Adam McPhee: No Passengers Player Critique

[54Dogs]

Adam McPhee
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Age - 25
Drafted - 2000 (Pick 39)
DT Position - Defender

Historical Averages
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2004 - 76
2005 - 84
2006 - 78
2007 - 89
2008 - 73 (thus far)

Price 284K (B/E 56)

Given the level of discussion on the main board around McPhee I felt it was an appropriate time for a player summary to be conducted.

At 25 Adam McPhee has cemented a place in the Essendon lineup for the past 5 seasons, playing 20 games or more in every season other than 2005 (14 games) indicating solid durability.

Mcphee's role has historically been an outside defender, at 189cm often matched up on the 3rd tall forward. Given his role change this season to the forward line his DT history in many areas is irrelevant. There are, however, some things which can be used as eveidence of McPhee's worth.

McPhee has had the most total marks at Essendon over the past 2 seasons averaging basically the same as Lucas (between 7 and 8 marks per game). Last season he took the 5th most marks in the competition. Despite the move to the forward line this season, Essendon's poor form and heavy attention with Lucas out and Lloyd's poor form he has still averaged 6.2 marks per match this season.

McPhee, however, consistently gives away over 30 free kicks per season and has given away a further 15 this year which does impact.

Most interest in Mcphee is created with the return of Lucas to the fold and role change this presents. How the 2 will work in tandem accross half forward is yet to be defined but if Mcphee works further up to the wing his scoring potential is greatly increased. One thing that he will definitely benefit from is less attention getting the 3rd tall defender rather than the 2nd.

In summary, Mcphee has shown the ability to score well in previous years and if DT has shown one thing it's that people who score well historically generally continue to do so. Bowden in the forward line is proof of this. I would suggest at 284K he is extremely well priced, a potentially unique cheap upgrade option who could average 80+ through the back half of the season.

 

[theone5]

Re: Player Summary - Adam McPhee

As an Essendon supporter and as a massive fan of A.McPhee, i can tell you all right now that he is currently the biggest bargain on the market.

He is Mr.Fix It for our team which has been evident this year.
HB, CHB, WING, HF, or even CHF, he will be used where he adds most value to the team.

Unfortunately, i can not tell you where M.Knights will "use" him for the remainder of the year.
I guess it all depends on the different cirumstances we face week to week and during the game.

If S.Lucas was getting double teamed and we were falling down on the HF line, then A.McPhee may be used for assistance or maybe even as a decoy.

If we needed a loose man in the backline for whatever reason, then i would expect A.McPhee would be the man for the job.

As i said, this is only guesswork and i expect him to continue to play the "utility" role being used in various positions.

I expect him to have a big second half of the season averaging no less than 80 points a game but i have no room for him in my backline.

 

[iamthestig]

Re: Player Summary - Adam McPhee

It looks to me as if Knights has decided that he wants go down the classic rebuilding step of sorting out the defence first, and McPhee isn't part of his plans. He is still good enough to be in the best 22, and not good enough for a permanent midfield spot so the only place left is the forwards. This can't be a good thing. McPhee gets a lot of his points from tackles and cheap possessions and they won't be there in the forward line. He will probably kick a few goals to offset the difference, but to me he has no chance of maintaining his consistency in that role. His performance on the weekend was good and it may have been due to Lucas' return but I think it was just coincidence. He had a good game but I won't be calculating him into my trade plans without something remarkable. You may have noted on the main thread I said I wasn't his biggest fan but this year gives me even more reason to avoid him. If he stays in the forward line, I think his DT career will go the way of the drop-kick.

 

[nighthawk]

Re: Player Summary - Adam McPhee

It looks to me as if Knights has decided that he wants go down the classic rebuilding step of sorting out the defence first, and McPhee isn't part of his plans. He is still good enough to be in the best 22, and not good enough for a permanent midfield spot so the only place left is the forwards. This can't be a good thing. McPhee gets a lot of his points from tackles and cheap possessions and they won't be there in the forward line. He will probably kick a few goals to offset the difference, but to me he has no chance of maintaining his consistency in that role. His performance on the weekend was good and it may have been due to Lucas' return but I think it was just coincidence. He had a good game but I won't be calculating him into my trade plans without something remarkable. You may have noted on the main thread I said I wasn't his biggest fan but this year gives me even more reason to avoid him. If he stays in the forward line, I think his DT career will go the way of the drop-kick.

Sorry mate, but I disagree. The reason McPhee is being played up forward isn't simply because he doesn't fit into anywhere else, but because he is well suited for half forward wing. He is a very strong grab, and his defensive pressure is something we've lacked up forward. He will hopefully play a Richardson like role of taking marks outside the 50, and alot of forward movement should go through him. He will probably still be used at half back occasionally.

The real question should be how much you think the bombers will get the ball up forward. If you think they'll keep up their DT nightmare, then I'd say stay away from all bombers players. If you think they'll pick it up, I say McPhee is a viable option.

 

[David8441]

Re: Player Summary - Adam McPhee

Thought it was a good time to bring this thread up again with the possibility of bradshaw and c.cornes being out.
I'm thinking about bringing in mcphee for cornes if cornes is having surgery.
based on the past few games from mcphee (with lucas playing), what are people's opinions on mcphee's DTing ability?