Ben Mckinley

[beatlesmith]

Interesting article about him in the 2008 Yearbook.

"The great part about this club is that it's so young. I'm a third year player now, but from the 3rd, 2nd and 1st year players ther's somethig like 20 new faces. We are all learning together and it has been a great experience for the younger guys with the injuries we have had to get some games."

"It really bonds them and makes them feel part of it. So it has definitely been good for them to play and there is a special bond between the younger players which will be great for the club moving forward."

"During games the young players tried to get around to each other and try to say, 'we're the spark, we're the flair, we're the enthusiasm. If we do something special it will rub off on the older blokes'. The young guys have to stick together and help each other out on the field, whether thay have played 2 games or 20 games"

The article also mentions he ran 14.5km in the derby, according to the GPS device.

He also says he understands he needs to work on his fitness and consistency, which is evident by his extra work at training.

Seems like a very down to earth kid, who loves the club and feels like one of a team rather than an individual. It's nice to hear of the bond and unity between the younger blokes which will be pivotal as we pull ourselves out of the gutter. Loyalty beyond his years, and a desire to improve himself as a footballer, and a down-to-earth knowledge of his own strengths and weaknesses.
Will be a star.

 

[Eagles 4 Mine]

Bloody nice to hear the young kids speak highly of the club and their team mates.

 

[bodazoka]

Thats exactly whats needed to bring the team out of the gutter, good stuff. I rekon thats why during the year Worsfold was always so up beat and positive because he knows positive reinforcement is what is needed to motivate the kids. Now we know that its paid off and they have the right attitude.

 

[Masten2McKinley]

Great words by one of our young guns, i hope he can kick 50-70 goals this year for even 40 but as long as Kennedy and Brown get in on it as well.

it sounds like he has changed alot since his little cry on drfat day. hope he stays at wce we all the know the greats are one team players, Vossy, Hird

 

[purple hater]

"During games the young players tried to get around to each other and try to say, 'we're the spark, we're the flair, we're the enthusiasm. If we do something special it will rub off on the older blokes'. The young guys have to stick together and help each other out on the field, whether thay have played 2 games or 20 games"

Geez, I find that part a bit of a worry actually. Good that the young guys are all bonding as a unit, but shouldn't it be the other way around?

Shouldn't the older guys be trying to get around to them and be giving them the spark/ flair/ enthusiasm during games?? Isn't that what leaders/ experienced players do for the more inexperienced players? Why do our young guys have to encourage the older guys?

 

[greennick]

Geez, I find that part a bit of a worry actually. Good that the young guys are all bonding as a unit, but shouldn't it be the other way around?

Shouldn't the older guys be trying to get around to them and be giving them the spark/ flair/ enthusiasm during games?? Isn't that what leaders/ experienced players do for the more inexperienced players? Why do our young guys have to encourage the older guys?

Meh, I think it was obvious many of the older blokes were down last year and we often relied on the younger blokes to get that spark. That is natural after the older blokes are coming off their peak. It happens to most teams. How they bounce back is the real test.

 

[Prolix]

Crawford once said that it was the energy of the young players at Hawthorn that kept him going. Something like that anyway.



Anyhoo, he seems an intelligent and mature guy, McKinley. If he stays, you'd expect to see him in the leadership group in a few years.

 

[Biggie]

Top read that.

 

[WCEforeverman]

And I gotta say, he isn't too bad on the eyes.

I feel a mancrush a-brewing!

 

[larrikin]

And I gotta say, he isn't too bad on the eyes.

I feel a mancrush a-brewing!

Oh dear

 

[Finding Ebo]

And I gotta say, he isn't too bad on the eyes.

I feel a mancrush a-brewing!

Fathers lock up your sons!

 

[WCEforeverman]

man crush (plural man crushes)

(colloquial) A crush-like but non-sexual feeling of attraction toward and admiration for a man; or, this man.

 

[WCEforeverman]

I don't want people demeaning my crush. saying its only sexual.

 

[Finding Ebo]

I don't want people demeaning my crush. saying its only sexual.

...when clearly it's a spiritual and sexual attraction.

 

[WCEforeverman]

...when clearly it's a spiritual and sexual attraction.

Thankyou. At least someone understands!

 

[bodazoka]

Geez, I find that part a bit of a worry actually. Good that the young guys are all bonding as a unit, but shouldn't it be the other way around?

Shouldn't the older guys be trying to get around to them and be giving them the spark/ flair/ enthusiasm during games?? Isn't that what leaders/ experienced players do for the more inexperienced players? Why do our young guys have to encourage the older guys?

Thats what the young blokes are saying to each other to hype each other up. Im sure the old blokes get around the ground and give encouragment to each other and push each other as well.