have been out there enjoying it.

 

[Cold Sober]

The club will do the right thing here.
I'm not against a two year deal based on his performances.
What I am happy about is that essendon used to be a club players left and then went on to have good careers eg houli, Richards etc.
Last few years we've had Mitch brown, Dea, and mckernan all as bargain delisted types who have all gone on to be better than they were when they came to us. Good signs.

Three players mentioned are great value to the club and should be kept, also thought Kelly should have played one more year.

 

[Zach Package]

Last night showed his value even though he wasn't out there. If he can be a genuine forward threat and offer even serviceable ruck chop out he becomes one of the more important components of a 2019 side. Better ruck play when Bellchambers rests, Daniher and Stringer more forward time.

Not knowing what the sticking point is with his contract he's a no brainer.

 

[ant555]

Last night showed his value even though he wasn't out there. If he can be a genuine forward threat and offer even serviceable ruck chop out he becomes one of the more important components of a 2019 side. Better ruck play when Bellchambers rests, Daniher and Stringer more forward time.

Not knowing what the sticking point is with his contract he's a no brainer.

Sticking point is the dollars although we are not talking serious money. As usual we came in with the low ball offer .
What you say is exactly what I was thinking as well. Do not want to see Jake burning himself out playing ruck for half a game ever again.

 

[Old Campaigner]

I still don't understand why we wouldn't just offer 2 years with a trigger for a third and be done with it. We aren't likely to have a ruck/forward on the list in 3 years time who is better than him so why not just lock him in?

 

[Eleven 38]

You just cant offer 2+ years to fringe players, as good as the 6 good games he played this year our priority has to be keeping our younger players.

If an older fringe player gets offered more to go elsewhere we just have to let them go and back in the younger guys.

 

[Cold Sober]

Bellchambers has had a great year but it's taken him 10 years to have it, we need more back up and McKernan along with a fit Luey fits the bill.

 

[Towno78]

You just cant offer 2+ years to fringe players, as good as the 6 good games he played this year our priority has to be keeping our younger players.

If an older fringe player gets offered more to go elsewhere we just have to let them go and back in the younger guys.

Your sentiment is good in general. But for his role, there are literally zero younger players who can play kpf/2nd ruck. Zero. Stringer was doing it ffs. He's not keeping anyone out, and is an absolutely essential signature.

 

[ant555]

You just cant offer 2+ years to fringe players, as good as the 6 good games he played this year our priority has to be keeping our younger players.

If an older fringe player gets offered more to go elsewhere we just have to let them go and back in the younger guys.

He is no longer a fringe player.

 

[Hppeeps]

As an Adelaide based fan it was great to see him finally get on the park this year after seeing glimpses of the talented he obviously possessed when I’d watch Crows games with my bf. here’s hoping 2019 is even better

 

[brutus76]

You'd think him or Stewart would take moving elsewhere where they are guaranteed regular games.

 

[Stopher]

We finally started to get a tune out of him and he did a pretty solid job covering for one of the best KPF's in the game, as well as removed the need for less-qualified individuals to chance their hand as ruck relief. In 10 consecutive games, he averaged 5.6 marks, 1.6 goals and 8.1 hitouts per game. Put Joe back into that forward line and he becomes more dangerous again IMO. As ant said above too, keeping Stringer and Daniher inside 50 for longer periods can only be a good thing for the team overall.

 

[TheFrenchCut]

Herald Sun (via paywall article) reporting that Smack attack will re-sign with us for two years.

Article: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/...n/news-story/bd060daa54280e6953869132a391bb0f

 

[Mootsy]

Woohoo!!!!

 

[eth-dog]

Seems a little perplexing that they didn't add him into the article with Stewart and Laverde.

 

[Howard Moon]

Seems a little perplexing that they didn't add him into the article with Stewart and Laverde.

not a 'young gun'

hes on a different comeback story narrative

recycled junk polishes up good type story for another day

 

[Runk]

Herald Sun (via paywall article) reporting that Smack attack will re-sign with us for two years.

Article: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/...n/news-story/bd060daa54280e6953869132a391bb0f

This is awesome news and I look forward to telling my daughter her fave player is staying.

 

[Old Campaigner]

Should've got 3 years

 

[Mad Bomber Sean]

If true brilliant news.

2 yrs for Smack, Lav & Stewy...

Love to see us chase down a Parker & a Shiel and some unsung mature age hard nut nuts + Hind and I reckon we have a top four side ( injury dependant / Daniher & Raz must play whole year)...

 

[Doss]

Bellchambers has had a great year but it's taken him 10 years to have it, we need more back up and McKernan along with a fit Luey fits the bill.

I think this is a little unfair, Bellchambers' '13 season was really good.

Anyway, really hope Smack's re-signing is imminent.

 

[Howard Moon]

I think this is a little unfair, Bellchambers' '13 season was really good.

Anyway, really hope Smack's re-signing is imminent.

great season by Tbell, but i'm once bitten twice shy, i'm still always waiting for him to break down. Its not good for the disposition.

Smack is great insurance, or even as a stand alone fwd, a decent get

 

[daffo]

Apparently he has signed now. 2 year extension.

Club will announce next week I think.

 

[TheGreatBarryB]

Bellchambers has had a great year but it's taken him 10 years to have it, we need more back up and McKernan along with a fit Luey fits the bill.

He also beat some very good rucks last season, did fade towards the end of that season but had injuries which I think he had operated on.

 

[Cold Sober]

He also beat some very good rucks last season, did fade towards the end of that season but had injuries which I think he had operated on.

I'm a Belly fan, I once flew 2000ks to watch him play in a practice match in Subi against a newbie called Natanui.
I'm more rapped than anyone that he had a good season, but * me, it was like waiting for your son to become a lawyer after serving 13 years nick.

 

[Runk]

Can confirm he's signed on for 2 years. Spoke with his old man today. They're all chuffed.